passion fruit : general characteristics
The plant of passion fruit, whose scientific name is Passiflora edulis, belongs to the Passifloraceae family and is native to tropical regions, particularly Brazil is a climbing plant also known as passion fruit, the name that has nothing to do attributed with aphrodisiac properties because it evoked from the noun "passion". Instead, the name originates from some elements that form the flower and who remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In fact, if you look closely the corolla of the flower you can associate its image with a crown of thorns while the pistils bring to mind the nails of the crucifixion.
The fruit has an oval shape and has inside a soft and fragrant yellowish pulp containing many seeds edible. The peel, not edible, it is quite thick and sturdy, with a color ranging from yellow to dark purple, depending on the species to which it belongs. The taste of passion fruit overall is sweet, but with a bit sour that makes it special.
The best known species of passion fruit are Passiflora edulis, also called purple passion fruit, and Passiflora edulis flavicarpa, also known as the yellow passion fruit. The plant of passion fruit, if planted on land with the right humidity, fertile and well drained, thrives and can reach a height of 20 meters in a year. The plant flowers in the summer season, from July to September, and has beautiful white flowers with purple-colored center in pink shades. Typically this plant lives little, no more than 7-8 years after planting.
Passion fruit: Properties
This fruit, thanks to the extraordinary nutritional characteristics, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is able to protect the skin against the elements and counteract the action of free radicals. According to recent studies, in fact, it seems that the antioxidant properties contained in the fruit due to flavonoids, act with a deep anti-wrinkle action and counteract premature aging. In addition, flavonoids act as protection to all the various pathologies originated from cellular aging, especially neoplasms and cardiovascular problems.
Composed for the most part by water, and also from fat, protein, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, sugars, mineral salts and also many vitamins, this fruit has excellent digestive properties and acts on the organism favoring the intestinal regularity. The passion fruit has pain-relieving properties and also acts as an analgesic in the presence of inflammatory states of different nature. Also, its calming properties are a valuable aid against stress and its expectorant properties act to great effect on the respiratory system, especially in cases of asthma and other breathing problems.
passion fruit : The health benefits
Known for its many benefits, passion fruit improves the health of the heart and intestines. Its pulp is digested and contains a large amount of pectin, a soluble dietary fiber that is also found in fruits such as apples and pears and perfect to promote intestinal regularity. This characteristic helps to combat constipation and to preserve the colon, is useful for preventing colitis and can bring benefits in cases of gastritis thanks to the presence of mucilage. Furthermore, the pectin which is located in the passion fruit shape in the stomach very similar to the jelly substance that causes a sense of satiety and slows the absorption of carbohydrates, bringing benefits on fat metabolism and accumulation of cholesterol.
The passion fruit is also a valuable ally against cellulite and water retention and supports the cleansing of the arteries, protects the heart and cardiovascular system. The passion fruit also has a beneficial effect in patients with diabetes type 2. To prove it is a research published in 2012 by Nutrition Journal, according to which the result would be able to reduce insulin resistance.
Also effective in combating stress, passion fruit is beneficial to the nervous system, to anxiety and insomnia: just prepare an infusion and the noise will disappear. Substantial benefits also on pelle3, thanks to the presence of Vitamin A that keeps healthy mucous membranes and skin and helps protect the body from lung cancer and oral cavity.
The passion fruit (passion fruit) is also good for sight: the growing presence of vitamin A and beta-carotene brings considerable benefits to eye health, preventing cataracts, macular degeneration and blindness. The fruit also acts with great benefits on blood pressure, thanks to the good potassium content, which relaxes the walls of blood vessels and allows more blood supply. Once the blood pressure is decreased there is an increase of cardiovascular health.
Passion fruit: nutritional values and calories:
Here are the nutritional values of passion fruit:
Fat 0.7 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 28 mg
Potassium 348 mg
23 g carbohydrates
Sugars 11 g
10 g fiber
Protein 2.2 g
Calories: 90 k cal per 100 grams values.
Passion fruit : all uses
Rather known for the juice from the knob, the passion fruit is widely used in cocktails and other beverages to enhance the flavor and taste. The fresh fruit is great to be consumed natural, maybe cut in half and gnawed with a teaspoon, whether in the form of creams, mousses and tasty jams, but also sorbets, desserts and great sauces. Perfect to add to the plain yogurt and exotic smoothies, or as a sauce for seasoning fish and seafood, the passion fruit accompanies each food with its strong and decisive taste, infusing a touch of intensity which is not bad. Even the skins and the seeds of passion fruit are used, the first as food for the animals, the latter for oil extraction.
Even in the passion fruit cosmetics industry is used as an ingredient for shower gel, moisturizing shampoo, gel for the skin, scented creams, massage oils, bath salts and even air fresheners.
Passion fruit: contraindications and side effects
Generally passion fruit reveals no specific contraindications or side effects, however, there are at least two cases where the fruit should be eaten in moderation, in order to avoid annoying problems. The first concerns intestinal disorders: if you do not want to have abdominal pain or cramp is best to avoid consuming the fruit in excessive amounts. The second case concerns the people who are allergic or intolerant to lactose, and also they must not go further in the passion fruit consumption. Moreover, even people allergic to the fruit itself or to latex should suspend the consumer not to create problems in the stomach.
