D IS FOR....

By Dr Orly Zuker
(B.Appl Sci; Comp Med, Clin Chiro; Masters, B.Nursing)

Dragon fruit

Dragon fruit is an interesting looking fruit that originates from North, Central and South America (dating back from the 13th century) and is now mostly found in South East Asia. The fruit is in fact a flowering cactus fruit with either white or pink flesh and a mild flavour similar to kiwi fruit or custard apple. In Australia, the dragon fruit’s cactus is thought of as a ‘pesky’ weed that grows like wild fire!

Due to its incredible colour the dragon fruit is terrific source of antioxidants (leading health experts to question why on earth commercial food companies would use artificial colouring in their products!!). As we now know, antioxidants are essential for good health, longevity and contribute to reducing heart disease. In addition to its antioxidant powers, this exotic fruit is high in vitamin C for the immune system, vitamin B1 and B12 for the nervous system and calcium for bones.

Try one today and use them in smoothies, on a fruit platter (this will impress your guests), on porridge or in a children's lunch box (instead of an Uncle Toby’s fruit rollup!).

Dill
Dill has a pleasant and pungent flavour that is best known for its addition in soups, pastas and pickled cucumbers. Before its harvest all around the world, dill was native to Russia, Africa and the Mediterranean and used medicinally for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

Dill has well documented antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, dill contains flavonoids (an antioxidant) and the enzyme glutathione that is known to promote health and facilitate the body’s healing ability. It wouldn’t be your first assumption, but dill also contains magnesium and iron and is surprisingly a good source of calcium.

In some instances dill oil has been used as a calming agent for people suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia, as well as in cholesterol and diabetes treatment (by regulating insulin levels).

In the wonderful world of babies… Paediatrics and family pharmacists are recommending dill oil as a soothing treatment for digestive pain and colic (by stimulating intestinal movement/ peristalsis). Dill drops are available at most health food stores and pharmacies (unfortunately most brands add a preservative, flavouring and artificial sweetener).

Dandelion Root

Dandelion root tea is a readily available caffeine-free tea and in the past 10 years has become popular in cafes as a nutty tasting 'dandy-latte'. Historically, dandelion has been used for centuries (by the Chinese & Native Americans) for its medicinal properties and health benefits. The root is sourced from the common backyard weed that people are generally keen to eradicate. Traditionally, it was used to treat conditions of the skin, heartburn, abdominal pain and fever. Today most research has been focused on the diuretic (water loss) and digestive effects of dandelion root tea. In saying this, dandelion has been found to be effective to easing gas, bloating and indigestion.
Dandelion naturally contains iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, B vitamins and Vitamin C. Due to the dandelion’s diuretic properties it is important that people on diuretic medications (for kidney or heart conditions) avoid any dandelion products in their diet. If you are NOT on medications that it may interact with dandelion and you are looking to ‘flush’ your bladder or kidneys, then drink away! Also, be aware that if you have gallbladder disease or allergies to relative plants such as the daisy, or chamomile it is recommended to avoid dandelion products.

 …….. D is for delicious and healthy foods that nature created for our health and nourishment. Try new foods every week, adventure with a well-balanced diet and enjoy foods such as dill and dragon fruit. Yum!

 

References:

1.    www.nt.gov.au/d/Content/File/p/Fruit/778.pdf

2.    Lam, LKT & Zheng, BL. (1991). Effects of essential oils on glutathione S-transferase activity in mice. Journ Agric Food Chem, Vol 39 (4). Pg. 660-662

3.    Yang, VW & Clausen, CA. (2007). Antifungal effect of essential oils on southern yellow pine. Internat Biodeter Biodegrad. Vol 59 (4). Pg. 302-306

4.    Elgayyar , M etal. (2001). Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Plants against Selected Pathogenic and Saprophytic Microorganisms. Journ Food Prot, Vol 64 (7),Pg. 1019-1024 

5.    Bakar, J etal. (2009). Essential fatty acids of pitaya (dragonfruit) seed oil. Food Chem, Vol 114 (2). Pg. 561- 564

6.    Wichienchot, S etal. (2010). Oligosaccharides of pitaya (dragonfruit) flesh and their prebiotic properties. Food Chem, Vol 120 (3). Pg. 850- 857