Pitaya( Pitahaya): benefit and harm

Pitaya( or Pitahaya) - is the fruit ripen after flowering creeping cactus that grows in South and Central America as well as in Mexico.The plant blooms with large and very fragrant white inflorescences that open only at night.The fruit itself has the size of a large apple with only an oblong shape.Weight can reach 600 grams.

The nutritional properties of the food were first discovered by the Indians and the Aztecs.The flesh of the fruit was eaten raw form, and the seeds were heated, milled and then used as a seasoning for soup.

Interesting! According to legend, the first pitay appeared on earth from the mouth of the fire-breathing dragon.It happened at a time when the beast was dying and could not protect itself from people with flames.And because it tastes very much liked the soldiers, all the dragons were destroyed, and the fruit was called Dragon Fruit, which today remains in use in the Eastern countries.

Appearance of the fruit is somewhat like a scaled dragon.Thick skins bright pink or yellow in color, covered with small growths that the tips have a greenish tint hides juicy pulp with little or no odor.The color of the pulp differs depending on the variety - it can be white or red-purple.

chemical composition

Nutritional value of 100 g:

• Calories 50 kcal
• Proteins 5 g
• Fats 3 g
• Carbohydrates 12g

Use the Dragon fruit undoubted, as contained weight substances in its composition,Necessary for the health of the human body. Among them are:

• Thiamin( vitamin B1);
• Riboflavin( B2);
• Niacin( B3);
• Vitamin C;
• Minerals: potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron.

The fruit is quite watery and only 100 calories per 100 grams of its pulp.That's why many people use the diet menu.

Useful properties

Pitaya is well absorbed, does not cause a feeling of heaviness, it helps with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, eliminates swelling and pain.Also, scientists have been shown that this fruit has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart and the thyroid gland.People who have problems with the cardiovascular and endocrine system should always include it in the diet.

A fruit is useful for diabetics, as it is able to normalize blood sugar level.Calcium in the composition of Pitaya makes it indispensable for those who suffer from diseases of the joints and bones.Regular use of the fruit will help to strengthen the hair, teeth, nail plates.The content of vitamin C helps to strengthen immunity and prevent acute respiratory infections.

Seeds of pitaia contain tannin, a substance that has a beneficial effect on vision.Of course, it is not able to fully restore vigilance, but with regular use it can slow down the process.

Successfully used the pulp of Dragon fruit and in cosmetology.Many famous companies add it to masks, shampoos and creams.At home, it is easy to make a toning and firming face mask.You just need to clear the pulp from the seeds, stretch it and apply it to the skin.

Interesting! Pitaya pulp soothes and regenerates sun-burnt skin.

Contra-indications and possible harm

Because pitya fruit is exotic and unfamiliar to our body at first use, it can lead to an allergic reaction in the form of rashes on the skin.In order to avoid such consequences it is recommended to try a small piece and wait for a while.However, in the absence of allergies, do not be zealous - use in large quantities can lead to diarrhea or heartburn.

Important! Pregnant women and young children are not recommended to drink pitaia because of the same allergic properties of the product.

No other contraindications have been identified, but people suffering from chronic illnesses should still consult a doctor before trying a feed.The same applies to other exotic fruits.

Useful tips for the selection and use of

Pitaya is mostly eaten raw.The fruit is divided into slices, like a melon, or cut in half and scooped out the pulp with a spoon.To choose a quality fruit and save all its useful properties, you need to pay attention to some nuances.

• The color of the peel should be bright and solid - dark spots on the surface indicate the overripe of the fruit;
• The pulp is slightly soft( like avocado) - if you bought an unripe fruit, you can put it in the fridge for a couple of days before fully ripening;
• The tips of the growths on the peel should not be dry - it is a sign of long storage after collection;
• It is necessary to store pitya in the refrigerator, but no more than five days - in a fresh fruit, a large concentration of vitamins and nutrients.