No need to feel guilty eating this low-calorie, fat-free fruit. While the fruit is high in carbs, it also contains a small amount of protein. One small dragon fruit, which weighs about 7 ounces, contains 59 calories, 14 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber and 2 grams of protein.
Including more low-calorie fruits in your diet like the dragon fruit may help you reduce your overall calorie intake, which may help you get better control over your weight.
Including the exotic dragon fruit in your diet ups your intake of vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant. One small fruit meets 15 percent of the daily value for vitamin C.
Antioxidants are substances in foods that act as a defense mechanism against free radicals, which are chemicals that damage your body's cells and may lead to diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Vitamin C not only protects your cells but also regenerates other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, in your body.
Getting more potassium-rich foods in your balanced and healthy diet may help lower your blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. One small dragon fruit contains 350 milligrams of potassium, meeting 10 percent of the daily value. For comparison, a small banana contains 360 milligrams of potassium.
If you have problems with your kidneys, you may want to talk to your doctor about whether potassium-rich foods like the dragon fruit are safe for you to eat.
What makes dragon fruit a nutritional standout is that it contains iron. One small fruit meets 8 percent of the daily value. Women, teen girls and children often have a difficult time meeting their iron needs, reports the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Adequate intake of iron helps keep blood healthy and prevents anemia. Additionally, the vitamin C in the fruit may enhance iron absorption.
