My Tropical Love Affair

As a nutritionist I count nutrients, not calories and my constant quest to create the most nutrient dense meals is something I never grow pitay-red of. As acai takes the victory lap in my superfood war; a new contender is forging a path. If my pun didn’t give it away earlier, I’m introducing you to the latest health food craze. Enter pitaya, or dragonfruit as we commonly know it in Australia. This vibrant fuchsia coloured gem is more than just a pretty Instagram picture. This fruit originating from Central America, South America, and Asia  packs a pretty impressive nutrient profile and is so damn tasty!

Pitaya is rich in antioxidants, that are anti-inflammatory and protect cells from free radical damage. These include betalains, hydroxycinnamates and flavonoids.It contains Vitamin C (equivalent to 10% RDV), several B vitamins for carbohydrate metabolism, and iron and phosphorus for healthy blood and tissue formation. Pitaya also helps stimulate the activity of other antioxidants and the presence of the aforementioned vitamins and minerals makes it a powerful weapon against bacterial and viral attacks. The seeds of dragon fruits are high in polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) that reduce triglycerides and lower the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

The list of health benefits goes on, so rather than bombarding you with reasons why you should eat pitaya, I’ll be sharing a couple of recipes in my next post so you can try it for yourself. Not a fan of being in the kitchen? Then come down to The Front Room in the coming weeks, where you will find this guy making his way onto our menu.

The Front Room is located at the Holistic Healing Haven, 399 The Esplanade, Torquay, Hervey Bay, QLD  4655