Introduction

The dragon fruit grows on the Hylocereus plant, a cactus native to the tropical regions of Central and Southern America, and also found in regions of Asia and Australia. dragon fruit, also known as the pitaya or the strawberry pear, is ovoid and spikey in appearance, with a distinctive pink or yellow outer skin and a white or purple inner flesh packed with small black seeds.

Allergic reactions to dragon fruits are rare but can occur. An allergic response occurs when the immune system reacts to an environmental stimulus, commonly foods. Although not able to completely alleviate the symptoms of an allergic reaction, adapting your diet to include anti-inflammatory foods can help to reduce the symptoms occurring in response to an allergen.

Understanding dragon fruit allergies

Allergies and intolerances to foods are common, including those to fruits. It is an allergy to pollen which often causes an allergic reaction to fruits. Although allergies to dragon fruits are uncommon, their seeds are high in compounds which may be allergenic, just like the seeds of kiwi fruits.¹ Allergic reactions to dragon fruits have been reported in individuals known to be hypersensitive to other allergens and can cause the following symptoms:²

• Swelling of the tongue
• Swelling of the lips
• Swelling of the throat
• Burning or itching in the mouth or throat
• Rashes or hives
• Vomiting
• Tightness of the chest
• Anaphylaxis 

Nutritional components of dragon fruit

Not only sweet in taste, dragon fruits are loaded with essential nutrients that can contribute to health. Specifically, the seeds of the dragon fruit are loaded with many bioactive molecules known to have antioxidant properties, including lipids, vitamins (including A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and C), and anthocyanin and betalains.^3,5,6 Betalains and anthocyanins are pigments with great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.^3,5,6

Additionally, betalain exhibits anti-diabetic effects by modulating the body’s response to blood sugar levels.⁴ Dragon fruit is also high in dietary fibre and in water, yet low in sugar, aiding digestion and hydration, and offering a great low-calorie healthy snack option.

Furthermore, dragon fruits are a source of the minerals iron, calcium and magnesium, whilst also providing a good source of essential amino acids. Although able to cause allergic responses, dragon fruit is naturally low in histamine, the chemicals responsible for causing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Dragon fruit as an anti-allergenic agent

Of course, foods known to cause allergies should be avoided, however, there are also foods that can be eaten as a method of reducing inflammation. Although specific scientific evidence demonstrating the role of dragon fruit in reducing allergies is lacking, they do contain many molecules with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Inflammatory molecules are key components of the allergic response, and eating foods such as dragon fruit which are high in these anti-inflammatory molecules can help to reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction upon contact with the allergy stimulus.

Reducing the blood concentration of compounds which have caused the symptoms of an allergy, such as histamine and pro-inflammatory molecules, will also help to alleviate the symptoms. Dragon fruits are extremely hydrating, aiding the dilution of these compounds within the blood. 

Any changes to diet should occur after consultation with a healthcare professional, and dietary choices are not a substitute for medical treatment.

Incorporating dragon fruit into an allergy-friendly diet

Dragon fruit is a soft, sweet fruit, often described as a cross between a kiwi and a pear. There are many ways dragon fruit can be eaten and incorporated into your diet:

• Eaten fresh: eat alone, or add to fruit salads or fruit kebabs as a tasty, hydrating snack to relieve those sweet cravings
• Smoothies and smoothie bowls: try blending dragon fruit with other tropical fruits for a refreshing, yet nutritious smoothie. Serve with nuts, seeds, and granola for a smoothie bowl
• Frozen treats: Freeze blended dragon fruit to create a refreshing sorbet. Additionally, add water and fruit juice to the blended mixture and freeze in ice lolly trays to create a delicious popsicle!

Dragon fruit should be incorporated into a balanced and nutritious diet. Eating large amounts of high-fibre foods such as dragon fruit may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Precautions and considerations

There are always precautions and considerations to be made when adding new foods to your diet.

• Allergies: Care should be taken when eating dragon fruit, in case of allergic reactions
• Medications: Knowledge of the interactions of dragon fruit with medications is currently lacking, and so consultation with healthcare professionals is advised before altering dietary preferences
• Gastrointestinal issues: Care should be taken when eating large amounts of dragon fruit. Abdominal discomfort and bloating may occur in cases where excessive amounts of fibre are consumed
• Blood sugar: Dragon fruit is naturally low in sugar, yet not sugar-free. Again, care should be taken when consuming in large quantities, especially by those with pre-existing diabetes
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Although dragon fruit is thought to be safe during gestation, precautions should be taken when pregnant or breast-feeding. Consult with your doctor before incorporating it into your diet whilst pregnant

Other natural allergy relief options

Commonly medications used to counteract high histamine levels, and the symptoms of an allergic reaction, include oral medications, nasal sprays, and eye drops. However, many natural methods of allergy relief are also available.

• Honey: Ingestion of honey is known to provide relief from the symptoms of an allergy. Regularly incorporating honey into your diet may help improve symptoms⁷
• Essential oils: Essential oils with a potent scent, such as mint and eucalyptus, may exhibit decongestant effects. This may help to open the airways and relieve breathing difficulties experienced during an allergic reaction
• Breathing exercises and meditation: Exercises aiming to reduce stress may help to relieve the symptoms of allergies. Reducing stress modulates the immune response, which may lessen the symptoms of an allergic reaction
• Probiotics: Healthy bacteria found within the gut can also help to reduce inflammation. Increasing the number of beneficial bacteria within the gastrointestinal system by taking probiotics can help lessen the symptoms of an allergy by lessening the circulating inflammatory molecules

FAQs

What to do if you are allergic to dragon fruit?

If you are having an allergic reaction to dragon fruit, it is crucial you seek medical attention following consumption. In future, avoid eating dragon fruit, and if diagnosed with a severe allergy to dragon fruit, always carry an EpiPen in case of accidental ingestion. Always read food labels to check for ingredients, and make friends, family members, and those preparing food for you of your allergy.

How long does a fruit allergy last?

The duration of an allergy can greatly vary depending on the allergic individual, the severity of the allergy, and the specific cause of the allergy. Food allergies can be severe during childhood and outgrown or may be chronic conditions that persist throughout an individual’s life, becoming more severe as they age. It is essential to contact a medical professional if you suspect an allergy.

Who should not eat dragon fruit?

If you are known to have a dragon fruit allergy, avoid food and drink with dragon fruit as a listed ingredient. Although the scientific evidence regarding interactions between dragon fruit and medications is lacking, talk to a healthcare professional before eating, in case of contraindication. Dangers arising as a result of eating dragon fruit whilst pregnant are not known, but medical professionals should be consulted before incorporating it into your diet.

Is it rare to be allergic to dragon fruit?

Allergies to dragon fruit are rare, and most individuals find they can eat and drink foods containing dragon fruit without experiencing allergy symptoms. Those known to be sensitive to certain foods, especially other tropical fruits like kiwi, may be more likely to experience allergy symptoms. Exercise caution when eating dragon fruit if you are sensitive to other foods, and immediately seek medical attention if an allergy occurs.

Summary

Dragon fruits are a highly nutritious, yet hydrating and low-calorie fruit. They are packed with anti-inflammatory compounds which can reduce an allergic response. However, dragon fruits can cause an allergic reaction following consumption, so caution must be exercised when eating. Prior to incorporating dragon fruit into your diet, consult a medical professional. Always introduce new foods as part of a balanced and nutritious diet.