I go to the Farmers Market all the time. It's
part of my anti-aging lifestyle. The other day, I
was looking for organic produce, and I met a
couple of die-hard organic farmers from Homestead,
Florida.
This time of the year, they have mangoes,
avocados, lychees, longans, jackfruits, durians,
and dragon fruits. An unusual variety of fruits to
someone who was brought up with apples, pears, and
cherries. I asked why they chose to grow these
fruits, and they said it reminds them of home.
They are originally from the Philippines and, when
they came to Florida thirty years ago, they bought
a ten-acre organic farm and have been working the
land ever since. I asked them what their favorite
fruit was, and they said, We love them all, but
dragon fruit has a special place in our hearts.
Most people don't have a clue what dragon fruit
is, or even what it looks like, and they know
nothing about its health benefits. When you look
at a dragon fruit, the origins of its name may
appear obvious. Dragon fruits are actually native
to Central and South America. The color of dragon
fruit flesh varies from white to red or deep
magenta. Just like Lycopersicon esculentum, or
tomatoes, the red-fleshed varieties contain
lycopene a natural antioxidant known to fight
cancer, heart disease, and lower blood pressure.
Lycopene is the focus of recent research for its
connection with anti-ageing. According to legend,
the fruit was created thousands of years ago by
fire-breathing dragons. During a battle, when the
dragon breathed fire, the last thing to emerge
would be the fruit. When the dragon was slain, the
fruit was collected by the victorious soldiers and
presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure.
The soldiers would then butcher the dragon and eat
the flesh. It was believed that those who feasted
on the flesh would be endowed with the strength
and ferocity of the dragon and that they, too,
would be coveted by the Emperor.
That was a great story for a delicious, sweet
fruit with many health benefits.
Dragon fruit has an amazing superpower that helps
decrease bad cholesterol levels and replenishes
good cholesterol levels. Dragon fruit is an
excellent source of monounsaturated fats, helping
the heart stay in great condition. They have a
high fiber content which can assist with poor
digestion and constipation, and can also
ultimately help regulate diabetes, stabilizing
blood sugar levels by suppressing sugar spikes.
Eating the flesh and seeds, which contain good
protein, will keep your body fortified and
satisfied. The dragon fruit is filled with
antioxidants to rid the body of free radicals and
cancer-producing properties, and will keep your
skin tight and young-looking. Slice up a ripe
fruit, put it in the blender with honey, and use
it as an anti-aging face mask to get rid of
wrinkles. Dragon fruit also has anti-inflammatory
action that will help your joints from arthritic
pain. My students have reported that by practicing
Flying Crane Qi Gong
http://rechargingqigong.com/flying-crane-qi-gong.html
daily and eating these wonderful anti-aging fruits
on a regular basis has reversed the trap of
premature aging.
I wish you the best in your Health, Wealth, and
Happiness.
Dr. Wu Dhi
