By Saminu Machunga (Thecable.ng)
Passion fruit is a nutritious tropical fruit popular among the health conscious.
Also known as granadilla, passion fruit is low in calories and high in nutrients.
The fruit is native to sub-tropical wild regions of South America.
Here are eight good reasons you should eat it often.
1. Respiratory conditions and asthma
Recent studies have shown that a combination of various extracts from the purple passion fruit peel creates a novel mixture of bioflavonoids which have an expectorant, sedative, and soothing effect on the respiratory system.
2. Insomnia
One often overlooked compound in passion fruit is medicinal alkaloids, including Harman, which functions as a sedative.
This compound of passion fruit is linked to a reduction in restlessness, insomnia, sleeplessness, and nervous anxiety which can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.
3. Bone health and mineral density
Since passion fruit is such a rich source of minerals like iron, copper, magnesium, and phosphorus, it is very important for increasing mineral bone density and bone strength.
Some of these minerals are integral in creating additional bone matter, strengthening existing bone matter, and speeding up repair.
4. Improved circulation
When combined with the vasodilating properties of potassium, the high iron and copper content of passion fruit can really make an impact.
Iron and copper are both essential components of red blood cell production, so once the red blood cell count increases and the vessels are dilated, then healthy, oxygenated blood can flow freely to necessary areas of the body, stimulating the metabolic activity in all the organ systems and boosting productivity and efficiency.
5. Blood pressure
If you eat one serving of passion fruit each day, you can satisfy one-fourth of your potassium needs.
Potassium is vital to the human body for a number of reasons, one of which is its role as a vasodilator. It relaxes the tension of blood vessels and promotes increased blood flow. This reduces the strain on the heart and increases overall cardiovascular health.
6. Digestive health
Passion fruits are a very strong source of fiber, and a single serving provides the human body with approximately 98% of its daily requirement.
Fiber is an essential component of a healthy diet since it is the substance that facilitates healthy digestion of food and regulation of bowel movements.
7. Cancer prevention
Passion fruit is a powerful source of anti-carcinogenic activity in the body.
Antioxidants in passion fruit primarily eliminate free radicals, which are known for mutating the DNA of healthy cells into cancerous ones.
8. Immune system
The immune strengthening property of passion fruit is due to the presence of vitamin C, carotene, and cryptoxanthin.
In fact, a single serving of passion fruit has more than 100% of the total required intake of vitamin C for a healthy diet.
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