ORIGIN
The dragon fruit has its origins in Mexico, South America, and Central America. It is believed that the New World settlers brought it to Southeast Asian nations like Cambodia, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The colour of dragon fruit flesh varies in variety from white, to red and purple.
According to the legend the fruit was created thousands of years ago in a battle when a dragon breathed fire the last thing to emerge was the fruit. When the dragon was slain the fruit was collected by the victorious soldiers and presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure.
It was believed that those who feasted on the fruit would be given the strength and ferocity of the dragon.
Dragon fruit grow on a climbing cactus plant. The seeds are often spread in bird droppings, and new plants sprout in the branches of trees in the wild.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
The red-fleshed varieties contain lycopene, a natural antioxidant known to fight cancer, heart disease, and lower blood pressure. Lycopene is connected with anti-ageing and UV skin protection.
Dragon fruit offers 7 grams of fibre per serving. The high fibre content in dragon fruit will clear up your digestive system so that your daily fire can flow freely. The flesh and the seeds contain a good source of protein that keeps your muscles and appetite satiated.
The vitamin C and carotenoids in dragonfruit can neutralise free radicals and increase your immunity. It supplies iron along with vitamin C, a combination that helps to improve your body’s absorption of this important mineral.
Dragon fruit is especially high in magnesium with 18% of your RDI in just one cup.
Dragon fruit helps to lower bad cholesterol and is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, helping the heart stay in great condition.
Dragon fruit is high in anti-inflammatories, its a superfood for people suffering from arthritis.
SPIRITUAL BENEFITS
The unique thing about the dragon fruit is the dragonfruit flowers bloom overnight and usually wilt by the morning. This teaches that sometimes great beauty doesn’t always need to be seen to be appreciated, just knowing it exists is enough.
Dragonfruit teaches you that you can be a fierce protector and simultaneously be gentle and caring. Dragon fruit teaches you to invigorate the inner warrior. Go after your dreams and fight for what you believed is right.
It also teaches to have faith in a higher power. Your destiny is inevitable. What is meant to be will be.
CONNECT WITH DRAGON FRUIT
Dragon fruit juice is a superb solution in treating coloured hair. Run the juice through your hair and over your scalp to smooth out your hair and open the follicles, allowing them to breathe and remain healthy.
Dragon fruit contains a generous amount of vitamin C, which makes it a topical ointment. Slice up one of these superfruits, mash it into a paste, then apply to the reddish affected areas on your face or skin. Leave it for 10-15 mins, after the ointment has dried and set wash off with water.
Eat dragonfruit as a snack or freeze it and blend it into a smoothie bowl.
Make dragonfruit juice.
Add dragonfruit to desserts.
