Overview

Passion fruit is also known as the ‘fruit lover’, ‘the king of fruits, ‘love fruit’, and ‘maracuja’,¹ and ‘spice fruit’.² It typically originates from South America. In 2017, approximately 1.5 million tons of passion fruit were produced worldwide.² Passion fruit is known to have many nutrients, and vitamins that are beneficial to our health which will be explored further in this article.

What is passion fruit?

As previously mentioned, passion fruit originates from South American countries, such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, growing out of passion flowers. Passion flowers are also known as passion vines or Passiflora.³

However different types of passion fruit can be found all over the world. There are four main types of passionfruit:⁴

1. Purple passion fruit: This is the most common type of passion fruit that is grown in South America and Mexico.
2. Yellow passion fruit: This type of passion fruit differentiates from purple passion fruit due to it being slightly larger as well as its golden yellow colour. It is commonly found in Northeast or South India.
3. Giant granadilla: It is a greenish-yellow colour and can be found in the tropical regions of America and Asia.
4. Hybrid passion fruit: Also known as ‘Kaveri’ and has both purple and yellow colours, developed in India via passion fruit breeding.

More details on their species, habitat/distribution and characteristics can be found in this study.

Nutrition of passion fruit

In general, passion fruit is known for having a hard exterior. When they are cut open, they contain a yellow pulp which contains seeds that are sweet but also have a tart taste. Passion fruit has low calories, and contains the following nutrients in approximately 15 grams of passion fruit:⁵

• 5kcal/23KJ energy
• 0.9g carbohydrate
• 0.7g fibre
• 0.4g protein
• 0.1g fat
• 30mg potassium
• 4mg magnesium
• 3mg vitamin C
• 2mg calcium

Passion fruits also contain high levels of Vitamin A, B2, and B3, as well as folic acid, phosphorous, iron and zinc,⁶ which are all beneficial to our health. More information on the nutrients contained in passion fruit can be found in this study. Some of the benefits of the nutrition contained in passion fruit are outlined below.

What are the health benefits of passion fruit?

Passion fruit contains several nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial to our health. Here are some health benefits obtained from the consumption of passion fruit:

High levels of antioxidants

Passion fruit has high levels of antioxidants, due to Vitamin C, which are vital in combating the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable compounds that can over time cause damage to our bodies. Starting locally around certain organs to cause harmful diseases that affect our health.⁷ Thus, passion fruit has been found to increase antioxidant activity in the liver, kidneys, plasma and adipose tissues (also known as body fat).⁸ 

Anti-inflammatory properties

Passion fruit contains high levels of Vitamin C, which not only is an antioxidant but also contains anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, anti-inflammatory properties work hand in hand with antioxidants to strengthen our immune system and protect our bodies from damage free radicals can cause.⁹

Good source of fibre

Passion fruit seeds contain a good source of fibre. Fibre is essential in improving intestinal health, how we digest food to gain sufficient nutrients that can be beneficial to our health. The intestinal system is vital to health as it helps to detox our bodies effectively, by eliminating bacteria and regulating our internal water balance. All of these digestive processes are essential to maintaining healthy intestinal function within our bodies.¹⁰ 

Anti-diabetic activity

The peels of passion fruits can be dried and ground into a powder and are particularly beneficial for the health of those with diabetes. This is because it can lower the blood pressure and body weight of diabetics. Additionally, intake of passion fruit peel powder can significantly improve the levels of high-density lipoproteins (also known as HDL or the ‘good cholesterol’), and increase insulin sensitivity. Passion fruit peels can reduce the concentrations of low-density lipoproteins (LDL or the ‘bad cholesterol’), triglycerides (a type of fat which circulates in the blood), leptin (hormone to maintain appetite) and glucose.^11,12 As a result, the consumption of passion fruit peel powder is also beneficial in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, lowering the risk of gastrointestinal disease and obesity.^11,12 Also, the seeds of passion fruit have been found to lower cholesterol in the body.⁷  

Cardiovascular effects

High potassium content and the lack of sodium in passionfruit have been found to keep the heart healthy. Passion fruit lowers blood pressure and thus has antihypertensive activity which significantly improves our heart’s health.⁷ Moreover, the passion fruit peel has been shown to improve vascular function by decreasing the risk of the arteries stiffening and constricting (also known as vascular hypercontractility and endothelial dysfunction). Also, the passion fruit peel increases the vasorelaxant properties of the heart, improving the blood flow in the body.¹³ A study has shown that this is due to the high content of piceatannol, especially within its seeds. Piceatannol is a type of polyphenol, that is naturally found in plants and fruits. Piceatonnal ensures the endothelial cells function properly to improve vascular function.¹⁴ 

Antitumour activity

Pinecetannol has been found to also contribute to the antitumor properties contained in passion fruit.¹⁵ A study has shown that extracts from passion fruit seeds have been shown to reduce antitumour activity by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Thus preventing cancer cells from developing into secondary tumours via spreading to different parts and/or organs within the body.^3,7 

Sedative and anxiolytic properties

Passion fruits were traditionally used in folk medicine as a sedative to aid with getting a good night’s rest. Recent research has shown that not only does passion fruit have sedative properties, but can also be used to treat or prevent neurological disorders such as insomnia and depression.^16,17 As well as it contains anxiolytic properties to help reduce anxiety.¹⁸ Further to this, passion fruits are also beneficial in improving brain function.⁶

How does one eat passion fruit?

There are several recipes and cookbooks on how to consume passionfruit. Passionfruit can be used to make drinks, and desserts, and can be added to yoghurts and salads. This study outlines some more ways that passionfruit can be consumed.¹ 

What are some other uses of passion fruit?

Passionfruit, and its byproducts, such as the pulp or peel, are used in different industries, including:^3,4

• Pharmaceutical
• Healthcare products
• Cosmetics
• Food products
• Dietary supplements and more

Latex-fruit syndrome

Although rare, it is possible to have a passion fruit allergy, especially for individuals with a latex allergy. This is often referred to as the ‘latex-fruit syndrome’.¹⁹ The cross-reactivity is because passion fruit contains similar proteins found in latex which cause an allergic reaction for certain individuals.¹⁴ Some of the symptoms related to the latex-fruit syndrome when consuming passion fruit include:²⁰

• Ocular itching (itchy eyes)
• Tongue swelling
• Sneezing
• Breathing difficulty
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction)
• Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
• Cough
• Dysphonia (abnormal voice suddenly or gradually over time)
• Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
• Lacrimation (abnormal secretion of tears)
• Urticaria (hives)
• Oropharyngeal pruritus (itching of the throat, mouth, face, lip and/or tongue)

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, it is advised to stop consuming passion fruit to avoid experiencing severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.

Summary

There are different types of passion fruits grown worldwide, especially in South America. Although, passion fruits can vary in colour and size. They are generally known for being low in calories and high in nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial to our health. There are many recipes available online and in cookbooks on how to consume passion fruit. Passion fruit peel can be dried and ground to a powder which has anti-diabetic properties. Overall, passion fruit contains many key properties that are beneficial for our health such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation and sedative properties. Individuals with a latex allergy should take extreme care when consuming passion fruit, to avoid experiencing a severe allergic reaction.