Although this winter seemed to have dragged, warmer weather is here and ready to stay. Picture this: You are walking down the street on a bright, sunny day and see many people sitting outside eating these beautiful, fruit-filled bowls. Smoothie bowls have been #trending lately and come in many different delicious combinations. Smoothie bowls are typically made with acai or pitaya. Pitaya specifically is a dragon fruit indigenous to Central and South America; it has fleshly bright pink insides with black seeds. Besides being an aesthetically appealing addition to your Instagram page, pitaya bowls have many health benefits worth reading about.
1. Pitaya can help the body function.
Pitaya contains a plethora of vitamins from the B group, as well as vitamin C. These vitamins are known to keep our bodies functioning day to day and improve cognitive function. Due to the fact that pitaya has high fiber content, our digestive system may also be improved. Additionally, pitaya can benefit the immune and respiratory system in the body.
2. Pitaya is beneficial to the skin and hair.
There are many antioxidants found in pitaya. An antioxidant, by definition, is a substance that may prevent cell damage. Antioxidants also reduce the dangerous effects of free radicals that may be present in the body. Therefore, antioxidants can help treat irregular skin – sunburnt, acne-prone, dry, oily etc. – and keep it looking healthy and glowing. Pitaya can also help maintain the texture and shine to one’s hair and keep it looking healthy.
3. Pitaya can prevent cardiovascular disease.
Pitaya is high in polyunsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats reduce triglycerides and can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in an individual. This is important because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
4. Pitaya plays a role in controlling diabetes.
Pitaya is low in sugar and can therefore reduce one’s blood sugar levels and blood pressure. This can certainly be something to consider if you are struggling with Type 2 Diabetes or high blood pressure.
5. Pitaya can aid in weight loss.
Pitaya can rid the body of dangerous toxins by flushing out waste metals in the body. This purification can aid in weight loss for an individual. In addition, due to the high water content, pitaya will help you feel full for a longer time and can therefore reduce one’s appetite.
With summer a few weeks away, be sure to keep in mind the health benefits of pitaya when you’re looking for a sweet, refreshing treat!
Written by GUADS guest writer Gabrielle Barone with contributions from healwithfood.com
