Featuring a powerful and nutritious health profile, the passion fruit is an exotic fruit that is usually purple with a tart flavor. The inside of the passion fruit is firm, juicy meat containing many seeds. It is a tropical fruit that grows in warm climates including Australia, South America, and India. Over the years, many studies have been conducted to observe the potential health benefits of passion fruit. Since many of them have come to light, it is only right that we discuss them in detail. Let’s begin.
May Help With Diabetes
The first major benefit of passion fruit is that it features a low glycemic index and a high fiber content. This might help patients suffering from diabetes. Moreover, it also contains pectin, a particular type of fiber that is responsible for keeping you full without having to intake additional calories. Since it has high fiber content, the sugar in the fruit is absorbed slowly into the bloodstream. As a result, the cravings and sugar crashes are prevented.
In addition to that, due to its hypoglycemic potential, experts suggest that passion fruit can be used in dietary treatments as a dietary supplement as well. It might also lower serum cholesterol and improve insulin functioning.
May protect the heart and regulate blood pressure
Passion fruit has been found and observed to have a huge concentration of potassium, which is an important mineral responsible for regulating blood pressure levels. Furthermore, potassium is responsible for relaxing the blood vessels and enhancing the flow of blood. One study conducted on rats found that passion fruit peel may be used to treat hypertension. However, more study is required to prove the relationship between peel extract and blood pressure control in humans.
Might Help Reduce Cancer Risk
Passion fruit packs powerful antioxidants that are responsible for fighting against free radical cells. These cells put the body under a tremendous amount of strain, negatively affecting it in the long run and ultimately leading to the development of tumors and cancers. Anti-oxidants on the other hand, fight against these cells and protect the body, hence, reducing the risk of cancer. Moreover, the passionflower contains chrysin a compound that has been studied for its anticancer activities. Another compound found in passion fruit is piceatannol, which has been found to kill colorectal cancer cells.
Might help boost immunity
Passion fruit tends to contain carotene, vitamin C, and cryptoxanthin. All these nutrients play a crucial role in boosting the immune system. In addition to that, vitamin C also helps stimulate the activity of white blood cells. As a result, your immune system becomes stronger and protects the body more effectively.
Might help improve digestive health
Since passion fruit contains a sufficient amount of fiber, it is an ideal fruit to be added to your everyday diet. Both its rind and pulp contain soluble fiber. Dietary fiber in that respect acts as a laxative and encourages bowel movements. As a result, the fiber helps reduce the chances of constipation and cholesterol levels.
Might improve skin complexion
The skin requires vitamin A to maintain its natural complexion and passion fruit is a great source for that. Other antioxidants found in passion fruit such as riboflavin, vitamin C, and carotene help boost the skin’s complexion and health. This helps delay or reduce the chances of premature aging.
Might help with anxiety and cognitive health
Back in the day, no one had imagined that passion fruit could help prevent cognitive decline until several studies were conducted. Today, studies show that folate and potassium found in passion fruit have a huge role to play in cognition and blood flow. For instance, potassium helps regulate the blood flow while folate helps prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, some researchers also state that passion flow might also help reduce anxiety. It contains several antioxidants that fight inflammation.
May strengthen bones
Passion fruit contains a huge concentration of calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Therefore, if you were to incorporate it into your daily diet, you might end up strengthening your bones at the end of the day. Keep in mind that you will need to consume it regularly to reap the benefits. Furthermore, these minerals help maintain bone density and help prevent diseases like osteoporosis. Studies have also shown that the passion fruit peel extract also features anti-inflammatory properties.
Might treat respiratory ailments
The respiratory system can benefit from the mixture of flavonoids found in passion fruit. Studies have shown that the extracts of passion fruit can help ease the cough, wheezing, and asthma. However, more thorough research is needed to verify the claims.
Might be beneficial during pregnancy
The presence of folate in passion fruit helps in the development and growth of the fetus and prevents neural tube defects taking place in infants. Pregnant women need folate before and during pregnancy and also during breastfeeding. It will help boost immunity and strengthen bones as well.
Final Word
Passion fruit is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. As a result, it has a lot of health benefits to offer. Moreover, it is easy to add to your daily diet as well. However, be aware of the side effects as well. If you have allergies, you might want to consult a doctor first.