According to the online newspaper please ONE, September 2017, dragon fruit could be an effective way to prevent and possibly control blood sugar levels in people who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Scientists from Silpakorn and Mahidol universities in Thailand reviewed four reports on dragon fruit and blood sugar control and analyzed them as if they were one big study…

• 36 volunteers diagnosed as prediabetic, and
• 109 people who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

were included in all four studies. In prediabetic participants, there was a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar among those who ate dragon fruit. Among type 2 diabetic participants, blood sugar reduction occurred only at high doses.

From these results, the researchers concluded that dragon fruit was linked to the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

So will dragon fruit help control type 2 diabetes? One thing we do know is that it is nutritionally healthy in measured amounts. The fruit provides vitamin C and several B vitamins, as well as omega-3s, omega-6s, protein, and fiber. Be careful about portion sizes, though, because fruit also contains fructose. One hundred grams, or 3.5 ounces, has 60 calories. Isn’t it great that a food that contains healthy nutrients can also be helpful in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes?

The commonly consumed pitaya has dark pink or white flowers and dark pink fruit with a white or pink center. The center is filled with tiny black seeds, turning the fruit into a berry. The plant is believed to come from Central America and was brought to Asia by missionaries. It is popular in Vietnam, Mexico and California.

To eat the fruit…

• cut it lengthwise and scoop out the white center.
• Cut in pieces.

The skin is not edible. The flavor of the fruit has been compared to that of kiwi, but with a crisp texture.

Dragon fruit can be used…

• in fruit salads. It goes well with bananas, nuts, seeds, kiwi, pineapple, strawberries, and oranges.
• Another way to eat it is to string it together with the pineapple to make a kebab.

It’s popular for making smoothies, but be careful to only use small portions. The sugar in the liquid is quickly absorbed and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.

Like a cactus, the plant is easy to grow from cuttings. Plant a cutting about a foot long in a warm, sunny spot with organic fertilizer. Water it frequently but don’t let the plant sit in the water. Use a sturdy trellis or tree and tie the plant to the support with string to help it grow upwards.