Soursop is a fruit that has a distinct taste, What are the health benefits when included it to our diet?

Soursop is a fruit that’s popular for its distinct delicious flavor and amazing health benefits. It’s very nutrient-dense and bio-active components has made it a very sort after fruit for both nutritional and medical purposes.

The botanical name for this fruit is Annona Muricata and has other names like graviola, custard apple amongst others. Soursop is typically eaten raw by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the flesh. Fruits range in size and can be quite large, so it may be best to divide it into a few portions.

Soursop also contains a small amount of niacin, riboflavin, folate and iron. Interestingly, many parts of the fruit are used medicinally, including the leaves, fruit and stems. It is also used in cooking and can even be applied to the skin.

Research has also unearthed a variety of health benefits for soursop in recent years. Some test-tube and animal studies have even found that it may help with everything from alleviating inflammation to slowing cancer growth. Many of the reported benefits of soursop are due to its high content of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals, which can cause damage to cells.

Some research shows that antioxidants could play a role in reducing the risk of several diseases, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. One test-tube study looked at the antioxidant properties of soursop and found that it was able to effectively protect against damage caused by free radicals.

It May Help Kill Cancer Cells

Although most research is currently limited to test-tube studies, some studies have found that soursop could potentially help eliminate cancer cells.

One test-tube study treated breast cancer cells with soursop extract. Interestingly enough, it was able to reduce tumor size, kill off cancer cells and enhance the activity of the immune system.

Another test-tube study looked at the effects of soursop extract on leukemia cells, which was found to stop the growth and formation of cancer cells. In anycase further studies need to be carried out to evaluate its efficacy in human beings.

It can be effective in Fighting Bacteria

In addition to its antioxidant properties, some studies show that soursop may contain potent antibacterial properties as well.

In one test-tube study, extracts of soursop with varying concentrations were used on different types of bacteria known to cause oral diseases. Soursop was able to effectively kill off multiple types of bacteria, including strains that cause gingivitis, tooth decay and yeast infection.

It Could Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal immune response to injury, but increasing evidence shows that chronic inflammation could contribute to disease. Some animal studies have found that soursop and its components may be able to help fight inflammation.

In one study, rats were treated with soursop extract, which was found to decrease swelling and alleviate inflammation. Another study had similar findings, showing that soursop extract reduced swelling in mice by up to 37%. Though research is currently limited to animal studies, this may be especially beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory disorders like arthritis.

It May Help Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels

Soursop has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels in some animal studies. In one study, diabetic rats were injected with soursop extract for two weeks. Those who received the extract had blood sugar levels that were five times lower than the untreated group.

Another study showed that administering soursop extract to diabetic rats reduced blood sugar levels by up to 75%. However, these animal studies use a concentrated amount of soursop extract that exceeds what you might get through your diet.

Although more research on humans is needed, these findings suggest that soursop could be beneficial for those with diabetes when paired with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

It could be effective in Improving Eye Health

We have seen soursop is replete with antioxidants. These antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E, zinc, and beta-carotene, have been found to decrease the risk of eye disease. The antioxidants also reduce oxidative stress, which can otherwise cause cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Enhance Gastrointestinal Health

Soursop is also found to have antiulcer properties. The fruit suppresses oxidative damage and preserves the mucus of the gastric wall. The significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the fruit can help improve gastrointestinal health.

In one Brazilian study, the anthelmintic (the ability to kill parasites) properties of soursop leaf extract were studied. They studied the effects of a parasitic worm that caused gastrointestinal issues in sheep. The objective of the study was to inspect the effects of soursop towards the eggs and adult forms of the parasite. The study concluded that soursop is a natural anthelmintic, and since it could kill the parasites in sheep that caused them gastrointestinal issues, it might have similar effects in humans. More research is going on, though.

As per another report, excessive doses of oral iron can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Though soursop is a source of iron, the mineral content in the fruit is not as much as other ingredients – hence, it is unlikely to cause gastrointestinal distress. The same fact, again, could work for the benefit of the individual. For instance, an individual suffering from iron deficiency can be susceptible to anemia, which is known to cause dysfunction of the gastrointestinal system. Though soursop is not an excellent source of iron, it does contain iron – and hence can be a healthy addition to an iron-rich diet to combat anemia (and the resultant gastrointestinal problems).

Boosts The Immune System

A Korean study states that the intake of soursop can enhance immunity. This can be attributed to the bioactive compounds in the fruit. Oral intake of soursop leaf extracts was found to reduce edema in rat paws, which is usually caused due to a weak immune system. The study concludes by stating that soursop leaf extract has the potential to stimulate immunity, and hence can be used in the treatment of immunocompromised patients. Soursop can also be made a part of the diet to improve the overall lifestyle quality.

The juice of the soursop fruit was found to provide more micronutrients than its pulp. But the pulp has more amount of vitamin A than the juice. Soursop is also rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) that strengthens and boosts the immune system. Beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, also contributes to an enhanced immune system.

Aids In The Treatment Of Hypertension

Soursop has been used in folklore for treating hypertension. This can be attributed to the antioxidant potential of phenols in the fruit, according to a Nigerian study.

As per an Indonesian study report, soursop contains good nutrients that can help lower blood pressure levels in human adults.

Helps Treat Rheumatism

According to studies, the internal administration of soursop leaf decoction was found to exhibit anti-rheumatic properties. And the leaves, when cooked and topically applied, helped ease rheumatism and abscesses .

In Africa, the unripe fruit of soursop is used to treat rheumatism and arthritic pain. Even the mashed leaves of the soursop tree are used as a poultice to treat rheumatism.

Soursop also contains anthocyanins, tannins, and alkaloids that exhibit anti-rheumatic effects.

Improves Skin And Hair Health

As per a report published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the extract of soursop leaves can help prevent skin papilloma, a disease that causes tumor eruptions on the skin.

In fact, soursop is so good for the skin that the leaves of the plant are used for calming the skin of babies . Certain sources also suggest soursop paste can work wonders for hair – by treating dandruff and itching, and strengthening hair as well.

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