If you have seen videos of people showcasing dragon fruit, you may wonder whether its striking appearance comes with health benefits.
Dragon fruit shares many nutritional benefits with other fruits. It provides fiber, magnesium and potassium, as well as antioxidant nutrients. The fruit is mild and subtly sweet, with a texture similar to kiwi.
Dragon fruit can support a healthy immune system and bones, said Teresa Fung, a registered dietitian and professor at Harvard University and Simmons University. Eating too much may cause problems: The fruit contains a sugar alcohol that can have a mild laxative effect, and some people may experience stomach cramps or other intestinal issues. For most people, that is not a concern in typical amounts, Fung said. “If your body can tolerate it, it is perfectly OK to have dragon fruit every day,” she said.
How to Eat Dragon Fruit
Peel the skin, then eat the fruit directly or slice it into other foods. The tiny black seeds are edible, too, Fung said. Some people add dragon fruit to salads and smoothies; there is no single right way to eat it.
Fresh dragon fruit is available from June through September. Choose one that feels heavy for its size and is slightly soft but still firm, without shriveling or bruising, according to Harvard Medical School. Frozen dragon fruit, like other frozen fruit, can also be a good option, especially when it has no added sugar.
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