Maracuya juice is more than just a refreshing beverage; it’s a powerhouse of nutrients and health benefits. This tropical delight, bursting with vibrant flavor and a unique aroma, offers a wide range of nutritional advantages that can significantly enhance your well-being.
Nutritional Profile
Maracuya juice just as the Maracuya fruit itself is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a rich source of vitamin C, providing a substantial percentage of the daily recommended intake in just one serving. 1
This vitamin is crucial for boosting the immune system and promoting healthy skin. Additionally, Maracuya juice contains vitamin A, potassium, and iron, making it a comprehensive source of essential nutrients.
A cup of Maracuya (236g) provides the following nutrition to your body:
- Calories: 229
- Carbohydrates: 55.2g
- Fat: 1.7g
- Sugars: 26.4g
- Sodium: 66.1mg
- Fiber: 24.5g
- Protein: 5.2g
- Vitamin A: 151mcg
- Vitamin C: 70.8mg
- Potassium: 821mg
- Magnesium: 68.4mg
- Iron: 3.8mg
The following nutrition information is provided by the USDA for Purple Maracuya.2
Antioxidant Properties
One of the standout benefits of Maracuya juice is its high antioxidant content. They play a vital role in neutralizing free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.
Piceatannol is one of the most famous and potent antioxidants associated with the Maracuya fruit. 3 It’s proven to have amazing properties for preventing oxidative damage in the body and reducing chronic inflammation and the chances of heart disease, arthritis, vascular problems, and permanent organ damage.
Maracuya juice is also rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, and other polyphenols, which are also strong antioxidant compounds. C-glycoside is also one of these antioxidant compounds. 4
Heart Health
Maracuya juice is beneficial for heart health in several ways:
- Potassium Content: Helps regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels in the body.
- Cardiac Autonomic Function: Consuming Maracuya Juice for several weeks has been shown to enhance cardiac autonomic function, improving overall heart health. 5
- Cholesterol Levels: Maracuya fruit juice helps lower cholesterol levels, preventing the formation of plaques in the vessel and preventing ischemic diseases like stroke, heart attack, and hypertension.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Maracuya juice shows promise in managing blood sugar levels:
- Polysaccharides: Derived from passion fruit, these compounds improve intestinal function and exhibit hypoglycemic activity, aiding in blood glucose management for diabetics. 6
- Better Lipid Metabolism: The juice positively affects your lipid profile, fighting abnormal fat metabolism in the body and reducing the chances of cardiovascular complications. 7
- Glycemic Index: Nutrient extraction from Maracuya mixed with other fruits can lower the Glycemic Index, making it suitable for both healthy individuals and those with obesity. 8
Anti-Inflammatory and anti-cancer Properties
Maracuya juice boasts impressive anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties:
- Bioactive Compounds: Scirpusin B from passion fruit exhibits profound anti-radical and anticancer activities. SB inhibits various cancer cell lines in oral cancer and suppresses cancer hallmark proteins.
- Antioxidant Enzymes: The juice helps restore antioxidant enzymes, significantly increasing superoxide dismutase levels and decreasing catalase in visceral organs. This indicates its anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential. 9
Better Attention and Focus
A fascinating benefit of Maracuya juice is its potential to enhance cognitive function. Research indicates that a single consumption of the juice can improve working ability and attentional focus, making it a great addition to your diet if you need a mental boost. 10
Skin and Eye Health
The high vitamin A content in Maracuya juice is excellent for maintaining healthy skin and eyes. Vitamin A promotes cell growth and repair, keeping your skin looking youthful and your vision sharp.
Additionally, the antioxidants in juice protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants. Vitamin C is crucial for the formation of collagen in the body, which is essential for your tissue health. Vitamin C is associated with your youthful appearance as it repairs the damage to your skin with collagen.
Digestive Health
Maracuya juice contains bioactive compounds that support the health of the gut lining and overall digestive function. Moreover, if smoothies and cocktails are consumed instead of pure juice (lower in fiber content) it can add bulk to your stool, preventing constipation and reduce the chances of acquiring intestinal like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis.
Immunity Booster
As a rich source of vitamin C, Maracuya juice boosts the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells and enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Regular consumption can help ward off common illnesses and infections, keeping you healthy year-round.
Does Maracuya Juice help with diabetes?
It depends on the quantity of Maracuya juice you consume. In moderate quantities, the nutrients and special compounds in the fruit make it an amazing choice for diabetics.
WPEP-A, a polysaccharide derived from passion fruit, has shown hypoglycemic activity and improved intestinal function in diabetics.
Moreover, combining raspberries and Maracuya with mango in a cocktail lowers the glycemic index, which is beneficial for both healthy-weight individuals and those with obesity. This enables the increased fruit intake without causing a high glycemic response.
However, as with any other fruit juice, it is not recommended to take Maracuya juice in its pure form, as it is high in sugar and low in fiber. This combination contributes to weight gain and potentially diabetes (or worsening of diabetic symptoms) if a person fails to keep consumption in moderation.
Culinary Uses
Maracuya juice is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your diet:
- Smoothies: Blend the fruit juice with other tropical fruits like mango and pineapple for a refreshing smoothie.
- Cocktails: Use it as a base for exotic cocktails. A Maracuya fruit mojito or margarita is sure to impress at your next party.
- Desserts: Add the fruit juice to cakes, ice creams, and sorbets for a tangy twist.
- Salad Dressings: Mix it with olive oil, honey, and mustard for a zesty salad dressing.
Buying and Storing Maracuya Juice
When buying Maracuya juice, it’s essential to look for 100% pure juice without added sugars or preservatives. Freshly squeezed juice is always the best option, but if you’re buying bottled juice, check the label carefully.
To store Maracuya fruit juice, keep it refrigerated and consume it within a week. If you’ve made a large batch, you can also freeze it in ice cube trays and use it as needed.
DIY Maracuya Juice Recipe
Making your own Maracuya fruit juice is simple and rewarding. Here’s a quick recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6-8 fruits
- 2 cups of water
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut and Scoop: Cut the fruits in half and scoop out the pulp and seeds.
- Blend: Place the pulp in a blender with water and blend until smooth.
- Strain: Pour the mixture through a strainer to remove the seeds.
- Sweeten: Add sweetener if desired. Chill and serve.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While Maracuya Juice is generally safe for most people, it’s always good to be aware of potential side effects. Maracuya fruit juice should be taken with caution if you are struggling with weight loss or have a diabetic predisposition. Instead of having the juice, it is advisable to eat the fruit as it has potential to help in weight loss and diabetes.
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, especially if they have latex allergies. It’s best to strain the juice thoroughly if serving it to kids.
FAQs
What is passion fruit juice made from?
Passion Fruit Juice is made from the pulp of passion fruit, which is a tropical fruit that comes from the passionflower vine. The juice is extracted from the fruit’s seedy interior, which is known for its tangy and aromatic flavor.
How does Maracuya juice taste?
Maracuya juice has a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and tart much like mandarin, orange, and pineapple. It has a refreshing, tropical taste with a fragrant aroma, making it a popular ingredient in beverages and desserts.
Can I drink passion fruit juice every day?
Yes, you can drink Maracuya fruit juice every day if you do tedious and tiring tasks like hiking, running, gym exercises, or sports every day, but even then moderation is necessary. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which are beneficial for health, but like any fruit juice, it contains natural sugars that should be balanced with other dietary sources.
How do I store Maracuya juice?
To store maracuya fruit juice, keep it refrigerated and consume it within a week for the best taste and nutritional value. If you’ve made a large batch, you can also freeze it in ice cube trays and store the cubes in a freezer bag to use as needed.
Is passion fruit juice good for weight loss?
Maracuya Juice can accompany you on your journey to weight loss if you are ready to consume in moderate quantites. You’ll end up gaining more weight than before if you happen to consume way more than your requirement.
Are there any allergens in Passion Fruit juice?
Some people may be allergic to Maracuya fruit juice, especially those with latex allergies, due to cross-reactivity. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you have known allergies, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming maracuya fruit juice.
Can children drink Maracuya juice?
Yes, children can drink maracuya juice, but it’s important to strain the juice to remove the seeds, which can be a choking hazard. Additionally, limit the quantity to avoid excessive sugar intake.
How do you make maracuya juice from fresh fruit?
To make maracuya juice from fresh fruit, cut the passion fruits in half and scoop out the pulp. Blend the pulp with water until smooth, then strain to remove the seeds. You can add sweetener to taste if desired.
What are the main health benefits of Maracuya fruit juice?
Maracuya fruit juice is known for boosting immunity, supporting heart health, aiding digestion, and enhancing skin health due to its high content of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
Can maracuya juice help with sleep?
Yes, passion fruit juice may help improve sleep quality. Maracuya fruit contains alkaloids such as Harman, which have sedative properties that can help reduce restlessness and anxiety, promoting better sleep.
From its high antioxidant content and heart health advantages to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, this tropical juice is a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, improve your digestive health, or enhance cognitive function, maracuya juice has something to offer. So, next time you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious drink, reach for a glass of maracuya juice and enjoy the numerous benefits it brings to your overall well-being.
References and Links
1.Marengo-Orozco C, Martha Patricia Tarazona-Díaz, Ligia Inés Rodríguez. Formulation of a Tropical Beverage by Applying Heat Treatment and High Hydrostatic Pressure. Food Technology and Biotechnology. 2020 Aug 7;58(3):239–48.
Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33281480/
2.FoodData Central [Internet]. fdc.nal.usda.gov. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169108/nutrient
3.dos Santos FAR, Xavier JA, da Silva FC, Merlin JPJ, Goulart MOF, Rupasinghe HPV. Antidiabetic, Antiglycation, and Antioxidant Activities of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Passiflora edulis and Piceatannol In Vitro. Molecules. 2022 Jun 24;27(13):4064.
4. Salles BCC, da Silva MA, Taniguthi L, Ferreira JN, da Rocha CQ, Vilegas W, et al. Passiflora edulis Leaf Extract: Evidence of Antidiabetic and Antiplatelet Effects in Rats. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2020 Jan 1;43(1):169–74.
5. Prasertsri P, Booranasuksakul U, Naravoratham K, Trongtosak P. Acute Effects of Passion Fruit Juice Supplementation on Cardiac Autonomic Function and Blood Glucose in Healthy Subjects. Preventive Nutrition and Food Science. 2019 Sep 30;24(3):245–53.
6. Guan Y, Sun H, Chen H, Li P, Shan Y, Li X. Physicochemical characterization and the hypoglycemia effects of polysaccharide isolated from Passiflora edulis Sims peel. Food & Function [Internet]. 2021 May 11;12(9):4221–30. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33876796/
7. Jurairat Khongrum, Pratoomporn Yingthongchai, Kongsak Boonyapranai, Wachira Wongtanasarasin, Nowwapan Donrung, Wanida Sukketsiri, et al. Antidyslipidemic, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Jelly Drink Containing Polyphenol-Rich Roselle Calyces Extract and Passion Fruit Juice with Pulp in Adults with Dyslipidemia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2022 Sep 21;2022:1–12.
8. Alkutbe R, Redfern K, Jarvis M, Rees G. Nutrient Extraction Lowers Postprandial Glucose Response of Fruit in Adults with Obesity as well as Healthy Weight Adults. Nutrients. 2020 Mar 14;12(3):766.
9. Kandandapani S, Balaraman AK, Ahamed HN. Extracts of passion fruit peel and seed of Passiflora edulis (Passifloraceae) attenuate oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines. 2015 Sep;13(9):680–6.
10. Piyapong Prasertsri, Kittiya Sinnitithavorn, Chonlakan Raroengjai, Rujirat Phichayaworawit, Pimonpan Taweekarn, Kunavut Vannajak, et al. Immediate effects of passion fruit juice supplementation on working ability and attention in healthy participants. Current Research in Physiology [Internet]. 2024 Jan 1 [cited 2024 Mar 22];7:100120–0.