New Zealand passionfruit, also known as granadilla, is a tropical fruit that is commonly found in New Zealand, Australia, and neighboring regions. While it is not a well-known fruit in Western culture, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. In this article, we will explore the anti-inflammatory benefits, bone health effects, and nutritional value of New Zealand passionfruit.
What is New Zealand Passionfruit?
New Zealand passionfruit is a small, round fruit that comes in yellow or purple skin. It has a sweet and tangy flavor and is commonly used in a variety of desserts and drinks.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of New Zealand Passionfruit
One of the main benefits of New Zealand passionfruit is its ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a variety of health problems, such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
New Zealand passionfruit contains several compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. One of these is vitexin, a flavonoid that has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. It works by blocking the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that contribute to inflammation.
In addition to vitexin, New Zealand passionfruit is also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body against damage from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to inflammation.
Bone Health Effects of New Zealand Passionfruit
New Zealand passionfruit is also beneficial for bone health. It contains several nutrients that are important for maintaining strong and healthy bones, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K.
Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones, and New Zealand passionfruit is a good source of this important nutrient. Magnesium is also important for bone health, as it helps to regulate calcium levels in the body.
Vitamin K is another important nutrient for bone health, as it helps to activate the proteins that are involved in bone formation. Without enough vitamin K, the body is not able to build strong bones.
Nutritional Value of New Zealand Passionfruit
New Zealand passionfruit is also incredibly nutritious. It is low in calories but rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. One cup of New Zealand passionfruit contains:
- Calories: 97
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 23 grams
- Fiber: 24 grams
- Vitamin C: 133% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 81% of the DV
- Iron: 10% of the DV
- Magnesium: 9% of the DV
- Potassium: 10% of the DV
- Calcium: 1% of the DV
Food Combining and Smoothie Options
New Zealand passionfruit can be eaten on its own or added to smoothies for added nutrition. It pairs well with other tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and coconut. If you are following a food combining diet, New Zealand passionfruit combines well with other fruits and can be eaten with nuts or seeds for added protein and healthy fats.
Here is a simple smoothie recipe that incorporates New Zealand passionfruit:
- 1 cup New Zealand passionfruit
- 1 cup mango
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 tbsp. hemp seeds
Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. This smoothie is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great way to start the day.
Conclusion
New Zealand passionfruit is a tropical fruit that offers a variety of health benefits. From its anti-inflammatory properties to its bone health effects, New Zealand passionfruit is a nutritious and flavorful addition to any diet. Incorporate it into your diet for better health and wellness.
If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, check out the rest of our fruits section here, or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie.
Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you back soon for more health and wellness information.