Benefits Of Passion Fruit

Passion fruit is a small egg-shaped tropical fruit, which is also known by the name of Purple Granadillas. Passion fruit contains several seeds and has wrinkled purple brown rind on maturing. The seeds and the pulp inside, both are edible, making it easier to consume the fruit. Moreover, the pulp of the fruit has a distinct aroma and has a slightly sweet taste. In tropical countries, passion fruit is primarily used for juicing. The fruit is about 1 - 3 inches wide, with a smooth and waxy coating outside. Apart from its pleasant taste and appearance, the fruit is known for its various health benefits. To know about the nutritional value and benefits of Passion fruit, read on.

 

Nutritional Value of Passion Fruit

• ·         Given below is the nutrient value per 100 g of Passion Fruit 
• ·         Total Fat -1g
• ·         Sodium - 28mg 
• ·         Total Carbohydrates - 23g 
• ·         Dietary Fiber - 10g 
• ·         Sugars - 11g
• ·         Protein - 2g
• ·         Vitamin A - 1272 IU
• ·         Retional Activity Equivalent - 64 mcg 
• ·         Beta Carotene - 743 mcg 
• ·         Beta Cryptoxanthin - 41 mcg 
• ·         Vitamin C - 30 mg
• ·         Vitamin E - 0.02 mg
• ·         Vitamin K - 0.7 mcg
• ·         Riboflavin - 0.13 mg
• ·         Niacin - 1.5 mg
• ·         Vitamin B6 - 0.1 mg
• ·         Folate - 14 mcg  
• ·         Food Folate - 14 5.6 mcg
• ·         Dietary Folate Equivalents - 14 mcg
• ·         Calcium - 12 mg  
• ·         Iron - 1.6 mg  
• ·         Magnesium - 29 mg
• ·         Phosphorus - 68 mg
• ·         Potassium - 348 mg
• ·         Sodium - 28 mg
• ·         Zinc - 0.1 mg
• ·         Copper - 0.086 mg
• ·         Selenium - 0.6 mcg
• ·         Total Fat - 0.7 mg
• ·         Saturated Fat - 0.059 mg
• ·         Monounsaturated Fat - 0.086 mg
• ·         Polyunsaturated Fat - 0.411 mg 

 

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Passion Fruit 

• ·         The juice of passion fruit reduces cancer cell growth. Though research is underway on this issue, the phytochemicals in the fruit juice are considered to inhibit cancer cell growth.
• ·         The phenolic acids and flavonoids present in the fruit are supposed to possess heart-protecting function.
• ·         The phenolic profile of the fruit is known for its anti-microbial activity.
• ·         Passion fruit is a good source of antioxidants, both water soluble and fat soluble ones.
• ·         Passion fruit is considered good for products which require pasteurization.
• ·         The fruit is quite high in carbohydrates and simple sugars, which improves athletic performance.
• ·         It contains plant sterols, which help in lowering the levels of cholesterol.
• ·         Passion fruit is a reservoir of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Potassium.
• ·         The seeds of the fruit are very vital sources of fiber.
• ·         It is supposed to possess somniferous properties, which when taken before going to bed, help the person to relax and have a restful sleep.
• ·         It is very good for attaining optimum health and to reduce weight.

 

 Benefits of Passion Fruit :

- The juice but mainly the leaves of passion fruit contain the alkaloids, including Harman, which has blood pressure lowering, sedative and antispasmodic action. The passion fruit leaves are used in many countries as medicines.

 

- The flower of passion fruit has a mild sedative and can help to induce sleep. Passion flower has been used in the treatment of nervous and easily excited children, bronchial asthma, insomnia, nervous gastrointestinal disorders and menopausal problems. Passion flower is sometimes used as a mild hallucinogen. 

- Researchers at the University of Florida have found that yellow passion fruit extracts can kill cancer cells in vitro. The phytochemicals which are responsible for this anti-cancer effect are carotenoids and polyphenols. 

- A study by Watson and his co-workers showed that the consumption of purple passion fruit peel extract can reduce asthma symptoms. They selected 42 patients received an oral administration of purple passion fruit extract. The passion fruit extract supplementation reduced the wheezing by 75 percent and increased forced vital capacity.