What is Cystatin C?

Cystatin C is a protein that inhibits the breakdown of other proteins. It is produced by most cells in the body and can be found in all bodily fluids [R, R, R].

This protein plays a variety of roles: it’s involved in growth, bone metabolism, and studies suggest it protects the brain against injury and some neurodegenerative diseases [R, R].

Cystatin C is almost completely broken down in the kidneys (>99%). In healthy people, both the production and the breakdown of this protein happen at a relatively constant rate. But if your kidneys are not working properly, cystatin C builds up in the blood [R, R, R]. That is why this molecule can tell us how well our kidneys are working.

Because kidney function is tightly interwoven with the function of other organs in the body, studies suggest that higher cystatin may also predict a higher risk of heart disease, cognitive dysfunction, and all-cause mortality [R, R, R].

On the other hand, researchers found that lower levels may be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and aneurysms [R, R, R].

Cystatin C Test

Normal Range

The normal range of cystatin C is around 0.62 – 1.15 mg/L. Values can vary between laboratories. Generally, higher cystatin C levels point to poor kidney function [R].

Advantages and Disadvantages over Creatinine

Pros

Cystatin C can be used as a replacement for blood creatinine for the assessment of kidney function.

It has several advantages over creatinine:

• Its levels don’t depend on muscle mass, physical activity, or protein intake. That’s why it can be used in people who lost muscle mass, such as the elderly and people with chronic disease (e.g. heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and AIDS) [R, R, R, R].
• It can detect mild decreases in kidney function, known as “preclinical kidney dysfunction”. Creatinine, on the other hand, doesn’t increase until 50% of kidney function is lost [R, R, R].
• It rises faster than creatinine, and therefore it can detect kidney injury faster [R, R

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What Is Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit is a stunning fruit that is found in several colors. The skin can vary from a deep magenta to a pinkish-red while the flesh is white or red. There is also a variety with yellow skin and white flesh. Dragon fruit looks almost as if it has scales or fins, a little like an artichoke [R].

It is also known as pitaya, pitahaya, or strawberry pear – all common names of a fruit produced by several different species in the cactus family (Cactaceae). The fruit grows on a vine with edible flowers that only bloom at night [R].

It is native to Southern Mexico and Central America and is thought to have been brought to Southeast Asia by the French around 1860. It is now cultivated all over the world in tropical and subtropical areas [R].

Historically, at least one species has been an important food source for some tribes of Native Americans. It is currently enjoyed in the culinary world for its uniqueness and is easy to spot in supermarkets.

Among many species of dragon fruit, the most common one you will find is called red pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) – pinkish-red on the outside with white flesh on the inside. Most research tends to be focused on the red-flesh variety, which is called red dragon fruit and is commonly sold as frozen, bite-sized cubes [R].

Evidence suggests it has many health benefits due to its antioxidants and nutrients.

What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?

While most dragon fruit tastes slightly sweet, some species can be tart. The texture resembles that of a melon, but there are small black seeds throughout that make it somewhat crunchy and similar in flavor and texture to a kiwi.

Snapshot

Proponents:

• Rich in antioxidants and nutrients
• Unique taste
• May help decrease cancer risk
• Supports gut health
• Protects the heart
• Helps fight diabetes
• Seed oil nourishes the hair and skin

Skeptics:

• Nutritional values vary
• May be high in calories
• May have food-drug interactions
• Allergies are possible

Nutrition Facts

Because several

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