Are the tiny dragon fruit seeds eaten with the flesh beneficial or harmful?
Dragon fruit is a popular fruit and has many benefits. It is mostly eaten to lose weight or to maintain health. The characteristics of dragon fruit are that the flesh is quite sweet. Comes in many colors such as purple and white, and has small seeds in the flesh. Both the seeds and the flesh can be eaten. Some people do not eat dragon fruit seeds, and some people may wonder. If dragon fruit seeds are beneficial or harmful. Today, let’s see the answer.
What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit (scientific name: Hylocereus spp. ) is a tropical fruit in the cactus family (Cactaceae). It originated in Central and South America, but is now widely distributed and cultivated in many countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, China, เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย and Israel.
The general appearance of dragon fruit is oval or egg-shaped, pink or bright red skin, with a “green sheath” similar to dragon scales. The flesh is of two types: white flesh and red or dark purple flesh, and has small black seeds scattered throughout the flesh, similar to kiwi seeds.
Are the tiny dragon fruit seeds eaten with the flesh beneficial or harmful?
The answer is that dragon fruit seeds are more beneficial than harmful.
Dragon fruit seeds, although very small, contain many nutrients and fibers that are beneficial to the body as follows:
1. Source of good fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6) Dragon fruit seeds contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats, especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help lower bad cholesterol (LDL).
2. Helps the digestive system. Seeds contain dietary fiber, which helps increase the bulk in the intestines, stimulate contractions, and prevent constipation.
3. Helps fight free radicals. Seeds contain antioxidants such as phenolics and vitamin E that help reduce the risk of heart disease and slow down cell degeneration.
4. May help fight inflammation. According to preliminary studies, some compounds in the seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, which could have long-term benefits for gut health and the immune system.
(Minor) Cautions
- For people with digestive problems (such as irritable bowel syndrome), eating too many seeds can cause bloating or flatulence due to their high fiber content.
- Do not chew the seeds too much if you have dentures, as the seeds can easily get stuck between your teeth.
Nutritional value of dragon fruit (per 100 grams on average)
- Energy: 50–60 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~11 grams
- Dietary Fiber: High (~3 grams)
- Vitamin C: ~20–30 mg.
- Contains minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium.
- The seeds contain good fatty acids, such as omega-3.
In summary
Dragon fruit seeds are beneficial to the body, especially in terms of good fatty acids and dietary fiber. They help promote heart health, excretory system, and antioxidants. Therefore, they can be safely consumed in appropriate amounts and should not be consumed in excess.
Source:
- Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health
- USDA FoodData Central
- International food and nutrition journals such as Food Chemistry, Journal of Functional Foods