GSPREP DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 8 July 2022

Table of Contents

  1. Centre to promote dragon fruit cultivation

 

Centre to promote dragon fruit cultivation

Context: Plan is to increase cultivation from 3,000 hectares to 50,000 hectares in five years

 

  • Following in the footsteps of the Gujarat and Haryana governments, the Centre has decided to promote the cultivation of dragon fruit, known as a “super fruit” for its health benefits.
  • The Centre feels that considering the cost effectiveness and global demand for the fruit due to its nutritional values, its cultivation can be expanded in India. At present, this exotic fruit is cultivated in 3,000 hectares; the plan is to increase cultivation to 50,000 hectares in five years.
  • Addressing a national conclave on the fruit here on Thursday, Union Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja said the demand for the fruit is high in domestic and global markets because of its nutritional values.

 

What is Dragon Fruit?

  • Dragon fruit grows on the Hylocereuscactus, also known as the Honolulu queen, whose flowers only open at night.
  • The plant is native to southern Mexico and Central America. Today, it is grown all over the world.
  • It goes by many names, including pitaya, pitahaya, and strawberry pear.
  • The two most common types have bright red skin with green scales that resemble a dragon — hence the name.
  • The most widely available variety has white pulp with black seeds, though a less common type with red pulp and black seeds exists as well.
  • Another variety — referred to as yellow dragon fruit — has yellow skin and white pulp with black seeds.
  • Dragon fruit may look exotic, but its flavors are similar to other fruits. Its taste has been described as a slightly sweet cross between a kiwi and a pear.
  • Dragon fruit contains several types of antioxidants.

These are compounds that protect your cells from unstable molecules called free radicals, which are linked to chronic diseases and aging.

These are some of the main antioxidants contained in dragon fruit pulp:

  • Betalains:Found in the pulp of red dragon fruit, these deep red pigments have been shown to protect “bad” LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized or damaged.
  • Hydroxycinnamates:This group of compounds has demonstrated anticancer activity in test-tube and animal studies.
  • Flavonoids:This large, diverse group of antioxidants is linked to better brain health and a reduced risk of heart disease

 

Health Benefits:

  • Both red and white varieties of dragon fruit have been shown to reduce insulin resistanceand fatty liver in obese mice.
  • In one study, mice on a high-fat diet who received an extract of the fruit gained less weight and had reductions in liver fat, insulin resistance, and inflammation, which were attributed in part to beneficial changes in gut bacteria.
  • Dragon fruit contains prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut — potentially improving metabolic health.
  • Although this fruit may improve certain features of metabolic syndrome — a condition associated with type 2 diabetes — not all effects may be favorable.
  • In a study in mice on a high-fat, high-carb diet, the group that received dragon fruit juice had better blood sugar responses and reductions in some liver enzyme markers, while another liver enzyme marker significantly increased.
  • In another study, rats with diabetes treated with an extract from the fruit had a 35% reduction in malondialdehyde, a marker of free-radical damage. They also had less arterial stiffness, compared to the control group.