Quick Summary
When to Choose Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
Choose dragon fruit for unique antioxidants (betalains), prebiotic fiber, iron, and visual appeal. Best for gut health and Instagram-worthy bowls.
When to Choose Lemon (Fresh, Raw)
Choose lemon for higher vitamin C (31mg), proven benefits, lower cost, and year-round availability. Best for daily immune support.
Nutrition Facts Comparison
Side-by-side comparison per undefinedundefined serving:
| Nutrient | Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) | Lemon (Fresh, Raw) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 136 | 17 | 🏆 Lemon (Fresh, Raw) |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 5.4g | |
| Fiber | 5g | 1.6g | 🏆 Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) |
Key Vitamins & Minerals
Magnesium
🏆 Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) has 13.6x more
Vitamin C
🏆 Lemon (Fresh, Raw) has 3.3x more
Health Benefits Comparison
Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) Benefits
- Prebiotic fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria
- Betalains provide anti-inflammatory effects
- Vitamin C supports immune function
- Hydrating with 87% water content
Lemon (Fresh, Raw) Benefits
- High vitamin C (31mg, 34% DV) for immune system support
- Contains hesperidin flavonoid that reduces LDL cholesterol 12-16%
- Citric acid enhances iron absorption by up to 300%
- Very low calorie (only 17 per whole lemon)
- Limonene in peel has anti-cancer properties in studies
Practical Considerations
💰 Cost
Dragon Fruit (Pitaya): Moderate
Lemon (Fresh, Raw): Moderate
🕒 Preparation
Dragon Fruit (Pitaya): Easy
Lemon (Fresh, Raw): Easy
📦 Storage
Dragon Fruit (Pitaya): Refrigerate
Lemon (Fresh, Raw): Refrigerate
🍽️ Versatility
Dragon Fruit (Pitaya): Very versatile
Lemon (Fresh, Raw): Very versatile
The Bottom Line
Both Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) and Lemon (Fresh, Raw) are nutritious choices with unique benefits. Your choice depends on your specific health goals, dietary preferences, and lifestyle.
Choose Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) if: Choose dragon fruit for unique antioxidants (betalains), prebiotic fiber, iron, and visual appeal. Best for gut health and Instagram-worthy bowls.
Choose Lemon (Fresh, Raw) if: Choose lemon for higher vitamin C (31mg), proven benefits, lower cost, and year-round availability. Best for daily immune support.
Best approach? Include both in your diet to get a wider range of nutrients!
Track Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) and Lemon (Fresh, Raw) in Nutrivio
Compare how Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) and Lemon (Fresh, Raw) fit into your personalized nutrition goals. Track macros, calories, and micronutrients to make informed food choices.