Passionfruit, also known as granadilla, is a sweet tropical fruit, with yellow or purple skin. It is slightly oval in shape, grows nearly everywhere and is native to subtropical wild regions of South America.
Fresh passionfruit provides a rich source of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. In fact, this fruit is especially abundant in B vitamins, vitamins A and C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, folate, copper, iron, phosphorus, and protein.
Here are the many health benefits of passionfruit:
- Cardiovascular health
Passionfruit is extremely rich in dietary fiber. Thus, heps you lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for diabetes and heart disease.
- Colon cleanser
The antioxidants in passionfruit destroy the toxins that build up in the intestines and gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it detoxifies the colon and assures healthy bowel movements.
- Anti-cancer
This fruit is surprisingly rich in certain phytonutrients such as apigenin, caffeic acid, luteolin, and beta carotene. All of them working together are perfect as an anti-cancer drug.
- Blood pressure
The high potassium levels help to balance the electrolytes that maintain the heart muscles. Therefore, its consumption benefits heart health and lowers high blood pressure.
- Mood booster
Eating passionfruit can relax the central nervous system. Thus helps to improve your mood, treat depression and anxiety, and promote your sleep.
- Vision health
The fruit carries a very good amount of vitamin A, C, and flavonoids which helps to protect your eyes from free radicals.
Here is a passionfruit smoothie recipe with loads of antioxidants:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup thawed frozen or fresh passion fruit pulp
- 2 Medjool dates pitted
- 1 ripe and spotted banana, peeled, sliced, frosted
- 2/3 cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1 heaping cup raw strawberries, hulled
- 1 tablespoon finely-diced beets (optionally)
Preparation:
You need to combine the passion fruit, strawberries, banana, and Medjool dates in a blender. Then, pour the milk over and add the beets if you want to enhance the taste and color. Lastly, blend the mixture for a few minutes, till you get a smooth texture.