Cheers
May 2, 2024
Minutes To Read: 4

Pitaya: benefits that go far beyond its taste and beauty

Do you already know pitaya? It is a fruit from tropical forests of Mexico and Central and South America, but also grown in countries such as Israel, China and, for some years, in Brazil.

Claudia Bastos de Oliveira, nutritionist at Dr. Pop Clinic (Curitiba / PR), comments that the fruit has the peel covered by? Scales? and the coloration of its flesh may vary from white to purple, depending on the variety. "It also has several black seeds and have a slightly sweet taste, reminiscent of kiwi," he says.

Behavioral nutritionist Patrícia Cruz, Master of Health Sciences from the School of Public Health of the University of São Paulo (USP), and member of the Department of Nutrition of the Brazilian Association for the Study of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (ABESO), points out that pitaya is a rustic fruit belonging to the Cactáceae family. ? It is also known as the? Dragon fruit? (dragon fruit) due to its shell. Its fruits have different shapes, presence or absence of thorns and the color of the shell and pulp may vary ?, says.

Pitaya, according to nutritionists, can be consumed in its natural form or in juices, ice cream, jams and sweets.

Read also: 40 jelly recipes to sweeten your life healthily

Pitaya Benefits

Claudia explains that there are approximately 40 species of pitaya, but the most commonly found and consumed are those with red bark and white pulp (Hylocereu sundatus), red bark and red pulp (Hylocereus costaricensis), and the yellow bark with white pulp. (Selenicereus megalanthus).

Patricia also points out that, regardless of the color of the pulp, all pitayas are creamy, sweet and have small seeds. "It is a fruit with a lot of water and low calorie value," he says.

But, be aware that these are not the only advantages of fruit! Check below what benefits it offers to health:

1. Antioxidant power and anti-inflammatory properties: Claudia explains that pitaya is rich in antioxidant compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, act to prevent cancer and cardiovascular risk. The nutritionist Patrícia points out that the fruit, which has lycopene and carotene, has the antioxidant capacity to prevent cell aging and, consequently, the emergence of diseases.

2. Assistance in the treatment of diabetes: Patricia points out that pitaya is rich in soluble fibers that slow the absorption of sugar and thus help in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Read also: 7 good reasons to include kiwi in your daily diet

3. More satiety: Claudia points out that, due to the large amount of soluble fiber, pitaya helps to promote a feeling of satiety and may help in the weight loss process.

4. Improvement of intestinal transit: Patricia points out that the presence of fibers also helps in intestinal transit. And, as Claudia adds, the fruit stimulates the growth of the intestinal microbiota (intestinal flora).

5. Cholesterol Reduction: Nutritionists explain that fruit helps control cholesterol levels, thus avoiding problems associated with high cholesterol.

6. Source of important micronutrients: Claudia explains that pitaya, besides being a source of fiber and carbohydrates, is rich in micronutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins, which contribute to the health of bones and teeth, muscle contraction and red cell production. of compounds such as lycopene (found in tomatoes) and carotene (found in carrots).

7. Proper functioning of the body: pitaya generally contributes to the proper functioning of the body. "It has antioxidant compounds (polyphenols) and prebiotics (oligosaccharides) that help in the proper functioning of the body, providing improvement in the immune system, regulation of intestinal transit, etc.", explains Claudia.

Read also: Agar helps weight loss and replaces gelatin in vegetarian recipes

8. Help in the detoxification process: nutritionist Claudia comments that soluble fibers in fruit can also aid digestion and detoxification by minimizing the effects of toxic substances to the body such as heavy metals (lead, aluminum, cadmium, mercury, among others).

9. Versatility: Tasty, the fruit can be eaten in its natural form, in juices, ice cream, jams and other preparations.

10. Low Calorie: Claudia points out that pitaya has low calorie content and can be a great ally in weight loss diets.

If you didn't already know it, now you have good reason to try pitaya and include it in your diet!

10 pitaya recipes to try

Are you anxious to taste this powerful and charming fruit? In addition to eating it in its natural form, you can use it in delicious recipes. Get inspired:

Read also: Functional chocolate combines taste and health in one product