Dragon fruit, a super delicious tropically grown climbing cactus, is a juicy, sweet-tasting fruit which some describe as a cross between a kiwi, a pear, and a watermelon.
Its rough yet meaty texture and nutty-flavoured seeds are packed with protein, carbs, and fibre.
The fruit, which also has adequate vitamin C, antioxidants, protein, and iron, is known to support immunity, aid digestion, and also keep your skin glowing. However, even though dragon fruit can give a good boost to your health, eating too much of it can cause deadly side effects – especially for those battling underlying medical issues.
What are the side effects of eating dragon fruit?
While it may help prevent oxidative damage and assist in weight loss and management, dragon fruit comes with a few negatives as well. It is usually safe to consume; however, if you overeat it or have an underlying metabolic issue like diabetes, it may lead to:
Digestive issues
Dragon fruit is packed with fibre, and if you eat too much of it, it begins to affect your digestion. Studies say eating a lot of fibre – more than your body can digest at once – has the opposite effect, causing bloating, gas, stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn, and even diarrhoea.
Those who live with pre-existing digestive issues like IBS or ulcerative colitis should consume dragon fruit only in moderation to avoid discomfort. Make sure to just eat a small portion and gradually increase the intake so that your digestive system can properly adjust to the fibre content.
Blood pressure
Dragon fruit also causes many side effects on your blood pressure levels, which otherwise can have an advantage for those with hypertension. However, if your blood pressure naturally stays low, you need to be cautious. According to experts, excessive consumption can lead to dizziness, fatigue, or even weakness. Low blood pressure can be dangerous and even fatal if not monitored and controlled well in time.
Effect on blood sugar levels
Dragon fruit is naturally sweet, and so if you eat too much of it, it can affect your blood sugar levels. For those who have diabetes or constantly monitor their glucose levels, consuming too much dragon fruit can cause sudden spikes, which is dangerous for your health.
Always consult with your doctor before taking any kind of new fruit or making changes to your diet. Also, be mindful of portion size and balance it with other foods to ensure you can enjoy dragon fruit safely.
Allergies
According to studies, dragon fruit reports isolated allergic reactions, symptoms of which include swelling of the tongue, hives, and even vomiting and nausea. Doctors say that while this type of reaction can be very rare, it should be avoided.
Weight gain
Even though dragon fruit helps you in weight loss since it fills you up quickly, eating too much or in large quantities can lead to weight gain due to the consumption of excess calories. Make sure to always consume in moderation, especially if you are diabetic and have to keep your weight in control.
Other side effects
If you eat enough red dragon fruit, it may turn your pee pink or red. Doctors say this may look more alarming than it actually is. The same thing can happen if you eat a lot of beets. Your pee should turn back to its normal colour once the fruit is out of your system.