Prevents diabetes, cancer; know countless health benefits of this fruit

Passion fruit, the fruit of the Passiflora vine, is a highly beneficial fruit and is being consumed by man since ancient times. It has been used to treat diabetes and is known to prevent cancer and rheumatism. Here are the main advantages of relishing the fruit.

Checks diabetes

With a low glycemic index and high fibre content, passion fruit is ideal for diabetes patients. The pectin fibre in the fruit satiates hunger without increasing the calories.

Studies have shown that passion fruit can be used as a dietary supplement in diabetes treatment. The fruit also helps reduce cholesterol level and improves the action of insulin.

Prevents cancer

By combating cancer-causing free radicals, passion fruit can prevent occurrence of the disease. Passion fruit contains Vitamin A flavonoids and other phenolic compounds like Chrysin. Another compound present in the fruit is Piceatannol, that destroys cancer cells in the rectum. There is plenty of Vitamin C also in passion fruit.

Controls hypertension

As passion fruit is rich in Potassium, it expands blood vessels leading to a check on hypertension. This also improves the health of the heart. A study conducted in the US has concluded that the extract of passion fruit skin is a remedy for hypertension. It is Piceatannol present in the fruit that enables this function.

Enhances immunity

Relishing passion fruit helps you increase immunity as it is rich in Vitamin C, Carotene and Cryptoxanthin.

Improves digestion

Passion fruit can solve the problem of constipation as it has a good amount of fibres.

Removes anxiety

Potassium and folate in passion fruit improve the health of the brain and boosts blood circulation. As a result, conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented and anxiety would disappear.

Strengthens bones

With abundant Magnesium, Calcium, Iron and Phosphorus as well as anti-inflammatory properties for its skin extract, passion fruit prevents rheumatism and makes bones stronger. This also checks osteoporosis.

Combats asthma

Bioflavanoids in the fruit help prevent the occurrence of asthma, wheezing and whooping cough.

Good sleep

Another benefit of passion fruit is that is enables good sleep thanks to a compound called Harmane.

Better circulation

Elements like Potassium, Copper and Iron in the fruit help increase RBC (red blood cell) count and boost circulation.

Healthy skin

Having passion fruit regularly gives you a healthy skin as it contains so much of Vitamin A. Moreover, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Carotene and other anti-oxidants in the fruit are also good for the skin.

For carrying women

Folate present in passion fruit enables proper development of the foetus. It also prevents neural tube defects in infants. The fruit improves immunity of carrying mothers and strengthens their bones.

Things to note

» Avoid consumption of the peel of the fruit as it contains Cyanogenic glycosides.

» People scheduled to undergo a surgery have to avoid the fruit at least two weeks before the procedure as it stimulates the central nervous system.

» Passion fruit is much beneficial to pregnant women, but they should keep away from its flower.