If you have been online recently, you have probably heard that yellow dragon fruit is the new “it” superfood, according to social media.
More than 110 million people have watched the original video praising yellow dragon fruit on TikTok. Since then, different videos have echoed the claims that it is fantastic as a natural laxative that cures constipation and acts as a cleanse.
Yellow dragon fruit is a cactus, not a fruit at all. It has a thick, inedible skin and white flesh with edible seeds. The skin is almost like leather. It’s not hard to break through like a coconut, but you do need a sharp knife. You can cut the fruit in half, cut the top off and peel the skin with your fingers, or use a spoon to slip between the skin and the pulp and remove it that way. You can also use the skin as a bowl and eat from it with a spoon!
The first video featured a young woman calling it “one of the most delicious fruits I have ever had.” Then she had a follow-up video about the impact of the cactus saying, “I’m telling you there was nothing left in my body. The seeds have so much dietary fiber they’re like a natural laxative.”
It’s hard to pin down the flavor of yellow dragon fruit. Some say it’s a cross between kiwi and pear. Others call it a mix of pear and pineapple. It has a honey-like taste and is sweeter than other colors of dragon fruit. It has a texture like a watermelon, and some people say it tastes like a melon. Others claim it’s slightly nutty. While no one can agree on what it tastes like, everyone agrees it’s pleasant!
But the reason behind its laxative qualities isn’t secret or unique to the dragon fruit. A six-ounce portion of the fruit has almost five grams of fiber. If the TikTokers are eating a whole 17-ounce dragon fruit, they are getting nearly 15 grams of fiber from one piece of fruit. The cactus also contains a lot of water and some fructose, a sugar with a mild laxative effect.
Yellow dragon fruit does have the benefit of being high in antioxidants. That can help prevent heart disease as well as chronic illnesses and cancer. It’s a good source of vitamin C, beta-carotene and polyphenols. It also contains vitamin B6, potassium and magnesium. In 100 grams of the cactus, there are 60 calories, 13 grams of carbs and three grams of fiber. Because of the high fiber content, it may help blood sugar levels.
A cup of raspberries has eight grams of fiber. A yellow dragon fruit costs around $7. While it’s wonderful to try new foods and enjoy what you eat, raspberries are an equally effective method that’s gentler on your wallet if you are looking for a fruit-based laxative. Social media loves to call things superfoods. No single food will fix your health concerns. All foods high in fiber will aid your digestive health.
