Pitaya is a tropical fruit native to South Asia and South America. It is from cactus family and 
weighs from 150 to 500 grams. Every 100 grams of pitaya contains 9 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of fat.
Average calories: 62 per 100 grams of fruit.
|
Pitaya: 100 grams |
|
|
Carbohydrate |
9 |
|
Fiber |
4 |
|
Protein |
2 |
|
Fat |
2 |
|
Calories |
62 |
Vitamins found in higher amounts: vitamins C, A, B1, B2 and B3.
Minerals found in higher amounts: potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron.
Phytonutrients found in higher amounts and their health benefits: pitaya is rich in carotenoids especially lycopene, and betalains. Lycopene has anti-cancer activity particularly against prostate cancer. For potential inhibitory effect of lycopene on prostate cancer, click here.
Pitaya contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are potent antioxidants with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities.
Dragon fruits have also the fatty acids Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), Omega-6 (linoleic acid), and Omega-9 (oleic acid). Almost 50% of fatty acids in pitaya are Omega-6. Pitaya seed oils contain some palmitic acid and stearic acid, which are saturated fatty acids.
