Passion fruit is a vine species native from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. It is also known as Granadilla or Krishna Phal and had named after its flower which comes from one of the hundred species of the passion flower. Passion fruit is a type of berry which is seedy, sweet-sour, and highly aromatic. It has varieties from purple passion fruit to yellow and golden one and also hybrids like the Kavery.
Nutritional Value Of Passion Fruit
The fruit’s list of health benefits is commonly attributed to its nutrient, vitamins, and mineral content which includes flavonoids, antioxidants, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, protein, fiber, iron, niacin, riboflavin, potassium, and phosphorus. Since the percentage of many of its vitamins and minerals are high, consumption of passion fruit can result in a number of amazing health benefits.
Good For Diabetics
Passion fruits are high in fiber content (10.4%) and low in glycemic index (G), thereby making it a great fruit to maintain insulin levels for diabetics. As this fruit is high in fiber like pectin, it can make you feel full without increasing the calorie intake, according to Dr. Sandhya Mishra, Diabetes Specialist.
Helps Prevent Cancer
Passion fruit can be a strong source for enhancing anti-carcinogenic activity in the body. Its antioxidants can eliminate free radicals, which are known to mutate the DNA of healthy cells into cancerous ones. Its vitamin A, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids are all linked to anti-cancer properties, particularly in terms of lung and oral cancers.
Helps Prevent Osteoporosis
Passion fruit is rich in minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorous. All these minerals help in maintaining bone density, thus aiding in the speedy recovery of bones and prevents osteoporosis.
Helps Maintain A Younger Looking Skin
Passion fruits have many antioxidants, like vitamin A and C, carotene, and riboflavin, which we all know are good for our skin. These antioxidants reduce the production of free radicals in the body, which can cause skin aging. Plus, passion fruit has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin.
Helps Keep Our Heart Healthy
It can help in regulating the thyroid activity in our body due to its richness in riboflavin (vitamin B6) and niacin (vitamin B3). It can also keep your heart functions running smoothly by preventing the hardening of the arterial walls of the heart (atherosclerosis).
Helps Treat Insomnia
Found in Passion fruit is a medical alkaloid known as Harman, which functions as a sedative. Harman has been linked to a reduction in insomnia, nervous anxiety, and restlessness, which can all keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. Instead of a glass of warm milk, next time try reaching for a slice of passion fruit and head back to your pillow!
Helps Boost Immunity
Passion fruit can step up your immunity since it is highly rich in Vitamin C, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Moreover, it also contains iron, which increases the hemoglobin in the red blood cells.