20 Amazing Benefits Of Soursop

20 Amazing Benefits Of Soursop

 

 Soursop is usually found in South America and often the basis for beverages, ice creams and other popular sweet foods. It’s known to have a few other names, such as graviola, custard apple, paw paw, guyabano and guanabana in Spanish-speaking countries.

The impressive health benefits of soursop include its ability to kill parasites, reduce inflammation, improve respiratory conditions, sedate the body and mind, heal the skin, treat certain kinds of cancer, boost the immune system, soothe the stomach, and relieve pain.

 Soursop leaves are the most beneficial parts of this tree. They have the Acetoginin containing compounds namely bulatacin, asimisin and squamosin. Acetoginin acts as an anti- feedent. Thus, they are often used in killing insects and pests which die by consuming these leaves even in small amounts. Scientific research conducted by The National Cancer Institute has proved that Soursop leaves can effectively attack and destroy cancer cells. In addition to this, they are also used in the treatment of several other diseases.

These Are The Benefits Of Soursop


Help Reduce Eye Disease

Many of the health benefits from graviola, or soursop, are thought to be derived from its antioxidant properties.  

Studies show that the phytonutrients that are found in the fruit are high in antioxidant compounds, including alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, lactones, anthraquinones, tannins, cardiac glycosides, phenols and phytosterols. 

This is quite a group that can help fight disease-causing cells and even tumors. 

Pain Killer

Graviola supplements have a positive effect on pain reduction and swelling. If you are suffering from joint pain or inflammation, particularly from conditions like gout or arthritis, then rubbing a decoction of soursop on the affected area can be a wonderful way to find some relief. 

The anti-inflammatory compounds found in soursop can quickly speed healing in affected areas, while also soothing pain and improving flexibility.

But once again, human trials and more research is needed to determine this property for sure.

Cancer Prevention

The plant is rich in phytochemicals which give the leaves its powerful anti-cancer properties. There was even a study published in the journal Cancer Letters which explored the effects of graviola treatment in pancreatic cancer patients.

The results showed that in the patients who took graviola supplements the pancreatic tumor cells stopped proliferating and even started to die off. According to research, this amazing natural remedy can help in the prevention and treatment of various types of cancer, including skin cancer is applied topically.

Treatment of Uric Acid

Eating soursop leaves can greatly help in treating gout. In fact, many alternative medicines use soursop leaves for the treatment of gout.

For this purpose, take 6 to 10 soursop leaves which are old but still green and wash them clean. Boil the leaves in 2 cups of water and simmer until one cup of water remains.

Note :This remedy  should be taken twice a day ,that is , morning and evening for maximum benefits.

Fever Treatment

The soursop fruit has been traditionally used to treat fever. In Africa, a decoction of soursop leaves is used to control feverish symptoms and convulsive seizures. In fact, the larvae of the Aedes aegypti mosquito (which transmit dengue fever), showed great vulnerability towards soursop extract.

As per an Indian study, the soursop fruit and its juice can not only treat fever, but also act as an astringent for diarrhea and dysentery. The fruit can help treat fever in children as well; soursop is widely used for this purpose in Africa.

Viral Infections Treatment

The graviola plant is commonly used in many traditional medicines against viral infections. According to an article from the Journal of Ethnopharmacology from 1990s graviola leaves extract had a suppressing effect on the herpes simplex virus. This virus is very common around the globe and is mainly spread through kissing and other forms of sexual contact, through bodily fluids.

There’s a need for further research to determine the extent of the benefits graviola has in the treatment of this virus but the conclusions so far have been promising.

Diarrhea Treatment

All parts of the soursop tree are used as medicine for an array of ailments. And diarrhea is one of them.

Aids Diabetes Treatment

Graviola possesses anti-diabetic properties. The two groups of rats tested in the study had a significant difference in their blood glucose concentrations, with the group treated by soursop having lower concentrations than the other.

The soursop leaf aqueous extract was found to inhibit and even prevent the hepatic oxidative damage caused in diabetes patients.

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.

Boosts The Immune System And Prevents Infections:

The nutrient content of soursop leaves is believed to boost the immune system and avoid infections in the body. Boil 4/5 soursop leaves in 4 cups of water until one cup water remains and drink this concoction regularly once in a day for beneficial results.

Improves Gastrointestinal Health

Being rich in vitamin C, soursop was used for many years as a natural remedy for scurvy and dysentery. The juice of the soursop fruit can also be a very effective diuretic, to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and remove excess toxins and salts from the body. The anti-inflammatory components, including the alkaloids and quinolones, can reduce parasites in the gut and alleviate any pain or irritation in the stomach/colon.

Treatment of Boils

Ulcer is a skin disorder that is characterized by immense pain and even has the risk of catching infection. Boils can occur on the body or on the face, thus interfering with your skin health and beauty.

 Soursop leaves are a natural remedy to cure ulcers. You can pick some young soursop leaves and place them on the body affected by ulcers.

Boosts Kidney And Liver Health

As per one Malaysian study, soursop extract was found to be safe in rats that were being treated for kidney and liver ailments. Similar observations could be observed in humans as well.

According to another Indian study, the acetogenins in soursop, it can kill the malignant cells of 12 types of cancer, with liver cancer being one of them.

Treatment Of Back Pain:

Back pain is commonly experienced these days, particularly while exercising. Soursop leaves are an effective herbal remedy for treating back pain without any negative effect.

You can boil 20 pieces of soursop leaves in 5 cups of water until only 3 cups of water are left. Drink ¾ cup of this concoction once in a day for relief.

Relieves Respiratory Distress

If you are struggling with a cough, cold, or other forms of the respiratory ailment, then soursop’s anti-inflammatory properties can help to clear out your airways, relieve congestion, and soothe irritation.

Acting partially as an expectorant, soursop is a reliable way to eliminate phlegm and mucus, where many pathogens can live. By reducing inflammation of the nasal cavities and respiratory tracts, it can also speed healing.

Potentially Kills Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Graviola extract has shown an ability to help kill numerous types of cancer cells, specifically pancreatic cancer cells. The extract can greatly reduce pancreatic cancer. Because cancer cells have more glucose, cell growth is typically enhanced as well as tumor growth.

  
Cells that are treated with graviola extract decreased their glucose uptake when compared to untreated cells. This decrease can make it difficult for the bad cells to live and multiply, which is a good thing. 

Insomnia Treatment

Soursop tea has been used as a stress relieving strategy for centuries. There are certain anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of soursop that make it very effective if you are suffering from excessive stress and anxiety. 

Stress hormones in the body can be detrimental and can mess with your natural metabolic cycles, as well as your sleep schedule. If you’re suffering from insomnia or restless sleep, soursop tea is a wise choice.

Treatment Of Eczema

Rheumatic diseases are commonly observed in elderly people, causing great pain. Soursop leaves are a natural treatment for arthritis pain.

For this purpose, mashes the soursop leaves until they become smooth and apply on the areas of the body affected by pain due to arthritis and eczema, regularly twice a day.

Low Blood Pressure Level Balance

According to the experimentations conducted on animals, it has been found that this plant can reduce the BP level in the bod. This plant can also dilate the blood vessels. 

So, individuals with low blood pressure should avoid the consumption of soursop at all cost. In fact, those who are under medication for high BP should consult their doctors before eating soursop. Like any other natural product, you should also consume it in controlled amounts. Overdoses can lead to vomiting as well as nausea.

OTHER THINGS IT CAN DO

Controls Parasite

The anti-parasitic nature of soursop has made it a popular treatment in many of the rural areas of Latin America and South America, particularly in areas where parasitic infections are more common. By brewing a tea from the leaves of the fruit, you can cleanse your gut and ensure that your gastrointestinal system is running smoothly.

How to Prepare Soursop and Soursop Recipes

Soursop Milkshake

Requirements

• A cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of soursop pulp
• 7-8 ice cubes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of pistachio, for garnish

Procedures

·       Cut the soursop fruit into half. Scoop the pulp out and remove the seeds.

·       Add all the ingredients to a blender and make a smoothie.

·       Pour the smoothie into a serving glass.

·       Garnish with pistachios.

Soursop Tea

Requirements

• 2 to 3 soursop leaves (the younger ones, which have a lighter shade of green)
• 1 1/2 cups of water

Procedures

·       Add the water to a pot and bring it to a boil.

·       Tear the leaves into smaller pieces.

·       Place the leaves in your tea cup and pour boiling water in it. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.

·       You can drink the tea warm or cold. Add honey if you want it a little sweet.

Despite Its Advantages, This Plant Also Has Disadvantages

 Neurotoxicity

According to a number of researches, the tea made using the stems and leaves of this plant, can lead to neurotoxicity disorders.

Infections: 

Using soursop for an extended period of time may lead to the development of fungal and yeast infections in the body.
 

Movement Disorder:

Eating soursop can lead to the development of movement disorders.

Parkinson Disease:

A number of researches have indicated that the chemical present in soursop is also present in human beings suffering from Parkinson disorder. Patients suffering from this neurological disorder should avoid eating soursop; else it may worsen the symptoms.

Affects The Cardiovascular System:

Here comes one of the serious soursop side effects. Huge dosage of graviola may affect the cardiovascular system of the body. This fruit is known for its depressant effect. So, people suffering from heart problems should completely avoid the use of it.

 Antidepressant:

If you are undergoing treatment for depression and are consuming medicines for the same, you should definitely avoid soursop as it can negate the benefits of these antidepressants.

Neurological Problems:

Consumption of soursop may lead to the development of neurological disorders.

If you are planning to consume soursop in its raw form or as supplements available in the market, then you should talk to you doctor first. There are some benefits of eating this fruit as well as the supplements made using it. But, it is necessary to stay cautious of the side effects. This is especially true if you are suffering from any critical health issues or consuming high doses of certain medicines.

It makes no sense to harm your body in the name of healthy eating! Stay safe and follow your doctor’s instructions to stay healthy!

Uterine Problems:

Excessive consumption of soursop may stimulate uterine contractions.  Pregnant ladies should avoid the use of it as it may lead to miscarriage or premature labor.

So, Now You Know What The Benefits Of Soursop Are. And Now, We Proceed To Something More Interesting.