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A tropical fruit has been revealed to have a surprising health benefit that could help tackle those mid-morning snack cravings holding back your weight loss efforts. However, people should still not eat them to excess. Men's Health has released a report suggesting that passionfruit is one of the most protein-rich fruits available, outdoing other options such as avocado and jackfruit. Protein might not be the first thing that springs to mind when selecting additions for your fruit bowl, but it could help enhance your diet. Passion fruit boasts around 5g of protein per 236g serving , which equates to roughly 0.4g from an average-sized fruit (approximately between 30 and 90g). While it may not be enough to beat traditional high-protein sources like milk, eggs or lean meats, it's quite remarkable for a fruit, reports the Mirror . While protein is often linked with bodybuilders and athletes, it provides plenty of other general benefits that people should aim to incorporate into their diet. These include muscle growth, insulin level control, metabolism boost, appetite reduction and influence on weight-regulating hormones. Reaching your daily protein targets could help you burn additional calories around the clock thanks to protein's " high thermic effect ", as reported by Healthline . The advantages of protein extend beyond its role in sleep, as it also plays a crucial part in weight management during the day by triggering various hormones that aid in weight control. These hormones keep you feeling satisfied for extended periods and, gradually, help reduce body fat as you eat less and potentially shed pounds. Higher levels of these appetite-suppressing hormones in your body stop the production of ghrelin, a hormone responsible for triggering hunger. With reduced ghrelin levels, you'll experience fewer cravings and make more mindful, controlled decisions about portion sizes. Over time, this may lead to lower calorie intake, which can support weight maintenance or loss. A passion fruit is most ripe when its skin is deeply wrinkled, and it feels heavy for its size. Don't be put off by the wrinkled appearance, as this indicates the fruit is at its sweetest point . However, it's crucial to note that you would need to consume substantial amounts of passion fruit alone to satisfy your daily requirements, and eating too much of the fruit could trigger digestive problems due to its fibre content. It's best to include the fruit as part of a healthy, balanced diet within your NHS -recommended five-a-day. Passion fruit is typically safe for most people when eaten in reasonable amounts. While uncommon, allergic reactions are possible, particularly if you have a latex allergy. Passion fruits, being tropical, can be found in the exotic fruit section of supermarkets alongside mangoes, avocados and kiwis. Asda offers packs of three passion fruits for £1.27, which works out to roughly 42p per fruit . The fruit can be enjoyed on its own by simply slicing it in half and scooping out the juicy pulp and seeds with a spoon. Alternatively, it can be incorporated into various dishes, from sweet smoothies and ice creams to savoury salsas, marinades, and salad dressings. For those in need of culinary inspiration, BBC Good Food provides a range of recipes featuring this versatile ingredient.
