Passion Fruit: Benefits, Uses & Nutritional Powerhouse for Skin, Hair & Health

Also known as Granadilla, passion fruit is an aromatic fruit with a sweet tart flavor. This fruit is native to the subtropical regions of South America and is said to have originated in Paraguay (1). Passion fruits are round to oval in shape with a soft to firm juicy interior, filled with numerous seeds. There are generally two main varieties of passion fruit, yellow and purple. Yellow fruits are generally larger than the purple ones but the pulp of the purple fruit is less acidic and has a richer aroma and flavor. Moreover, the purple fruit has a higher proportion of juicy pulp. Passion fruit plant is a climber which can grow on anything as it can grab through tendrils. This fruit can be eaten as it is or it can be juiced. Its juice is often added to other fruit juices to enhance their aroma.

This exotic fruit has amazing healing properties and its aroma has a strong calming effect. Being low in fat and an extraordinary source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, dietary fiber, potassium, carbohydrates and proteins, passion fruit can fulfill almost all the dietary needs on a daily basis. Even its seeds are edible and highly nutritious.

Types of Passion Fruits:

There are various types of passion fruits depending upon the type of cultivar. These are available at different places. Some of the common types are given below (2).

• Purple Passion Fruit: This is one of the most common varieties which feature tiny globular or ovoid fruits, about 4 to 9 centimeters in length and 4 to 7 centimeters in diameter. They have a breakable pericarp and a darkish yellow pulp which occupies 35 to 50% of the fruit’s weight. It has its origin in Southern Brazil, Northern Argentina and Paraguay.

• Yellow Passion Fruit: Yellow passion fruit is more energetic in comparison to the purple variety. These fruits are spherical to oblong and have a smooth yellow surface. Their pericarp is tougher and they are larger with a length of 6 to 12 centimeters and diameter of 4 to 7 centimeters. They are comparatively less savory and a little more acidic.

• Sweet Passion Fruit: Also known as sweet granadilla, this fruit is widely found in Mexico, Bolivia and Venezuela. The fruits are spherical to ovoid in shape measuring 5 to 9 centimeters in length and 4 to 7 centimeters in diameter. Its pericarp is slim and breakable, pale brown to orange and often violet in color with little pale spots or blotches. It has a pale grey pulp which is fragrant and somewhat acidulous.

• Giant Passion Fruit: This fruit has its origin in the West Indies. It is yellowish green and sometimes pinkish in color. It is ovoid to oblong in shape measuring about 20 to 30 centimeters in length and 18 centimeters in diameter. It has a pale white to orangey pulp which is sweet and acidulous.

• Banana Passion Fruit: This is basically an oblong fruit measuring about 6 to 20 centimeters in length and 3 to 5 centimeters in diameter. It has a pale yellow and sometimes green pericarp which is thin and versatile yet leathery. Its pulp is salmon pink to dark orange in color and occupies 60% of the fruit’s weight. It has a lower level of acidity and a pleasant fragrance with astringent qualities.

Health Benefits of Passion Fruit:

Being packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, this exotic fruit boasts of several health benefits given below.

1. Anti-cancer Properties:

Passion fruit extracts have been proven to be effective in killing cancer cells. The carotenoids and polyphenols found in the fruit are powerful antioxidants that can inhibit cancer cell growth (3).

2. Promotes Relaxation and Cures Insomnia:

Drinking a glass of cold passion fruit juice relaxes your nerves and has a calming effect on your mind. Passion fruit is often used to cure digestive problems and gastric diseases. This fruit is particularly beneficial for people with insomnia or sleeping disorders (4). It possesses somniferous properties, which when taken before going to bed, help you to relax and have a peaceful sleep. A glass of passion fruit juice before going to bed is quite effective in this regard.

3. Good for Digestive Health:

Passion fruit has a high content of fiber which is good for digestive health and for keeping the digestive tract and intestines clean. Thus, it acts as a mild laxative. The seeds of this fruit are also a great source of fiber which helps to cleanse the colon and improve digestion (5).

4. Relieves Asthma:

Being highly nutritious and healthy, passion fruit can soothe asthma attacks. Moreover, it contains Vitamin C which has a blocking effect of histamine that causes asthma symptoms. A recent study has proved that the purple passion fruit extract, being rich in flavonoids, can ease wheezing (6).

5. Relieves Osteoarthritis:

Purple passion fruit extract has been proven to be beneficial in reducing osteoarthritis induced pain and stiffness (7).

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