This low-calorie fruit strengthens the immune system — and helps you poop
If you're looking for a new fruit to snack on, this oddball will help you slay your next physical.
With its hot pink skin, green spiky tendrils and a speckled inside that resembles cookies and cream, it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.
Meanwhile, its flavor is a mix between a kiwi and a pear, with a mild sweetness and a delightfully refreshing crunch.
But don't let the wild appearance fool you — this tropical gem, known as dragon fruit, is more than just a pretty face.
It's a low-calorie, nutrient-packed powerhouse that not only helps keep your immune system in fighting shape but also keeps your digestive system humming like a well-oiled machine.
Loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants and gut-friendly fiber, dragon fruit offers a one-two punch of immune support and bowel regularity.
Just one cup of the stuff delivers about 7 grams of fiber — nearly a third of your daily needs — which helps move things along in the bathroom and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
That same scoop also contains key nutrients like magnesium and iron, which are crucial for keeping your body energized and your immune response strong.
Plus, it's rich in prebiotics — natural compounds that help feed the good bacteria in your gut, boosting digestion and strengthening the body's natural defenses against illness.
Low in sugar and high in hydration, dragon fruit is the kind of snack that tastes indulgent but acts like a health food.
As an added bonus, its powerful blend of nutrients and fiber can also boost your heart health, make your skin glow and keep your energy levels up.
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is native to southern Mexico and the western coastlines of Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador, although it is also cultivated in Asia and other tropical parts of the world.
Its peak season runs from now through summer, and — while it is delicious on its own — dragon fruit is also ideal for smoothies and sorbets.
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