red dragon fruit side effects: can I eat dragon fruit every day
Red Dragon fruit, known as Pitaya in India, is mostly cultivated in North America and neighboring nations. It is popular for its nutritional value as it contains abundant minerals and vitamins like- Calcium, Vitamin B1, B6, Phosphorus, etc. All these nutrients help in boosting the immune system of an individual.
However, all the benefits don’t free it from any side effects. l as we know, everything in excess is wrong for our body. Likewise, the red dragon fruit side effects are there but are only so prominent. Let’s look over these and create a balance while eating this exotic fruit.
Side Effects of Red Dragon Fruit
Questions must pop into your mind before eating this fruit- can i eat dragon fruit every day? The answer would be a big NO! As it can cause many medical conditions as a sign of toxicity. Therefore, it is necessary to ingest everything in a balanced amount. Some of the issues caused by this fruit are-
1. Stomach Problems
Overeating fiber from dragon fruit can cause stomach problems like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Fiber absorbs water in the stomach, making you feel full and reducing hunger. Too much fiber can also make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients from other foods leading to deficiencies in other useful vitamins and minerals.
So, while dragon fruit is a good source of fiber, overeating can cause stomach issues.
2. Excess of Antioxidants Are Bad
Dragon fruit contains antioxidants that help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can harm our cells and contribute to health problems. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals by giving them an electron, preventing further damage.
Dragon fruit contains antioxidants like vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids. These antioxidants safeguard our cells and lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
3. Allergic Reactions
Eating too much dragon fruit can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Allergic reactions happen when the immune system detects certain substances in food as harmful and attacks them. Symptoms can shift from mild to severe and may include rashes, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and even a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis.
Dragon fruit has proteins like betalains that can trigger allergies in some individuals. Allergic reactions are not very common, but there have been instances. If you are allergic to other fruits like kiwi or pineapple, you might have a higher risk of being allergic to dragon fruit, too.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction caused by red dragon fruit side effects usually show up within a few minutes to a few hours after eating it. In such cases, contact medical supervision as soon as possible.
4. Drug Interaction Can Occur.
Studies have revealed that patients with Diabetes should avoid taking dragon fruit due to the drug interaction. Some scientists say that it may fluctuate the sugar levels, causing emergency for diabetic patients.
According to a 2016 study, drinking dragon fruit juice made the diabetic drug metformin less efficient in regulating blood sugar levels. For type 2 diabetes, metformin is a regularly recommended drug that improves insulin sensitivity by decreasing the liver’s synthesis of glucose.
Hence, it is recommended that patients on medication should consult their physician before taking this fruit and avoid the red dragon fruit side effects.
5. Risk of eating dragon fruit during pregnancy
Allergic Reaction Risk
The possibility of allergic reactions is one of the critical arguments against dragon fruit consumption for pregnant and nursing mothers. While rare, allergic reactions to dragon fruit can happen to certain people. An allergic reaction can cause rashes, swelling, itching, and breathing difficulties.
In addition, women who are pregnant or nursing should exercise additional caution when consuming foods that can cause allergic responses. This is because an allergic reaction might impact the mother, the fetus, and the nursing infant.
Pregnancy-Related Diabetes Risk
One kind of diabetes that develops during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. It is brought on by the hormones the placenta produces, which may interfere with the mother’s body’s ability to utilize insulin as intended. Uncontrolled gestational diabetes during pregnancy can cause several difficulties for both the mother and the fetus.
A sweet fruit with natural sugars is dragon fruit. Gestational diabetes can occur if a pregnant woman consumes an excessive amount of dragon fruit. When it comes to consuming sugary fruits, women who are already at risk for gestational diabetes or who have a family history of the disease should exercise extra caution.
Interference with the Abstraction of Iron
A key ingredient required for the production of red blood cells is iron. The need for iron rises sharply during the phases of pregnancy and lactation. Eating foods that hinder the body’s ability to absorb iron can cause anemia, a disorder marked by a low red blood cell count.
Because of its high vitamin C content, it may hinder the absorption of iron. The kind of iron found in plant-based diets, known as non-heme iron, is better absorbed when vitamin C is present. However, an overabundance of vitamin C can also prevent the absorption of heme iron, the kind of iron present in foods derived from animals.
6. Hypotension
Although dragon fruit is typically considered safe and healthful, recent research indicates that eating it may result in hypotension or low blood pressure in certain people.
Natural substances found in dragon fruit, such as flavonoids, betacyanins, and carotenoids, may reduce blood pressure. It has been shown that these substances contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, preventing many ailments.
While some people may benefit from consuming dragon fruit, others may have hypotension, especially if they are currently on medicine for high blood pressure or have underlying medical issues that impair blood pressure regulation.
7. Can Lead to Weight Gain
While it’s true that consuming too much dragon fruit can contribute to weight gain, it’s important to remember that moderation is vital. Dragon fruit is generally considered a healthy and low-calorie fruit choice. One cup of dragon fruit contains around 140 calories, which may seem like a lot, but it also provides beneficial nutrients like fiber.
If you’re concerned about weight gain, it’s a good idea to be mindful of your overall calorie intake and balance it with a diet that covers a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Instead of replacing nutritious foods with dragon fruit, consider incorporating them as a balanced meal or snack.
Remember, maintaining a healthy weight is about finding a balance that works for you. It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for customized or specific diet plans.
Conclusion
The recommended amount of dragon fruit will be based on age, gender, and overall health. As a general guideline, it’s recommended that adults have 2-3 servings of fruit per day as part of a balanced diet.
If you include dragon fruit in your daily fruit intake, you’ll likely consume fewer antioxidants. However, if you’re consuming large amounts or taking antioxidant supplements, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re consuming an appropriate and safe quantity. This advice will prevent you from red dragon fruit side effects.
Remember, moderation is key in any food or dietary supplement. It’s always best to consult with a professional who can provide proper guidance based on your needs and circumstances.
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