Passion fruit vs. Guava — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Varieties

There are different types of passion fruits; for example, the most common one is the purple passion fruit. The shell of the passion fruit is purple, and the inside is dark yellow. Another type is the yellow passion fruit which is sweeter than the purple passion fruit. Last but not least, sweet granadilla, which has a yellow shell but inside is darker than that of the yellow passion fruit, is the sweetest.

On the other hand, there are also different types of guava: red Malaysian guava and red Indian guava, which are suitable for eating. Mexican cream guava and lemon guava are suitable for desserts and frosting. There is also a very peculiar guava which is called strawberry guava due to its peculiar strawberry flavor. Other types also exist; however, these are the most commonly found in markets.

Shelf life

Passion fruit has a longer shelf life which can last up to 1 month in unrefrigerated conditions, mostly due to its hard shell. On the other hand, guava has a shorter shelf life, and this is due to its softer shell as compared to that of passion fruit.

Price

Passion fruit is more expensive than guava. This is mostly due to its delicacy and sensitivity in agriculture. The vine is very sensitive to the change of almost all variables. If any variable changes, the passion fruit yield might become very sour.

Taste and flavor

There is a vast difference between guava and passion fruit when it comes to flavor and taste.

On the one hand, passion fruit has a solid shell that has to be cut, and on the inside, there is the pulp which has a jelly-like consistency that is filled with small seeds. The inside is all edible.

Passion fruit has a distinct smell that is not common with any other fruit.

Guava, on the other hand, has a soft cover that can be eaten. Inside it is solid with seeds that can also be eaten. All the parts of the guava can be eaten. Guava has a specific flavor and aroma.

Culinary world

Passion fruit can be eaten raw, turned into juices that are usually mixed with other juices. It is also turned into a puree usually used in alcoholic cocktails, giving a sweet and aromatic taste to cocktails.

Guava may also be turned into drinks, and one popular guava-based juice consumed in Mexico is aqua Fresca. Guava may also be eaten raw in the same way as passion fruit. Guava pectin is used in marmalades and jellies in several Asian nations.

Glycemic index

Guava has a lower glycemic index compared to passion fruit. However, both have a glycemic index lower than 20, classifying them as low glycemic index foods.

Calories

Guava is lower in calories compared to passion fruit.

Macronutrients

Guava is higher in water, as indicated in the chart shown below. Passion fruit is comparably richer in carbs. You can read more detailed information in the corresponding sections. 

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison

Passion fruit

1

Protein: 2.2 g

Fats: 0.7 g

Carbs: 23.38 g

Water: 72.93 g

Other: 0.79 g

Guava

4

Protein: 2.55 g

Fats: 0.95 g

Carbs: 14.32 g

Water: 80.8 g

Other: 1.38 g

Contains more CarbsCarbs

+63.3%

Contains more ProteinProtein	+15.9%
Contains more FatsFats	+35.7%
Contains more WaterWater	+10.8%
Contains more OtherOther	+74.7%

Carbs and fibers

Passion fruit contains higher amounts of carbs as compared to guava. However, it is important to note that passion fruit is richer in fiber, and the carb amount also contains the fibers.

Protein

They both have similar amounts of proteins, and it is not very remarkable.

Fats

Guava and passion fruit have negligible amounts of fats.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a very important vitamin component of these fruits.

 Guava is very rich in vitamin C as compared to passion fruit. 300g of passion fruit can satisfy 100% of the recommended daily value, whereas, in the case of guava, it satisfies 760% of the recommended daily value. 

Vitamin C has significant health impacts as it is a very important antioxidant. These will be discussed in further paragraphs.

Vitamins

Passion fruit is richer in vitamins A, B2, and B3. Guava is rich in folate, vitamins E, B1, B5, and B6. It is also important to note vitamin C, which was discussed in the paragraph above, noting that guava is richer in vitamin C.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Passion fruit

3

Guava

6

Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A	+103.8%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2	+225%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3	+38.4%

Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C	+661%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E	+3550%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1	+∞%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K	+271.4%
Contains more FolateFolate	+250%

~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg

~equal in Vitamin B6 ~0.11mg

~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

~equal in Choline ~7.6mg

Minerals

Passion fruit is richer in iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. On the other hand, guava is richer in potassium and copper.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Passion fruit

3

Guava

6

Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium	+31.8%
Contains more IronIron	+515.4%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus	+70%

Contains more CalciumCalcium	+50%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium	+19.8%
Contains more CopperCopper	+167.4%
Contains more ZincZinc	+130%
Contains less SodiumSodium	-92.9%

~equal in Selenium ~0.6µg

Antioxidants

Both fruits contain antioxidants, and passion fruit contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and polyphenols. Guava is rich in vitamin C, which is a very important antioxidant, and it also contains polyphenols.

Vegan

Passion fruit and guava are recommended to be consumed in the vegan diet. They both provide rich and versatile macronutrient and micronutrient profiles.

Keto

Passion fruit and guava are not part of the keto diet as they contain a higher amount of carbs than is allowed during the keto diet.

Weight loss

Passion fruit and guavas are excellent additions to weight-loss regimens. They offer a variety of tastes and aromas and various health advantages, and they are both rich in macro and micronutrients. However, when it comes to price and availability, they are more expensive than the average fruits.

Cardiovascular health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant health concern, and diet plays a crucial role in its prevention and management. Both passion fruit and guava offer various nutrients and compounds that can contribute to heart health.

Passion fruit is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. These compounds may contribute to lower blood pressure and improved heart health overall. Additionally, passion fruit contains fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing cardiovascular risk (the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease) (1).

Guava is also packed with nutrients that are beneficial for cardiovascular health. It's particularly high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while fiber aids in lowering cholesterol levels. Guava also contains lycopene, another powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) (2, 3).

In summary, both passion fruit and guava can be beneficial for cardiovascular health due to their high content of antioxidants, fiber, and other heart-healthy nutrients. Including a variety of fruits like passion fruit and guava in your diet, along with other heart-healthy foods, can contribute to overall cardiovascular wellness.

Diabetes

Guava consumption is linked to lower fasting blood glucose levels. As a result of having control over blood glucose and insulin, the risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes is reduced (4).

Consuming the rind of the passion fruit peel has beneficial effects on diabetic patients. The peel of yellow passion fruit consumption is linked with decreased risks of developing insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic individuals (5).

Obesity

Guava intake can lessen blood glucose and cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of developing high BMI levels and obesity (6).

Passion fruit consumption is related to decreased risk of obesity, which will be discussed further in the metabolic syndrome section.

Metabolic syndrome

Passion fruit contains piceatannol, which has overall reduced risks of insulin sensitivity, glucose and lipid level decrease, and overall protective effects. Piceatannol is linked with decreased risks of metabolic syndrome and obesity, as was mentioned before (7).

Guava and mostly guava leaves are important in reducing metabolic syndrome risks in individuals. As mentioned above, guava reduces risks of cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, decreases risks of diabetes and obesity, and overall decreases risks of developing metabolic syndrome. In addition to that, guava leaf extract has a direct relation with decreased risks of metabolic syndrome (8).

Drug interactions

Passion fruit flowers might interact with central nervous system depressants and sedatives and amplify their effect and oversedate (9).

No drug interactions have been observed with guava.

Immunity

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and immune booster that helps prevent oxidative stress disorders due to its antioxidative effects. In addition to that, it boosts the immune system to fight off any infections (10).

Women’s Health

Guava extracts have reduced pain levels in women who have stomach cramps throughout their menstrual periods. These, however, occur during the intake of guava extracts rather than the guava fruit itself (11).

Kidney and liver

Patients with uncontrolled diabetes may develop nephropathy. Guava extracts have been proven to lower the risk of diabetic nephropathy (12).

The passion fruit extract has been shown to have hepatoprotective and nephroprotective properties (13).

Sleep

Passion fruit flower has a sedative and calming effect that acts on the central nervous system by flavonoids (14).