Passion fruit: benefits and how to consume

Passion fruit, also known as parcha, parchita, passion fruit, among others, is the fruit of a plant known scientifically as Passiflora edulis. This fruit is characterized by being very nutritious, because it provides various vitamins and minerals that provide various health benefits.

There are 2 types of passion fruit, yellow and purple, however, share the same properties, helping to combat mainly anxiety, nervousness and depression, as well as blood pressure. From this plant can be consumed its leaves and fruit, being able to prepare teas, juices and even some sweets or sauces with its pulp. 

What it is used for

Passion fruit provides various health properties, including

Reducing anxiety and depression, as it apparently contains flavonoid substances and alkaloids that act directly on the nervous system and promote relaxation. In addition, they have been associated with an increase in GABA and serotonin, substances important for improving mood;

Improve insomnia, due to the fact that it exerts an effect on the organism that induces drowsiness and, in addition, possesses relaxing and calming properties that help to fall asleep;

Nervousness, agitation, restlessness and hyperactivity in children, thanks to its sedative and calming action;

Increase the body’s defenses, because it contains vitamin A and C, which are essential for the immune system;

Help regulate high blood pressure, because it contains polyphenols and other compounds that promote dilation of the arteries and lower blood pressure;

Relieve tremors in Parkinson’s disease, since it possesses properties that relax the body;

Relieve headache caused by muscle stiffness, nervous tension and muscle aches, because it helps to relax the body and muscles;

Relieve belly pain, because it decreases the contractions of the uterus.

Also, some studies indicated that passion fruit peel decreases insulin spikes, which promotes the prevention and control of diabetes. In addition, it helps regulate blood cholesterol levels, apart from promoting the proper functioning of the intestine due to its fiber content. 

Most of the soothing properties are found in the Passiflora leaf; however, its pure consumption is not recommended due to its toxic potential, which is why it is advised to be used to prepare teas and infusions, for example. 

Properties of passion fruit

Passion fruit presents sedative, calming, analgesic, refreshing and blood pressure reducing action; it also stimulates and strengthens the heart activity, relaxes blood vessels, which decreases spasms, is antioxidant and has diuretic properties. 

Nutritional information

The following table shows the nutritional information of 100 g of passion fruit:

It is important to mention that to obtain all the benefits mentioned above, passion fruit should be consumed in conjunction with a balanced and healthy diet. 

How to consume it

Passion fruit can be consumed in the form of tea or infusion using the leaves, whether crushed, dried or fresh; the flowers, or the fruits of the plant; in addition, it can also be used in the form of tincture, fluid extract or in capsules. On the other hand, the plant fruit can be used to prepare natural juices, compotes, jams or jellies. 

1. Passion fruit tea

Passion fruit tea is one of the ways in which the dried, fresh or crushed leaves of the plant can be used, and can be used for the treatment of insomnia, menstrual pains, headaches caused by tension or to treat hyperactivity in children. 

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of dried or crushed passion fruit leaves or 2 teaspoons of fresh leaves;

175 ml of boiling water.

Method of preparation

In a cup place the passion fruit leaves and add the 175 ml of water. Cover, let stand for 10 minutes and strain before drinking. 

For the treatment of insomnia, this tea should be drunk 1 time per day, preferably at night; to relieve headaches and menstrual pains, it should be ingested 3 times a day; and for the treatment of hyperactivity in children, the doses should be reduced and indicated by the pediatrician. 

See other options of teas to sleep better and fight insomnia.

2. Passion fruit mousse

Passion fruit mousse is also an excellent way to consume the fruit and. to take advantage of some of its benefits, apart from being a good option as a dessert.

Ingredients

1 sachet of unsweetened powdered gelatin

1/2 cup of passion fruit juice

1/2 passion fruit

2 cups of natural yogurt

How to prepare

In a saucepan, add the passion fruit set and gelatin and bring to heat over medium heat, whisk constantly until gelatin is completely dissolved. Then, remove from heat, add the yogurt and mix well. Then, place the mixture in a container and place in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes. Finally, place the passion fruit pulp on top and serve. 

3. Passion fruit tincture

Passion fruit tincture can be purchased in certain pharmacies, markets or health food stores, and can be used to treat nervous tension and high blood pressure and also to reduce the intensity of Ménière’s disease crises. This tincture should be taken 3 times a day, recommending the intake of 2 to 4 ml of tincture, which is equivalent to 40 to 80 drops, or as directed by the physician or phytotherapist. 

4. Passion fruit fluid extract

Passion fruit fluid extract can be purchased in the market, certain pharmacies and health food stores, and can be used for the relief of toothache and to treat herpes. This extract should be taken 3 times a day, along with a little water, being recommended to consume 2 ml, which is equivalent to 40 drops, according to the doctor’s or phytotherapist’s indications. 

5. Passion fruit capsules

Passion fruit capsules can be purchased in certain pharmacies and health food stores, and can be used for the relief of anxiety, tension and headaches. It is recommended to take 1 to 2 capsules of 200 mg, morning and evening, as directed by a physician or phytotherapist. 

Side effects and contraindications

Due to its action on the nervous system and its calming properties, the most common side effect of passion fruit is drowsiness, mainly if ingested in excess. 

As passion fruit can lower blood pressure, the consumption of this fruit is contraindicated in people with low blood pressure, except when indicated by the physician, and should be consumed according to his guidelines. 

In pregnant women, during lactation and in children there are not enough scientific studies on its safety, so you should always consult your doctor before ingesting passion fruit in the form of tea, capsules, tinctures or extract.