Little is said about the dragon’s eye, also called longan fruit. Here we will detail various aspects of the dragon eye fruit benefits and contraindications.
Longan fruit, also known as lamyai or dragon eye fruit, is a small round brown fruit packed with essential nutrients. Dragon eye is another name for this fruit known as dragon eye.
The longan tree (botanical name – Dimocarpus longan) is an evergreen tree in the family Sapindaceae, native to southern China. At present, longan crops are grown in southern China, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the United States, and Australia.
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Nutritional properties of dragon fruit eye
This fruit is a rich source of many vitamins, such as vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 (folate) C, E, K; minerals including iron, phosphorous, manganese, magnesium, copper, calcium, selenium, zinc, and potassium; dietary fiber and approximately 60 calories / 100 g of fruit.
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Dragon fruit eye benefits to health
brain stimulation Copper is necessary to support neurological development and growth, proper cognitive function. That’s why foods high in copper are often categorized as «Brain Food.» It is the third most common mineral in the body and is transported primarily by the blood plasma protein ceruloplasmin.
However, the copper content in the diet has to be in the right proportions, because ingesting too much of this mineral is not healthy for the brain. 100 g of this fruit contain 19% copper of the recommended daily intake.
It can help you lose weight Fiber is found in foods that come from plants (vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, and grains). Health authorities recommend that men eat a minimum of 38 grams per day and that women consume 25 grams of fiber per day.
There are numerous studies that have concluded that increasing dietary fiber intake can cause weight loss by automatically reducing total calorie intake. Learn more Ojo de dragon fruit benefits and contraindications
Other benefits of dietary fiber include its important role in slowing the absorption of fat from what you eat and promoting overall colon health by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria and discouraging the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines.
Additionally, dietary fiber may help protect against bowel cancer, a type of cancer that begins in the colon and rectum. Bowel cancer symptoms include:
unexplained weight loss;
bleeding in the intestine;
symptoms of anemia such as shortness of breath, weakness, or tiredness;
abdominal pain or bloating
100 g of this fruit contain 3% fiber of the recommended daily intake for an adult man.
Rich in natural sugars. This fruit is rich in sugar, particularly the digestible monosaccharides that are the building block of any carbohydrate. Additionally, the fructose in fruits has a natural advantage over refined sugar because fruits contain many minerals, vitamins, fiber, and nutrients.
According to a review of observational studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, it was concluded that increased daily fruit consumption is associated with lower BMI and reduced risk of obesity-related diseases (2).
Prevention of type 2 diabetes According to the ADA – American Diabetes Association, fruits are loaded with minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber and should be part of a diabetes-friendly diet.
Researchers at Harvard University studied the risk of type 2 diabetes in a large population (40,000 men and 160,000 women) who were tracked for nearly three decades.
People who ate fewer unhealthy carbohydrates, such as fruit juices, sugary drinks and refined grains, and healthier carbohydrates such as vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains had a 34 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of their weight.
Cardiovascular health Potassium is considered an essential mineral that is required in somewhat large amounts. Diets low in potassium have been associated with cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.
In one study, people who ate 4,069 milligrams of this mineral daily had a 49% lower risk of death from blocked arteries compared to people who ate less than 1,000 milligrams of potassium per day (4).
Also, eating potassium-rich foods is crucial to help maintain a balance between electrical and chemical processes in your body. 100 g of this fruit contain 6% potassium of the recommended daily intake.
Good source of folic acid Folate, which is also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble B vitamin. Consuming a high level of folic acid during pregnancy helps reduce the risk of birth defects in the baby.
Additionally, a deficiency in folate can lead to canker sores, graying and poor hair growth, peptic ulcers, and swollen tongue.
In addition, elevated blood homocysteine concentrations and vitamin B9 deficiency are strongly associated with an increased risk of some serious conditions, especially cardiovascular disease. 100 g of this fruit contain 4% folate of the recommended daily intake.
cancer prevention The seeds of this fruit contain plant compounds called saponins that offer enormous health benefits. According to a 1995 study at the University of Toronto, Canada, saponins reduce the growth of human cancer cells.
Saponins are also considered to have a positive effect on lowering LDL cholesterol, have an antioxidant effect, may help boost the immune system, and may even support bone strength.
Prevent nerve damage and nerve damage and vitamin b1 Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is a vital human nutrient that belongs to the vitamin B complex. Thiamine is necessary for pyruvate dehydrogenase (a system of enzymatic reactions), which works to oxidize the sugars we eat.
In addition, this vitamin promotes the health of the nervous system, hair, skin, eyes, mouth, and liver. A vitamin B1 deficiency can cause a disorder called beriberi, which has been observed in populations for thousands of years. 100 g of this fruit contain 3% of vitamin B1 of the recommended daily intake.
Helps heal wounds The health benefits of pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, include relief from conditions such as allergies, asthma, hair loss, anxiety and stress, heart problems, and respiratory disorders.
Data collected from studies suggest that vitamin B5 induces an accelerating effect on the normal healing process due to certain systems that help control cell multiplication.
Additionally, people most at risk of developing a pantothenic acid deficiency include women who take birth control pills, alcoholics, or people who are severely malnourished. 100 g of this fruit contain 4% pantothenic acid of the recommended daily intake. Learn more Ojo de dragon fruit benefits and contraindications
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Contraindications and side effects of dragon fruit eye
There are no known adverse effects. However, pregnant women should not eat too much of this type of fruit.
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Selection and storage
Choose a fruit that is firm and free of blemishes and bruises. A ripe fruit, which usually appears between July and September, will be a deep tan color.
You can store these fruits in a container that is slightly open or in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The small opening will help reduce mold and condensation. Also, you can freeze these fruits. Dragon eye fruit will keep for about a year in the freezer.
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how to eat
Dragon eye fruit can be eaten both raw and dried. The seed and shell are not consumed. The fully ripened, freshly picked fruit has a thin, firm, rind-like rind.
To eat this fruit, simply remove the skin and eat the white pulp, discarding the seed. When dried, the fruit turns a lovely golden color and has a flavor, unlike any other dried fruit.
Asian people generally consume the fruit in desserts, soups, snacks, or in canned foods. Learn more Ojo de dragon fruit benefits and contraindications
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