Benefits of Putting Passion Fruit In Your Life

Passion fruit, just the name ignites visions of a juicy aphrodisiac. Alas, the epithet for this versatile edible came from an entirely different state of mind. In the 16th century Jesuit missionaries braved the treacherous Atlantic crossing with Spanish conquistadors. Arriving in a foreign land with little to sustain them, they learned from the natives what was edible in the alien clime.

Upon first seeing the blooms of the passion fruit the missionaries interpreted the flowers as a representation of Christ's crucifixion. Each facet of their fruiting flower imparting a message from above. To their pious vision Christ's apostles were represented by the ten petals and stamens; the wispy filaments suggested a crown of thorns. Their impression of the fruit must have been just as iconic.

Today the healthful benefits of this versatile fruit are being enjoyed around the world. Previously a folk remedy in South America for a variety of ailments; recent studies at the University of Florida give a promise of hope. Research shows that an extract from the juice of the yellow variety can eradicate cancer in cell cultures. "We know that eating fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of cancer," said Susan Percival, professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Science at U of F. "That reduced risk is due to plant compounds or phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, both of which are found in abundance in passion fruit juice."

Just as thrilling are studies at the University of Arizona. After conducting a double blind trial they have received encouraging results in the attempt to control asthma. Extracts from the peel of the purple variety of passion fruit proves to be rich in flavoniods. Researchers note, "The prevalence of wheeze, cough, as well as shortness of breath was reduced significantly in group treated with PFP extract whereas the placebo caused no significant improvement." Results were based on self-reporting of asthmatic symptoms, but more in depth studies certainly could bear fruit.

Some as yet unstudied folk remedies include the use of the leaves as a mild tranquilizer and sedative. In Madeira, the juice of passion fruits is ingested touted as a digestive stimulant and local remedy for gastric cancer. Besides the medicinal benefits this delectable fruit is high in vitamins A and C, and the encapsulated seeds are a beneficial source of fiber.

The fruit of the passion flower vines is now being cultivated in Florida, Australia and Hawaii with small groves in several other locations. Over nine varieties can be found around the globe, but the purple and yellow varieties are of current medical interest. Uniquely sweet and sour having been compared to a combination of citrus, jasmine and vanilla; passion fruit is a tropical delight. With a name that ignites the imagination and a history to rival its beauty. Such a versatile fruit and the many benefits it can provide is a romance worth cultivating.

Sources:
http://www.passionfruit.org
http://www.allbusiness.com
http://www.passionfruitjuice.com
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com

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