Vietnam's leading fruit export to the world: Prevents cancer, improves heart health
With its rich vitamin C content, rich fiber and powerful antioxidants, this fruit helps boost immunity, improve digestion, reduce stress and prevent chronic diseases.
Vietnam is currently among the world's largest producers and exporters of passion fruit, after Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Vietnamese passion fruit has appeared in more than 20 countries in many forms such as fresh fruit, frozen fruit and juice.
Demand from international markets is growing strongly, with 80% of Vietnam’s fresh and processed passion fruit output destined for export. Over the past five years, passion fruit output and export turnover have increased by more than 300%, reaching more than US$222 million in 2023.
Passion fruit possesses many valuable active ingredients. Photo: Getty.
Notably, according to scientific research, passion fruit is a very nutritious fruit:
Supports digestive system and intestinal health
Passion fruit seeds contain large amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps improve the digestive system, reduce the risk of constipation, and help balance intestinal microflora.
A study published inAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition(2021) showed that a diet rich in fiber from fruits such as passion fruit can reduce the risk of intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The fiber in passion fruit also slows down the absorption of sugar, helping to control blood sugar levels, which is very suitable for people with type 2 diabetes. A study at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, showed that passion fruit seed extract can reduce blood sugar levels after meals in people with diabetes.
Boost your immune system
Passion fruit juice is a popular use of this fruit. Photo: Getty
The rich vitamin C content in passion fruit helps increase the ability to fight infections.
Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, protecting the body from pathogens. According to a study byNational Institute of Nutrition, supplementing vitamin C from fruits such as passion fruit helps reduce the risk of seasonal flu by 30%.
Other antioxidants in passion fruit, including polyphenols and flavonoids, also help the body eliminate free radicals, which are the main cause of aging and impaired immune cell function.
Improve heart health
Passion fruit is a source of potassium and magnesium, two essential minerals that help stabilize heart rhythm and maintain healthy blood pressure.
A study onBritish Heart Journalindicates that a diet rich in potassium can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 24% and the risk of other cardiovascular diseases.
In addition, polyphenol compounds in passion fruit have also been shown to reduce inflammation and protect the endothelium of blood vessels, preventing atherosclerosis - the main cause of heart disease.
Cancer prevention
Passion fruit contains many powerful antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin A and polyphenols, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Research fromNational Cancer Instituteshows that diets rich in antioxidants from natural foods like passion fruit help reduce the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer.
A special compound in passion fruit is piceatannol, which has been widely studied for its ability to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. Research at the National University of Singapore found that piceatannol can inhibit the growth of liver and lung cancer cells.
Improve sleep and reduce stress
According to traditional medicine, passion fruit has a sedative effect. Some compounds in passion fruit, especially alkaloids and flavonoids, have the ability to stimulate the production of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) - a neurotransmitter that helps relax the brain and improve sleep.
Research has shown that passion fruit extract reduces anxiety levels in 73% of patients with chronic anxiety disorders. Drinking a glass of warm passion fruit juice before bed is also recommended to improve sleep quality.
