Dragon Fruit

Scientific name: (Hylocereus)

The pitahaya is a fascinating cactus from Central America which means can grow and live in the soil and / or in the treetops alike. There are more than 17 varieties, which grow from sea level to 1,800 meters high, however the best examples are found to approximately 800 meters.

In Costa Rica it is found only in regions where a well defined dry season occurs from the northern province of Puntarenas and Guanacaste whole.

This plant consists of several long, thick stems, in its most complex one pitahaya plant is capable of forming an enormous strain composed of several hundred stems that develop in all directions like a dense tangle and thick.

Its huge single flowers appear at the beginning and throughout the rainy season. Each mature stem is capable of producing up to 10 flowers per season, which one by one over the 6 or 8 months during the rainy season opened; fully open, the flower begins to emanate a powerful, exquisite and penetrating aroma of jasmine which can be detected by a person up to 100 meters away.

The Fruits

One fruit that can reach up to 15 centimeters long, green in youth and red or yellow maturity, the fruit has large triangular green and fleshy scales tip, the shell is more or less thick and fleshy, and wrap a soft pulp, juicy and translucent similar to grapes, with lots of small black round seeds distributed uniformly throughout the pulp manner.

Benefits of Pitaya

• The infusion of the flowers is used to fight certain diseases of nervous, as is the case of anxiety and insomnia.
• Also possesses qualities as a general tonic, so it is recommended to improve circulation and prevention of heart disease.
• Is mildly sedative, so is used to relieve some minor but annoying as headaches and sore gums pain.
• A digestive level has great benefits, it is laxative, useful in cases of digestive problems or constipation.
• Regular consumption of fruit combat fluid retention.
• Prevents kidney stones and stimulates digestive functions.
• Provides benefits as a laxative for constipation.
• It is a good addition to diet or obesity treatments.
• In cases of irritable or inflamed colon.
• Frequent consumption of pitahaya helps prevent kidney disease
• For its high content of vitamin C is essential for the formation of bones, teeth and strengthen the immune system. Some specialists recommend it to people with anemia.
• Even to get rid of dysentery

Contraindications

It is not advisable to use in persons inclined to allergies, problems with gastritis or stomach ulcers.

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only. In all cases we recommend checking with your doctor, therapist or other qualified health professional.

Nutritional Information Dragon Fruit