Pitaya: benefits that go far beyond its taste and beauty

Do you already know the pitaya? It is a fruit from the tropical forests of Mexico and Central and South America, but also cultivated in countries such as Israel, China and, a few years ago, in Brazil.

Behavioral nutritionist Patrícia Cruz points out that pitaya is a rustic fruit belonging to the Cactaceae family. “It is also known as the ‘dragon fruit’, because of its skin. Its fruits have different formats, presence or absence of thorns and the color of the skin and pulp can vary”, she says.

Benefits of pitaya

Antioxidant power and anti-inflammatory properties

Claudia Bastos de Oliveira, nutritionist, explains that pitaya is rich in antioxidant compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, act in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular risk. Nutritionist Patrícia points out that the fruit, which has lycopene and carotene, has the antioxidant capacity to prevent cellular aging and, consequently, the emergence of diseases.

Aid in the treatment of diabetes

Patrícia points out that pitaya is rich in soluble fibers that delay the absorption of sugar and, therefore, help in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

more satiety

Claudia recalls that, due to the large amount of soluble fibers, pitaya helps to promote a feeling of satiety, which can help in the weight loss process.

Improved intestinal transit

Patrícia points out that the presence of fibers also helps with intestinal transit. And, as Claudia adds, the fruit stimulates the growth of the intestinal microbiota (intestinal flora).

Cholesterol reduction

Nutritionists explain that the fruit helps control cholesterol levels, thus preventing problems associated with high cholesterol.

Source of important micronutrients

Claudia explains that pitaya, in addition to being a source of fiber and carbohydrates, is rich in micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins, which contribute to the health of bones and teeth, muscle contraction and the production of red cells, in addition to compounds such as lycopene (found in tomatoes) and carotene (found in carrots).

Good functioning of the organism

The pitaya contributes, in general, to the proper functioning of the organism. “It has antioxidant compounds (polyphenols) and prebiotics (oligosaccharides) that help the body function properly, improving the immune system, regulating intestinal transit, etc.”, explains Claudia.

Helps in the detoxification process

Nutritionist Claudia comments that the soluble fibers present in the fruit can also aid digestion and the detoxification process, by minimizing the effects of toxic substances on the body, such as heavy metals (lead, aluminum, cadmium, mercury, among others).

Versatility

Tasty, the fruit can be consumed in its natural form, in juices, ice cream, jellies and other preparations.

low calorie

Claudia recalls that pitaya has a low calorie content, and can be a great ally in weight loss diets.

10 pitaya recipes to try now

Were you excited to taste this powerful and charming fruit? In addition to eating it in its natural form, you can use it in delicious recipes. Get inspired:

1. Pitaya lemonade

A different, beautiful and refreshing drink. It’s worth writing down the recipe and making it on hot days of the year, everyone will love it!

Ingredients

• Water
• Sugar
• Vanilla
• Lemon juice
• pitayas

Preparation mode

You will basically make a syrup with water, sugar and vanilla. It will make lemon juice and mix it with the syrup in a pitcher. Finally, add the pitayas.

2. Pitaya detox juice

A healthy and easy-to-make juice that helps eliminate toxins from the body. Use the pink pitaya, which is beautiful, as well as nutritious.

Ingredients

• Coconut Water
• pink pitaya
• celery
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Mint

Preparation mode

Just cut the pitaya in half and remove the pulp… Put the fruit in the blender along with the other ingredients and beat for about 30 seconds.

3. Pitaya smoothie

A drink so beautiful that, just by looking at it, your day will become more special! And flavor doesn’t disappoint either! 😉

Ingredients

• Almond milk or water
• Cucumber
• pitaya
• coconut yogurt
• Chia seeds
• Ice

Preparation mode

You will start by beating the water (or milk) with the cucumber. Then, add the pitaya and the other ingredients, mixing well, until the smoothie acquires a beautiful pink color.

4. Pitaya jelly

A jelly that is neither too sweet nor too sour… In other words, just right. Not to mention the color, which makes it beautiful and inviting.

Ingredients

• pitaya
• Sugar
• Lemon
• gelatin soaked in water

Preparation mode

Place all ingredients, except gelatin, in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Then add the gelatin mixture and water, and stir until it’s the consistency you like.

5. Pitaya gelatin

Easy, delicious and healthy recipe. It’s a good way to add pitaya to your daily diet. Even the little ones will love it!

Ingredients

• pitaya
• Water
• Demerara sugar or natural Stevia sweetener
• agar

Preparation mode

Boil the water and add the agar-agar and sugar or sweetener. Turn off the heat, add the crushed pitaya and stir. Place in molds and wait to cool until hard.

6. Pitaya mousse with lemon

Refreshing and with the right combination of pitaya and lemon flavors, it’s a great dessert option for the weekend. Not to mention it’s easy to do!

Ingredients

• pitaya
• Sicilian lemon
• Condensed milk
• Whey-free cream

Preparation mode

Place the pitaya pulp with the lemon juice in the blender. When it becomes homogeneous, add the condensed milk and then the cream (without whey). Place in the fridge for a few hours and then serve!

7. Pitaya mousse with passion fruit

A beautiful and healthy recipe, gluten-free, lactose-free and sugar-free. Surely you won’t resist! Write down the recipe!

Ingredients

• Passion fruit juice
• whole coconut milk
• Arrowroot
• Stevia
• pitaya
• Banana
• blueberries
• cashew nut milk

Preparation mode

Make the passion fruit layer, mixing all the ingredients and put it in the bowls. Then, make the pitaya layer, beating all the ingredients in the blender and placing it on top of the passion fruit layer in the bowls. Leave in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up and serve chilled.

8. Pitaya cheesecake

A dessert that will impress you, first with its beautiful appearance, and then with its irresistible combination of flavors.

• Cookie
• Butter
• pitaya
• Sugar
• cream cheese
• Chantilly
• powdered gelatin
• Water

Preparation mode

Make the dough by mixing the crushed cookies with the butter. Then, basically, you will need to mix the other ingredients, making a cream that will be poured over the dough. Refrigerate for at least 4 to 5 hours before serving.

9. Pitaya margarita

A drink as delicious as it is beautiful. Great option for a weekend with friends, especially if the days are hot.

Ingredients

• strawberries
• pitaya
• tequila
• orange liqueur
• fresh lemon juice
• lemon slices
• Honey
• Ice
• Sugar or salt (for the rim of the glass)

Preparation mode

You should reserve some strawberries and freeze them, as well as part of the pitaya to garnish the glass. In the blender, just mix strawberries (which have not been frozen), pitaya, tequila, orange liqueur, lemon juice and honey. With the homogeneous mixture, add ice. Then, decorate the drink in the glass, using the frozen strawberries, pitaya, lemon slices, sugar or salt.

10. Lactose-free pitaya ice cream

Pink (or red) pitaya is simply the most beautiful “natural dye” in the universe. So, she is the star of this healthy homemade ice cream, made with coconut milk, cashews and demerara sugar.

Ingredients

• Pink pitaya pulp
• Coconut milk
• raw cashew nuts
• coconut flakes
• Raw sugar

Preparation mode

At least eight hours in advance, you should soak the cashews in water. When preparing the recipe, mix the drained chestnut with the other ingredients and hit the blender. Take it to the freezer and let it freeze… Then just serve!

Now you know that it is possible to make delicious and beautiful recipes with pitaya. But, it is worth remembering that consuming the fruit in its natural form is also delicious and beneficial!

How to choose, store and consume pitaya

Patricia comments that, according to the WHO (World Health Organization), the recommendation for fruit is five servings a day. “Pitaya is a fruit that can be consumed throughout the day, in main meals or in between snacks, if this is the habit”, she says.

Claudia explains that, despite the hard shell and “scales”, the pitaya pulp is soft and light, and that its seeds should be consumed, as they are rich in essential oils such as omega 3 and 6 (which have a slight laxative action and can reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels).

“There is no set time for consumption, however, to ensure its beneficial effects, it is recommended to eat one fruit a day, preferably in its natural form”, highlights nutritionist Claudia.

When choosing pitaya, Claudia advises: always prefer fruits whose skins are intact, that is, without lesions, which have a strong color (red or yellow, depending on the species) and which are soft, but not too soft.

“Avoid fruits that have a dry stem, as this condition indicates that the pitaya has passed the point of being consumed. The ideal is to consume it while it is still fresh, so avoid refrigeration and prefer room temperature… However, avoid leaving it in the fruit bowl for a long time”, adds Claudia.

pitaya contraindications

Patrícia explains that pitaya is only contraindicated for people with some form of allergy or intolerance to the fruit.

Claudia reinforces that, as long as it is consumed in moderation, as in the case of other fruits, there is no contraindication in the consumption of pitaya.

Now you already know the advantages of this fruit that, in addition to being beautiful, is healthy, delicious, versatile and can be combined with a weight loss diet.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.