This native South American fruit is chock full of nutrients, vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, calcium, carotenoids such as Beta-carotene and lutein, choline, copper, fibre, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium

WELLNESS

The passion fruit has inspired amorous passion in many a health-minded individual as it is sublime in flavor and numerous in health benefits including but not limited to

Anti-cancer properties Passion fruit juice, with pulp and seeds intact, is very high in fibre and serves as a powerful laxative, which will keep your colon clean and in less contact with cancer-causing toxins.  This means you are far less likely to develop colon cancer.  Vitamin A maintains healthy mucous membranes and can stave off lung cancer and oral cancer.  Vitamin C, as anti-oxidant, combats the oxidative stress caused by cell-damaging free radicals, repairs tissue and wards off quite a few forms of cancer including that of the cervix, esophagus, oral cavity, pancreas, rectum and stomach.  Lutein may also decrease your risk of developing cancer.

Arthritis The important carotenoid Beta-carotene can reduce one’s chance of developing arthritis.  Anti-oxidant champion vitamin C does battle against cell-damaging free radicals that often cause inflammation in those suffering from osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Asthma Vitamin C is effective as an anti-histamine and can calm an asthma attack

Blood health The passion fruit contains a healthy dose of iron, and iron increases blood production.  Vitamin C works in tandem by preventing the loss of iron in one’s body

Bones / Teeth Mighty vitamin C is a must-have for healthy gums.  Vitamin A and beta-carotene are both crucial for strong teeth.  Potassium helps preserve calcium in the bones and increases their density and strength.  Calcium, in turn, prevents bone loss and osteoporosis

Depression Consumption of Beta-carotene, aka “Pro-Vitamin A,” can reduce one’s risk of suffering from depression

Digestive health Passion fruit makes for a highly effective laxative that can ease constipation.   It also shows promise in relieving hyperacidity and gastric ulcers.  B vitamins maintain healthy mucous membranes in the digestive tract

Eye health Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Beta-carotene and flavonoids all protect the eyes from free-radical damage and promote proper moistness of the eyes and higher visual acuity, especially at night

Heart health Adequate amounts of fibre can actually reduce cholesterol.  Potassium regulates the heart rate and blood pressure.  Magnesium regulates the pumping of the heart and also relaxes the blood vessels.  The B vitamins inherent in passion fruit juice can also lower cholesterol and stimulate proper blood circulation.  The many anti-oxidants in passion fruit inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the body.  And as luck would have it, passion fruit is a low-sodium food, which is always good news for those tending to their hearts

Immune system health Vitamin A, Vitamin C and over a dozen varying carotenoids found in passion fruit royally boost your immune system and can fend off a gamut of ailments ranging from the common cold to the flu to the HIV virus

Sleep disorders & Stress relief Vitamin B-6 is absolutely crucial in producing GABA, an extremely influential amino acid that serves as a neurotransmitter in the nervous system and results in a general calming effect and feeling of overall well-being.  Drinking a glass of passion fruit juice before bed can expedite a restful night’s sleep for the frustrated insomniac

BEAUTY

Anti-oxidant properties Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, copper and potassium all play a strong role in maintaining healthy, lustrous hair that is less prone to breakage.  The anti-oxidant abilities of vitamins A & C do wonders in combating cell-damaging free radicals and oxidative stress and preventing pre-mature aging

WEIGHT LOSS

Fibre One cup of passion fruit juice with pulp and seeds intact, provides an astounding    grams of fibre, which will fill you up and keep you flushed out on a regular basis, both which contribute to a more consistent and organic weight loss

COOKING / CONSUMPTION

Passion fruit curd is a wonderfully exotic spread for your Sunday morning scones, biscuits or short stack of pancakes and all it requires is ten passion fruits, a couple of eggs, some sugar, a bit of unsalted butter and a little stirring over low heat until thickened.  The curd can be poured into pretty glass jars and kept in the fridge for some time to relish when the mood strikes you

Passion fruit frozen yogurt or sorbet is downright delightful during the hot summer days and super simple to make.  But if you really want to get impressive with dessert, make a luscious passion fruit cheesecake.  The secret to extra creamy goodness is the combination of lite cream cheese and lite sour cream or Greek yogurt.  In order to truly reap the greatest benefits from this tropical fruit, use the pulp to make a simple syrup to pool on your finished cheesecake.  The black seeds make for a visually striking edible garnish with a lovely contrasting crunch

And a batch of Passion Fruit Mojito’s or Caprioskas  will go over well at any cocktail party.  Combine freshly strained passion fruit juice in a pretty rock glass or martini glass and mix in 2 TB.’s fresh lime juice, ½ teaspoon granulated sugar and some torn fresh mint leaves.  Muddle well, add ice, pour in 2 ounces of quality white rum and top off with club soda

History tell us that Spanish explorers saw the brilliant blooming flower of the passion fruit as a symbol of Christ’s crucifixion, or, the “Passion of the Cross.”

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