Don’t Eat Too Much Dragon Fruit at Once
Herbalist Bui Hong Minh shares that dragon fruit has numerous health and beauty benefits. Consuming this fruit is believed to enhance one’s appearance, promoting smooth skin, shiny hair, and anti-aging effects.
These effects have been recognized by Eastern medicine for centuries. However, it is important to note that moderation is key. Herbalist Minh cautions that dragon fruit has a high capacity for heat generation due to its significant sugar content, and overeating can lead to skin eruptions.
Consuming 500g or more in one sitting can cause an excess of glucose in the blood, surpassing the liver’s ability to absorb and metabolize it. This, in turn, triggers an increase in insulin secretion, leading to a drop in blood sugar levels.
Consequently, this can result in hypoglycemic reactions, manifesting as headaches, dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, fatigue, and dry mouth, among other symptoms. Therefore, herbalist Minh recommends that adults consume no more than 10 dragon fruits at a time, while children should limit their intake to 3-4 fruits.
Drink a Little Salted Water Before Eating Dragon Fruit
According to herbalist Bui Hong Minh, salted water helps prevent heat generation and rashes. Consuming a small amount before eating dragon fruit can minimize the risk of these issues. Alternatively, you can also opt for cold herbal tea, mung bean dessert, or winter melon soup to effectively reduce the heating effect of dragon fruit.
Eat the White Membrane Surrounding the Dragon Fruit’s Flesh
ThS.BS Doan Thi Tuong Vi suggests eating the white membrane that envelops the dragon fruit’s flesh. Additionally, consuming the white part at the tip of the seeds can help reduce the heating effect and minimize the feeling of internal heat.
Although this membrane may taste slightly bitter, it enhances the sweetness and flavor of the fruit’s flesh when eaten together.
Consume Dragon Fruit After Meals, Not on an Empty Stomach
Contrary to the belief that eating sweet dragon fruit on an empty stomach provides energy, Dr. Tuong Vi advises against it. Consuming dragon fruit when hungry can lead to an excessive intake of sugar, irritating the stomach lining and causing pain, inflammation, or dizziness.
Common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and weakness in the limbs. Therefore, it is advisable to eat dragon fruit only after meals to prevent overheating and other health issues.
Choose Fresh and Unbruised Fruits, Avoiding Those with Damaged Tips or Bruises
Bruised and damaged areas are prone to bacterial and fungal growth, which can be detrimental to health. Consuming such fruits may lead to hives and digestive problems like stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To prevent these issues, select fresh and undamaged dragon fruits for consumption.
Drink Juice Made from Dragon Fruit and Its Fresh Leaves
Additionally, a traditional and effective preventive measure is to drink juice made from dragon fruit and its fresh leaves. This folk method, passed down by generations of herbalists, helps reduce body temperature and prevent potential health issues arising from dragon fruit consumption.