Guanabana or Soursop which is scientifically known as Annona muricata is extremely popular for its anti-cancer properties. In traditional Ayurveda, this miraculous fruit has been used since ages as a powerful remedy against inflammation, diabetes, pain, etc.
Soursop is getting in demand in western countries now, however it has been used extensively in many other countries in herbal remedies.
The fruit is capable of fighting against many ailments and boost the immune system as well.
Soursop grows in tropical areas, parts of Africa and South America. The fruit is famous for its delicious flavour and gigantic health benefits.
The taste of Soursop is a combination of strawberry and pineapple with a dash of citrus flavour. Soursop is full of nutrients such as
- Vitamin C
- Fiber
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Calcium
- Iron
- Sodium
- Folic acid
- Protein
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
The density of nutrients in Soursop make this fruit a must have in your diet; it can help your body fight against the disease causing cells. Also, this fruit has been in a huge discussion over its potential cancer fighting properties.
It has been discovered that Soursop has more than 200 chemical compounds. And, the most important phytochemical compound which is referred to as acetogenin is found in the stem, leaf and pulp of Soursop.
These acetogenins are capable of fighting against cancer, parasites and inflammation.
Health benefits of Soursop:
1. Anti- Cancer Effects:
Many scientific studies have proven that Soursop could potentially eliminate the cancerous cells. Even though these tests have not been conducted on humans yet, but the lab results sound quite promising.
The acetogenins in the fruit prevent cancer and reduce the size of tumour.
The acetogenins can cut of the blood flow to cancerous cells and are found effective against cancers of pancreas, breast, lungs and colon.
The ability to fight against cancer cells is mainly attributed to the pulp of the fruit, however, the leaf of the fruits is also found effective in suppressing cancer cells.
A study has shown that leaves of Soursop can stop the proliferation of breast cancer. Also, it is found in a lab study that the Soursop leaf extracts reduced that cancerous tissue in the colon of rats.
With all the incredible properties, this fruits makes a great alternative to all the cancer treatments and chemotherapeutic medicines.
More studies are needs in order to solidify this claim; however, as per all the researches that have been done until now, Soursop definitely has cancer-fighting potential.
2. Reduces Eye Diseases:
Most of the benefits from this fruits are thought to be derived from its anti-oxidants. Soursop is loaded with anti-oxidants such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols, etc. which help in reducing the oxidative condition of the body.
These anti-oxidants- vitamin A, C, E and zinc along with many other carotenoids boost the overall health of your eyes.
The anti-oxidants delay the rate of age related macular degeneration and development of cataracts, thus maintaining the functionality of eyes for longer duration.
So, add a Soursop juice to your every day diet improve your eye health.
3. Boosts Immunity:
Soursop is an excellent source of Vitamin C which helps in the production of white blood cells.
The anti-oxidants present in the fruit neutralise free radicals and prevent acute diseases. Thus, having Soursop regularly can improve your immune system.
4. Reduces Inflammation:
It has been found that Soursop can help decrease swelling and alleviate inflammation. Soursop extracts can also decrease the levels of inflammatory markers responsible for arthritis.
So, the extracts from the roots, barks and leaves of Soursop tree can be used to relieve arthritis.
5. Alleviates Anxiety, Stress and Depression:
When you are in stress, your body produces a lot of adrenalin which can be harmful for your health in high amounts.
The fruit and leaf extract can reduce stress and depression as the phytochemical present in Soursop can influence the brain positively. The fruit provides a sedative effect which can calm anxiety.
6. Improves Liver:
health Your liver processes all the waste from your body, but sometimes the liver can breakdown the old red blood cells (known as jaundice).
The bilirubin which is supposed to be broken down and excreted from the body can get accumulated and the result is jaundice.
Soursop is found to be effective against jaundice as it can return the bilirubin level back to normal and protect your liver from diseases caused by medication.
7. Helps in Managing Diabetes:
A study in Nigeria has proven that Soursop can help in managing diabetes. It can assist in maintain lower blood sugar level if consumed regularly.
Soursop can help the pancreases to produce new insulin producing cells which can be used when these cells have stopped functioning.
The leaf extract can decrease the oxidative damage to the liver which is exacerbated by diabetes in people. Make sure, when you drink Soursop juice, you should not add any sweetener or sugar otherwise you will not get any benefits.
Soursop is delicious, versatile and a perfect addition to your diet with its enormous health benefits. Not only it makes you healthy from within but also nourishes your hair and skin.
You can eat the fruit or make juices and milk shakes. Also, the leaves can be dried and brewed to make some heavenly tea.
Let’s see a few recipes for this delightful fruit.
1. Soursop and Cinnamon Milkshake:
Ingredients
- 1 ripe Soursop
- ½ cup cold milk
- 1/8 tablespoon of cinnamon powder
- 5-6 ice cubes
- Honey for flavour
Instructions:
- Add the diced Soursop, milk and ice cubes in a blender
- Blend until the consistency is smooth enough
- Pour in a glass and add some honey
- At last sprinkle the cinnamon
Vola! Enjoy your drink. Simple isn’t it
2. Soursop Tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 and half cup of water
- 3-4 Soursop leaves.
Instructions:
- Take a pot, add the water and set it to boil
- Now take the leaves and crush them into small pieces in a tea cup
- Once the water is warm enough, pour the water over the leaves
- Let it steep for 15-20 minutes, then your tea will be ready
- You can drink this tea with a little honey
There are plenty of other recipes and way to have Soursop. Now you can get this fruit in supplement form in the market.
Also, many brands produce Soursop juice. However, our suggestion is to consume the actual fruit or have freshly made juice for maximum benefits.
