Vegetable products provide various vitamins and minerals, which are essential for many functions of the human organism, but mainly fruits offer our diet a wide variety of micronutrients and among these fruits is passion fruit .
Next, we share this article where we explain what passion fruit is and what are its most outstanding benefits for the health of human beings.
What is passion fruit?
Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) , also known in other countries as passion fruit or passion fruit , is a climbing plant that originates from South and Central America. It belongs to the genus Passiflora , from which a fruit with the same name and with different species is obtained. (1)
It is a fruit very rich in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates among other nutritional components, which make it interesting for human health.
Note: The passion fruit has small dark colored seeds, it is juicy, with an acid and aromatic flavor , its pulp is gelatinous and can occupy 40% of the volume of the fruit.
What are the benefits of passion fruit?
Due to its nutritional properties, passion fruit can provide humans with the following health benefits:
1. Strengthens the immune system
The passion fruit fruit contains chemical compounds with antioxidant properties, which have the ability to enhance the function of the immune system and act against the attack of microorganisms and pathogens.
Its content of vitamin C, provitamin A and phenolic compounds help prevent some common diseases such as colds, because combined with other minerals it stimulates the formation of white blood cells, essential cells in the fight against pathogens. (two)
To highlight: Statistical data indicates that passion fruit juice can provide up to 30% of the total daily requirement of vitamin C for an adult person. (3)
2. Controls blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
Thanks to the antioxidant properties of its nutritional components, the passion fruit has the ability to regulate bad cholesterol (LDL) and, in turn, high blood pressure.
You should know: Its soluble fiber content regulates the absorption of fats and sugars through the small intestine, limiting their presence in the bloodstream. (4)
3. Prevents degenerative diseases
The antioxidants present in passion fruit are molecules with the ability to reduce and eliminate the destructive action of free radicals, which are the cause of many degenerative diseases at the cerebral and cardiovascular level.
Note: The action of vitamin C as well as vitamin A and other phenolic compounds present in passion fruit prevent the premature appearance of these diseases. (5)
4. Improves respiratory problems
Despite the fact that there is not enough scientific evidence to support the potential of vitamin C against respiratory diseases of viral origin, traditional medicine has always resorted to the use of this vitamin to treat some common respiratory conditions such as colds.
To highlight: There are scientific trials that describe some effectiveness of vitamin C on pulmonary inflammatory processes such as asthma. (6)
5. Stimulates intestinal transit
Passion fruit contains a type of dietary fiber called pectin , a soluble fiber that, when in contact with food water, turns it into a gelatinous mass, already digested, favoring its transit through the small intestine.
You should know: A scientific article describes the benefits of soluble fiber such as pectin, in gastrointestinal health. (7)
6. Relieves muscle pain
Another therapeutic benefit that has been given to passion fruit is that it has anti-inflammatory properties on muscles and joints, relieving conditions caused by inflammatory and degenerative processes due to the action of free radicals.
Note: It has been described that the vitamins contained in this fruit act to reduce joint pain. (8)
7. Reduces insomnia, anxiety and depression
Another of the benefits of this plant is found in the leaves and flowers of passion fruit, which when prepared as an infusion have a calming effect . (9)
To highlight: Traditional medicine recommends in cases of depression , anxiety and insomnia , drink a cup of passion fruit tea to induce a peaceful and restful sleep.
8. Promotes healthy skin and hair
The vitamins of the passion fruit, especially its vitamin C, are involved in the synthesis of an essential protein for the skin and hair, such as collagen .
You should know: It is sufficiently documented that collagen, together with elastin and hyaluronic acid , promote good skin health as well as strengthen the hair structure.
Passion fruit properties
Passion fruit has important chemical and nutritional compounds that favor human health and that we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
The vitamins that are present in passion fruit are vitamin A, vitamin B2 , vitamin B3 , vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9 , vitamin C, vitamin E , and choline. Highlighting the presence of vitamin C and vitamin A , with a contribution of 30% of the recommended daily intake.
Note: Among the passion fruit minerals are calcium , phosphorus , iron , potassium , zinc , magnesium and selenium, highlighting the presence of phosphorus and potassium .
2. Other compounds
Passion fruit contains abundant water, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and omega 6 polyunsaturated fat. It also contains some polyphenols, which act as antioxidant compounds. (10)
How do you eat passion fruit?
The passion fruit, because the leaves, flowers and fruit can be used, can be consumed in different ways . As previously explained, the leaves and flowers of this plant are used in infusions to treat some pathologies of the Central Nervous System.
To highlight: The fruit as food can be consumed directly, its pulp can also be used to prepare juices and be part of different desserts and ice creams.
Key Findings
- The passion fruit strengthens the immune system, regulates blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Passion fruit prevents degenerative diseases and favors the production of collagen.
- The consumption of passion fruit stimulates the synthesis of red blood cells and white blood cells, in addition to promoting intestinal health.
- From the passion fruit , both its leaves and flowers can be used for infusions, as well as its pulp for food in the daily diet.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.