This document discusses the health benefits of dragon fruit. It begins by introducing dragon fruit and describing its appearance and nutritional composition. It then outlines several health benefits of dragon fruit, including its ability to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The document also notes benefits for skin health, immunity, and eye health. It concludes by discussing additional benefits of dragon fruit for pregnant women, such as aiding red blood cell formation and providing important nutrients.

1. ‘DRAGON FRUIT AND ITS
HEALTH BENEFITS’
BY
K.SINDHU
16031S0312
M.PHARMACY-PHARMACEUTICS

3. CONTENTS
 INTRODUCTION
 TYPES OF DRAGON FRUIT
 DESCRIPTION
 NUTRITIONAL VALUE
 HEALTH BENEFITS
 BENEFITS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
 CONCLUSION
 REFERENCES

4. INTRODUCTION
• DRAGON FRUIT (or ) PITAYA is one of the tropical fruits under the
cactus family CACTACEAE.
• Native to central and South America
• Average weight is around 350g
• The legend of the dragon fruit says that the fruit was created by fire-
breathing dragons
• By eating the dragon fruit it was believed that one became empowered
with same strength and ferocity of a dragon
• Other stories say that the dragon fruit looks like a dragons egg.

5.  There are two species of dragon fruits commonly found in Malaysian
market that is
Red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)
White dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus)
 Difference lies on size and shape as well as colour of their pulps
 Its scientific name is derived from the Greek word hyle , (woody), the
Latin word cereus (waxen) and the Latin word undatus, which refers to the
wavy edges of its stems.

7. DESCRIPTION
• The plant is a climbing cactus vine that grows well in dry areas
• Because of its epiphytic nature, it grows best in soil with a high level of
organic materials
• Its flowers bloom only at night, hence the plant is sometimes also called
‘moonflower’ or ‘Lady of the Night’
• The flowers are white and large, bell-shaped and produce a sweet fragrance
when in bloom
• The fruit has a dramatic appearance, with bright pink and yellow-skinned
varieties and prominent scales
• The fruit is oval, elliptical or pear- shaped
• The flesh is either white or red, with black seeds dotted all over
• The seeds are edible

11. Fibre 0.9g
Fat
0.6g
Water 83.0
Phosphorous 36.1g
Protein 0.229g
Calcium 8.8g
Iron 0.65g
NUTRITIONAL VALUE

12. • VITAMIN C: Important antioxidant that helps to destroy free radicals in
the body , that may cause cancer, cardiovascular issues and other health
problems.
1kg fruit : 50% of daily vitamin -c requirement
• VITAMIN B:
B1: For better carbohydrate metabolism
B2: Recovery and improvement of appetite
B3: Reducing bad cholesterol and improving skin condition
• CALCIUM: Essential in bone formation and repair and helps prevent
osteoporosis in old age

13. • PHYTOALBUMINS: Molecules that have antioxidant properties that help
to prevent the formation of cancer cells. These phytoalbumins speed the
process of heavy metal detoxification from body , which is important
considering environmental toxins we encounter daily.
• HEALTHY FATS: Seeds are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega -
3fatty acid and omega -6 fatty acid)
These help to reduce triglycerides and lowers the risk of cardiovascular
disorders.

14. HEALTH BENEFITS
1) PREVENTION OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND VARIOUS
HEART DISEASES:
There are two main factors associated with elevated
blood pressure and cardiovascular illness:
a) Stress
b) Stiffened arteries
 Dragon fruit essentially ‘cleanses’ the interior of body, it will assist
in maintaining healthy tissue within and around the heart
 Additionally, this food is also known to help decrease high levels of
oxidative stress that is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular
diseases
 Also, the carotene content in the nutritious fruit provides anti-
carcinogenic benefits and inhibits tumor growth

15. 2) DELAYS AGING OF SKIN CELLS:
 Dragon fruit has plenty of antioxidants that work against the free radicals
in body
 These are not only responsible for physical ailments, but also for the aging
of skin
 The more antioxidants that we consume from this exotic fruit, the tighter
and younger the skin will become.

16.  The exotic fruit is commonly used in natural remedies for beauty because
of its high antioxidant content as well as vitamins
 Ancient beauty practices in the southeast Asian countries believe that
making a paste of dragon fruit flesh and applying it regularly on the face
can help in slowing down the process of ageing, making you look younger
 The paste is also used in treating acne and sunburn

17. 3) BOOSTING THE IMMUNITY:
 Immune system is the most important component of our body which keeps
from getting sick and catching infections
 Dragon fruit has dozens of minerals and vitamins, calcium, phosphorous,
iron, protein, niacin and fiber
 With the combination of these, one will be able to fight any infections and
illnesses
 Another important thing is that it is comprised of 80% water

18. 4) BONES AND TEETH:
Dragon fruits are great source of calcium and
potassium which work together for improving bone cells and prevent
osteoporosis
Potassium and calcium help in maintaining bone structure
Regular consumption of potassium is extremely vital for cellular, electrical,
nervous functions of body
5) EYE SUPPORT:
Dragon fruit contains vitamin A in the form of
carotene, needed for prevention of night blindness

19. 6) NERVOUS SYSTEM:
Dragon fruits are high in E vitamins and healthy fats
which aid in the formation of nerve cells
7) DIGESTION AND METABOLISM:
Dragon fruits are incredibly rich in fibers which
prevent constipation , also aid in weight loss via improvement of metabolic
rate

20. 8) IN DENGUE PATIENTS:
 People who suffer from vector – borne diseases like dengue, their platelet
count becomes low and can be fatal if not treated timely
 A healthy person normally has 150,000 to 450,000 platelets for every
microlitre of blood
 The vitamin-c present in dragon fruit can aid in preventing dengue
hemorrhagic fever
 Dragon fruit helps in improving platelet count in dengue patients because
of its antioxidant properties

21. HEALTH BENEFITS IN PREGNANCY
 HELPING THE FORMATION OF RED BLOOD CELLS:
Dragon fruit contains lot of iron , which helps in formation of red blood
cells, so it is beneficial for pregnant women who tend to anemia experience
Also beneficial to the fetus in the womb because fetus needs oxygen and
nutrients that are good for growth, and red blood cells have an essential role
in this

22.  CONTAINING CARBOHYDRATES:
Carbohydrate is the need to be in adequate by pregnant women. One of the
health benefits of dragon fruit for pregnant women is to give a proper
intake of carbohydrates in the body
100grams of fruit contains 9 to 14 grams of carbohydrates
While pregnant women are recommended to consume a minimum of
135grams of carbohydrates per day, carbohydrates are the primary source
of energy for pregnant women

23.  CONTAINING FOLATE:
Folate is essential ingredient present in dragon fruit , needed by the
pregnant women
The function of folate for pregnant women is to form red blood cells and
avoid the baby from neural tube defects
Thus, the adequacy of folate for pregnant women is paramount to note

24.  TREATS CONSTIPATION:
Fruits rich in fiber are fruits important for pregnant women
During pregnancy, gastrointestinal problems such as constipation often
occur
Dragon fruit is one of the fruits with lots of fiber content, making it suitable
for pregnant women
One fruit contain 0.9 grams of fiber
Pregnant women are recommended to consume 28 grams of fiber per day

25. The fiber content in dragon fruit helps promote smooth digestion, smooth
bowel movements, and prevents the risk of constipation
Also, nutrients in the fruit provide cleansing effects and prevent the
development of several digestive disorders.

26.  PREVENTS MICROBIAL INFECTIONS:
Antibacterial and antifungal properties of the delicious fruit inhibit the
growth of bacterial and fungal infections in organ systems and help to
combat harmful bacterial and fungal infections during pregnancy
Also, consumption of dragon fruit while pregnant promotes cell
regeneration and healing of injuries and wounds effectively

27.  PREVENTS CANCER:
The high antioxidant and vitamin C content of dragon fruit help to
neutralize free radical activity, boost immunity, and prevent the risk of
cancer development during pregnancy
Also, the carotene content in the nutritious fruit provides anti-carcinogenic
benefits and inhibits tumor growth

28.  SUPPLIES ENERGY:
Carbohydrate is a crucial source of energy that you require for
appropriate growth of fetus
Dragon fruit is a natural source of carbohydrates which provide sufficient
energy during pregnancy
Just 100 grams of the delicious fruit provide about 9 to 14 grams of
carbohydrates

29.  A HEALTHY SOURCE OF FATS:
Fats in the dragon fruit not only provide energy but also promote brain
formation of unborn baby
just one serving of the fruit provides about 0.1 to 0.6 grams of fats,
prominently monounsaturated fats

30. CONCLUSION ON THIS AMAZING FRUIT
 With dozens of possibilities offered at grocery store, this exotic fruit might
be one of the best choices available!
 With the opportunity to have better heart health, easier weight
management, and to even help manage ailments such as asthma and
diabetes, its benefits are relatively endless!

31. REFERENCES
• www.healthline.com
• www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-surprising-benefits-dragon-fruit-you-
never-knew.html
• www.skinnywithfiber.org/7-stunning-health-benefits-of-dragon-fruit/
• Anderson, E.F.2001.The cactus family. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon,
USA
• Staples, G.W. & Herbst, D.R.2005. A tropical garden flora. Bishop
Museum Press, Honolulu.

32. THANK YOU