Passion fruit is a tiny, exotic produce that is garnering much recognition and demand in recent times, thanks to its fantastic health benefits, such as promoting digestion, uplifting immunity and augmenting heart functions, to name a few.
The passion fruit is scientifically termed Passiflora edulis. It is indigenous to the warm regions of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina in South America. Moreover, it is extensively cultivated across the globe in hot tropical environments of India, Thailand, United States, Australia and Africa.
The passion fruit plant is a climbing vine, with reddish tendrils and leaves. It sprouts flowers that have myriad shades of violet and green with white petals, which upon developing, give rise to the fruit. With a minute size, oval shape and varying outer skin colours of purple, yellow or golden, the interior portion of passion fruit is pulpy, comprising hundreds of seeds surrounded by juice secretions. The taste of the passion fruit resembles that of the guava fruit, being quite sweet, with a hint of sourness and a pleasing aroma.
Although small in size, this delicious fruit portrays a mighty nutritional profile, being a storehouse of healthful components.
Passion Fruit Nutrition Facts:
Passion fruit supplies all the macronutrients required for optimal growth, development and metabolism, namely proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fibers.
Besides, it is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, for improved resistance to disease and enhanced eyesight. It also holds significant amounts of B vitamins, zinc for nurturing skin and hair. Blessed with calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron it strengthens bones and maintains healthy red blood cell synthesis, transport.
This tasty fruit possesses a treasure trove of antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, triterpenoids and polyphenols. These compounds efficiently eliminate toxins from the system and support overall health.
It comes as no surprise then that the yummy passion fruit can be effortlessly added to any type of food regime, be it a normal balanced fare, heart-friendly dishes, diabetic plan or even the very popular ketogenic/keto diet.
Read on, to know more.
What Is A Keto Diet?
Nowadays, many people are obsessed with trying out various restrictive diets, all in order to lose weight and attain a slim, toned physique. And one such food trend that easily tops the list, being all the rage currently, is the ketogenic diet.
Basically, the ketogenic diet, or in short, the keto diet is a meal plan that incorporates fewer carbs and lots of fat content. This low-carb, high-fat food fad is in vogue presently, due to its proven merits in accelerating fat breakdown, weight loss and greatly lowering blood glucose levels.
Since it focuses on more intake of fats and proteins, limiting carbs, various grains, starchy vegetables and fruits that are abundant in natural sugars are obviously not recommended in keto. However, passion fruit is a wonderful exception, in that it can be consumed as part of a keto diet, without any hesitation.
A single passion fruit contains a mere 2 grams of carbs, along with a plethora of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Even though it has calories and fibers, they are only present in minimal amounts per fruit and hence passion fruit can be eaten as part of keto.
Tips To Include Passion Fruit In Keto:
Post a high-fat, protein-rich meal at lunch or dinner, having a single ripe passion fruit helps sustain energy levels and offers carbs for controlling insulin and blood sugar levels.
To satisfy a mid-day craving or a late-night snack, eating a sliced fresh passion fruit seasoned with a bit of chilli powder is a healthy option.
While avoiding processed, oily foods and sugar-coated pastries as part of keto, preparing juices, iced teas, mocktails, cocktails, cheesecakes and other desserts with the irresistible passion fruit instead, serves as a nutritious and delectable treat.
