Is Dragon Fruit Worth The Price? Unwrapping the Health/ Nutritional Benefits of The Most Expensive Fruit

Why is Dragon Fruit So Expensive?

Humans are of a curious nature and that’s acceptable. Several people I interact with concerning dragon fruits, tend to want to know more about the health benefits of this fruit, especially when they hear of the price it commands in the market. 

In case you didn’t know, dragon fruit also known as Pitahaya or Pitaya is a tropical fruit that traces its origin from Central America. It is one of the newest fruits in the Kenyan market, giving most of the other high-nutrition fruits we initially knew a run for their money. 

Dragon fruits have been cultivated in Kenya for just about 5 years now but its awareness has spread to all the corners of our country. A kilogram of the fruit sells for between ksh1,000 and ksh1,500 in the Kenyan supermarket chains. They come in a variety of Red/Pink, White and Yellow, all these with a vibrant appearance that makes it a feast for the eyes.

Red dragon fruits for sale in Kenya

Beyond its prices, its appealing look and taste, dragon fruits pack a nutritional punch that offers an array of health benefits, making it a worthy addition to any diet.

Health Benefits of Eating Dragon Fruits

1. Eating dragon fruits reduces the risk of catching chronic diseases: One of the most notable benefits of dragon fruit is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Well, that's not so special because Blueberries also have these attributes: but remember they are equally expensive.
2. Improves your digestion and prevents constipation: Dragon fruit has a lot of fiber, which helps keep your digestion running smoothly. It makes it easier to have regular bowel movements and helps in preventing constipation or stopping it altogether. The fiber also supports the growth of good bacteria in your stomach, which is important for healthy digestion and can help your body absorb nutrients better.
3. Heart health benefits: Consuming dragon fruit may help lower the risk of heart disease due to its fiber and antioxidant content. Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system and removing it from the body. Additionally, antioxidants in dragon fruit may help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function, further supporting heart health.
4. Potential Anti-Cancer effects: Studies suggests that dragon fruit may have anti-cancer properties, attributed to its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals which can contribute to the development of cancer.
5. Promotes skin health: The vitamin C and antioxidant content of dragon fruit contribute to its skin-protective properties. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and skin damage.

Dragon is a wonderful fruit that deserves its place on the menu whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into recipes. It can be enjoyed in various ways, including fresh, blended into smoothies, added to fruit salads, or used as topping for yoghurt or oatmeal.

You are ready to get into dragon fruit farming, either for home consumption or commercial purposes and are wondering where you can get ready to plant seedlings from? Worry not, Richfarm Kenya is just a call away. Call or whatsapp us on 0724698357/0723213602/0798919007 or visit any of our nurseries in Naivasha and Embu to pick your desired seedlings.

Also Read: Dragon Fruit Farming In Kenya: Step by Step Guide.