Passion fruit is an exotic purple fruit with a healthful nutritional profile and a range of health benefits.
Passion fruit is a flowering tropical vine, known as Passiflora, that grows in warm climates, including Kenya, South America, Australia, South Africa, and India.
Passion fruit contains a soft pulp and lots of seeds inside a hard rind. People can eat the seeds and pulp, juice it, or add it to other juices.
Passion fruit has recently gained a lot of attention because it is a rich source of powerful antioxidants and may also have other health benefits.
1. Provides key nutrients
Passion fruit is a beneficial fruit with a healthful nutrition profile. It contains high levels of vitamin A, which is important for skin, vision, and the immune system, and vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant.
One fruit without the refuse contains the following nutrientsTrusted Source in milligrams (mg), international units (IU), or grams (g):
229 IU of vitamin A
63 mg of potassium
5 mg of magnesium
5.4 mg of vitamin C
2 mg of calcium
0.29 mg of iron
1.9 g of fiber
Passion fruit also contains phosphorus, niacin, and vitamin B-6, which a healthy body needs.
2. Rich in antioxidants
Passion fruit is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help to mop up harmful free radicals in the body.
Antioxidants play a vital role in keeping the body systems healthy. Scientists know that antioxidants improve blood flow, specifically to the brain and nervous system.
They also reduce cellular stress and reduce inflammation in the body, both of which have links to diseases, such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Good source of fiber
Passion fruit pulp contains a lot of dietary fiber. Fiber is a crucial component of every diet. It helps regulate the digestive system and keep the gut healthy, preventing constipation and bowel disorders.
According to the American Heart Association, fiber also has benefits in reducing cholesterol and boosting heart health.
Most people in America do not get enough dietary fiber. The recommended intakeTrusted Source is 33.6 g for men ages 19–30 and 28 g for women ages 19–30, though most Americans get around 16 g, according to a 2008 studyTrusted Source.
Eating passion fruit regularly may help to prevent constipation and improve digestion and overall health.
4. Low glycemic index
Passion fruit is a tropical fruit that has a low glycemic index (GI) value. This means that it does not cause a steep increase in blood sugar after eating it, making it a good option for people with diabetes.
Most fruits have a low GI, though the American Diabetes Association warn that melon and pineapple have a high GI.
5. Boosts the immune system
Passion fruit is rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
6. Supports heart health
Passion fruit is loaded with heart-healthy potassium and is also low in sodium.
Passion fruit, when eaten with the seeds, contains a lot of fiber, which can help to remove excess cholesterol from the inside of blood vessels. A high-fiber diet can reduce a person’s risk of heart disease.
In addition, eating passion fruit may help to normalize blood pressure. Diets low in sodium and rich in potassium help to decrease blood pressure.
Vitamin C boosts the immune system by helping the body absorb more iron from plant-based foods, and may improve the body’s ability to fight off infections in the body.