Fruits are part of a balanced and healthy diet, thanks to the fact that these foods are a natural source of essential nutrients that the body needs, such as vitamins and minerals. Each fruit is characterized by its particular flavor, its colors, its versatility in the kitchen, and its health properties.
Some are recognized by curious nicknames, which take their name from references that -sometimes- go back to antiquity. That is the case of the ‘fruit of passion’, also known as passion fruit depending on the region.
Why is it known as the passion fruit?
Passion fruit is a tropical fruit, with vibrant colors (yellow or purple, in some areas), with a taste between sweet and acid. Despite what one might think, his nickname has nothing to do with his origin or an association between the tropics and passion. In fact, as the culture and leisure blog Culturizador tells us, the history of his nickname is quite particular.
As they explain, it is believed that the passion fruit began to be known as the ‘passion fruit’. It is called this since the times of the Spanish Colonization. This is because it was these travelers who spread the word about the natural product for the world.
The name with which they decided to baptize her was associated with the Passion of Christ. Despite how curious it may seem, the colonizers observed the flower of the plant.
And it is that each of the elements of the plant was associated with those of the crucifixion, such as the crown of thorns, the three nails of the cross, and even with ten of the twelve apostles. Likewise, due to its purple color, it is a plant that is related to Holy Week and Lent, since this color is representative of these important liturgical moments for the Catholic faith.
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Benefits of passion fruit for health
Without a doubt, the history of his name is surprising; so are its health properties. Like all fruits, passion fruit stands out for being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, as well as other essential nutrients for the body.
According to the Body Mind health portal, this fruit contains significant levels of vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin B3, and vitamin B2. In addition, it has minerals such as iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace elements such as zinc and copper.
Among its health benefits is that thanks to the amount of vitamin C it has. It helps in the production of collagen, bones, teeth, and red blood cells, in turn favoring the absorption of iron.
This vitamin is also related to the well-being of the immune system and its antioxidant power.
According to TuaSaúde, this fruit is also characterized by being beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety levels. Which is due to its composition rich in flavonoids, such as quercetin. It also calms the nervous system and promotes relaxation.
Likewise, as the aforementioned portal explains, its vitamin richness, both vitamin A and C. They also prevent the signs of aging, since they protect it from free radicals and take care of it of sagging.
Final Verdict
This fruit and its plant are noted for their mild sedative properties. It helps to improve sleep quality by allowing the nervous system to relax and rest more peacefully.
For all these reasons, passion fruit is one of the fruits that cannot be missing from a balanced diet.