The phytonutrients in Graviola, also know as soursoup (in addition to other power nutrients) make this fruit irresistible. It is known to help treat a range of ailments – which is what we will look at right now.
What Does Soursop Do For Your Body?
Soursop contains numerous phytonutrients that can fight disease-causing cells and even certain kinds of tumors. These phytonutrients contain antioxidant properties that enhance the overall health. They help enhance eye health, and treat a range of infections.
But why are we talking about all this? Is soursop that good a fruit? You bet. Read these benefits and find out for yourself.
Health Benefits Of Soursop:
1. Improves 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.
2. Helps Fight Inflammation
In a Brazilian study, inflammation caused by snakebite was found to improve with the administration of soursop. Research in South America and tropical Africa had emphasized on the anti-inflammatory properties of the roots, barks, and leaves of the soursop tree. The ability to treat inflammation is good in soursop, and it can be used for relieving arthritis. In addition to the anti-inflammatory effect, soursop is also known for its analgesic effects.
3. Helps Treat Infections
Soursop can treat infections caused by bacteria and parasites, one of those being leishmaniasis, a disease caused by parasites that are transmitted through the bites of sand fleas. The leaves of the soursop tree are also used to treat a wide range of infections
4. Soursop Aids Diabetes Treatment
According to a Nigerian study, soursop 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.
5. Boosts Kidney And Liver Health
As per one Malaysian study, soursop extract was found to be safe in people that were being treated for kidney and liver ailments. According to another Indian study, the acetogenins in soursop can kill the malignant cells.
6. Improves Respiratory Health
One Nigerian study states the efficacy of soursop leaves in treating respiratory conditions like asthma.
7. Helps Relieve Stress
As per a report by the University of Connecticut, soursop can be used extensively for the treatment of stress and other issues like depression.
8. Enhances 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. 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 it could kill the parasites.
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).
9. 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, 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. 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.
10. Relieves Pain (Works As An Analgesic)
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, soursop can work as an analgesic. The mice used in the study were made to writhe, post which the soursop extract was induced in them. The experiment produced desirable results.
11. Soursop Treats Fever
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 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.
12. Treats Diarrhea
All parts of the soursop tree are used as medicine for an array of ailments. And diarrhea is one of them.
13. 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.
14. Helps Treat Rheumatism
According to studies, the internal administration of soursop leaf decoction was found to exhibit anti-rheumatic properties and 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.
15. Improves Skin And Hair Healthave
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 can work wonders for hair – by treating dandruff and itching, and strengthening hair as well.
16. Assists muscle function
The number of muscles in the human body can range anywhere between 640 to 850 - that’s a lot of muscles to support! We use our muscles all the time, even when we don’t know it, so making sure they have the support they need is essential. Graviola contains Potassium and Calcium, both of which contribute to the maintenance of normal muscle function. Whilst all parts of the plant offer significant health benefits, those found in the fruit and the leaf differ slightly. As a rule of thumb, Graviola fruit is said to be high in vitamins and minerals, and beneficial for bone health. Keep an eye out for vegicaps containing powder extract from the concentrated juice of the Graviola fruit. Graviola leaf is said to be high in antioxidants. It may also help contribute to the reduction of inflammation and free radicals. Why not try vegicaps containing pure powdered Graviola leaf and stem, or unbleached teabags containing pure shredded Graviola leaf?
Soursop Nutrition Facts:
Soursop contains abundant amounts of vitamin C and several B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin as well as minerals like calcium, phosphorus and a small amount of iron. The fruit comprises of 67.5% pulp, 20% fruit skin, 8.5% fruit seeds and 4% core pieces. Know about nutritional benefits of soursop fruit.
Energy - 276 kj (66 kcal)
Carbohydrates - 16.84 g
Sugars - 13.54 g
Dietary fiber - 3.3 g
Fat - 0.3 g
Proteint - 1 g
Thiamine (vit. B1) - 0.07 mg (6%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2) - 0.05 mg (4%)
Niacin (vit. B3) - 0.9 mg (6%)
Pantothenic acid - 0.253 mg (5%)
Vitamin B6 - 0.059 mg (5%)g
Folate - 14 mg (4%)
Choline - 7.6 mg (2%)
Vitamin C - 20.6 mg (25%)
Calcium - 14 mg (1%)
Iron - 0.6 mg (5%)
Magnesium - 21 mg (6%)
Phosphorus - 27 mg (4%)
Potassium - 278 mg (6%)
Sodium - 14 mg (1%)
Zinc - 0.1 mg (1%)