Soursop – Facts, Health Benefits, Side Effects And More

Soursop

Soursop is an amazing fruit worthy of study as it has been known for a lot of health benefits. It is a dark green and prickly fruit, with up to 30 cm in length. It is ovoid with a firm texture having a whitish flesh with a lot of juice in it.

This nutrient-dense food is also referred to as Graviola. It is scientifically called Annona muricata, a fruit that got its origin from the tropical region of the Americas.

The sweetness of this fruit is believed to be a natural combo of pineapple and strawberry, making it a good choice in preparing fruit juice, smoothies, and even candy.

The entire tree (the root, leaves, and even the back of the tree stem) has been known to serve as medicine as it has cured many ailments.

The soft pulp and juicy content of this fruit has been used for ages as a natural pain reliever.

The Nutritional Makeup of Soursop

A 100g of raw soursop contains;

1.00 g of protein
16.80 g of carbohydrate
66.00 calories
3.30 g of fiber
34% of the RDI vitamin C
8% of the RDI potassium
5% of the RDI magnesium
5% of the RDI thiamine

Trace amount of;

Riboflavin
Folate
Iron
Niacin

Some Facts about Soursop

The root, bark, and leaf of a soursop tree can be used to make tea which has been found to treat diabetes.
Soursop can be used to make ice creams and yogurt.
The grounded seed of soursop can be used to kill parasites.
This fruit belongs to the same family with custard apple
The leave extract can be used to reduce anxiety and depression.
This fruit also has a seedless variety although it is rarely available.

Soursop Health Benefits

Help Boost Immune System

Soursop has been found to help boost the body immune system. It contains nutrients such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that help boost the immune system.

It is also rich in beta-carotene, a vitamin A precursor that also helps improve the body immune function.

A report published by the University of West Indies shows that Patients suffering from different forms of cancer had their immune system improved after taken different food including soursop.

The extract of the leaf had also been found to help stimulate immunity.

Eye Health

This fruit contains nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and beta-carotene which helps improve eye health by reducing oxidative stress capable of causing cataract and macular degeneration.

Help Treat Diabetes

Studies have shown that soursop contains anti-diabetic properties. The report of the studies shows that the group of rats that were treated with soursop had a lower blood glucose concentration.

The leaf can also provide these benefits as the extract was found to prevent the hepatic oxidative damage that can result in diabetes patients.

Ulcer Treatment

People suffering from ulcers can get relieved by taking this fruit as it contains antiulcer properties. This health problem is painful sores that occur in the esophagus, small intestine, and stomach lining.

It is often felt as a hot sensation in the body.

Study has shown that taken fruit like soursop can help protect the stomach’s mucous lining and prevent damage to the digestive system.

Rich in Antioxidants

I know you may be wondering what is antioxidants? Antioxidants are natural nutrient molecules found in plant food that help fight against free radicals. These free radicals are known to destroy body cells leading to sickness or disease.

Soursop extract contains compounds that are rich in antioxidants which are;