Soursop is a tropical fruity which has a thick prickly flesh with sweet soar taste. Most Nigerians pronounce it as “shawa chop”, it is eaten in its raw form by most people. Soursop juice has been used for centuries as a form of pain reliever, while pulverized seeds and concoctions made of leaves are also popular forms of natural remedies.
This fruit has many health benefits and few of them are below
Relieves Respiratory Distress
Patients suffering from respiratory ailments like a cough, cold, or other forms, soursop’s anti-inflammatory properties can help clear out airways, relieve congestion, and soothe irritation. Used partially as an expectorant, soursop is a reliable way to eliminate phlegm and mucus, where many pathogens can live.
Treats Insomnia
If you’re suffering from insomnia or restless sleep, soursop tea is a wise choice. Soursop tea has been used for centuries as a stress relieving agent. There are certain anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of soursop that make it very effective for sufferers of excessive stress and anxiety.
Prevents Cancer
Extensive research has been done on the organic compounds of soursop and it has been widely studied as an alternative cancer treatment.
Its antioxidant activity, which comes from acetogenins, as well as quinolones and alkaloids have been directly linked to cancer prevention and a reduction in the size of tumors. They can cut off blood flow to foreign or non-normal cellular growths, and have already been positively associated with treating breast, pancreatic, prostate, and lung cancers.
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 (9Trusted Source).
However, keep in mind that these are test-tube studies looking at a strong dose of soursop extract. Further studies need to look at how eating the fruit may affect cancer in humans.
Boosts Immunity
Adding a bit of soursop fruit to your diet, either through refreshing beverages or desserts, can positively impact your overall health. Rich in vitamin C, the soursop stimulates the production of white blood cells, while the concentration of antioxidants helps to neutralize free radicals and prevent chronic disease.
Analgesic Properties
Soursop is famous for being a pain reliever. It has been applied to wounds and injuries for generations and also works internally to relieve pain and speed healing. The anti-inflammatory effect of this fruit makes it an ideal solution for all types of body pain.
It Can Help Fight 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 infections.
Another test-tube study showed that soursop extract worked against the bacteria responsible for cholera and Staphylococcus infections.
Despite these promising results, it’s important to remember that these are test-tube studies using a highly concentrated extract. It’s far greater than the amount you would typically get through your diet.
Further studies are needed to evaluate this fruit’s potential antibacterial effects in humans
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.
Summary:
Some animal studies have found that soursop extract could significantly reduce blood sugar levels.
How to Eat Soursop
From juices to ice creams and sorbets, soursop is a popular ingredient found throughout South America and can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways.
The flesh can be added to smoothies, made into teas or even used to help sweeten baked goods.
However, because it has a strong, naturally sweet flavor, soursop is most often enjoyed raw.
When selecting fruit, pick one that is soft or let it ripen for a few days before eating. Then simply cut it lengthwise, scoop out the flesh from the rind and enjoy.
Keep in mind that the seeds of the soursop should be avoided, as they have been shown to contain annonacin, a neurotoxin that may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease.
Soursop can be used in juices, smoothies, teas or desserts. It can also be enjoyed raw, but the seeds should be removed before eating.
Test-tube and animal studies using soursop extract have uncovered some promising results regarding this fruit’s potential health benefits.
Still, it’s important to remember that these studies are looking at the effects of a concentrated dose of soursop extract, much greater than the amount you would get from a single serving.
However, soursop is delicious, versatile and can be a beneficial addition to your diet. When combined with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, this fruit may have some impressive benefits for your health.
