Soursop is a fruit that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that fight excess free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body, helping to relieve gastric problems, such as ulcers, gastritis, and prevent diseases, such as cataracts and even some types. of cancer.
In addition, this fruit also provides an excellent amount of fiber, slowing the absorption of food, promoting the control of blood sugar levels and helping to prevent insulin resistance and diabetes.
The scientific name of this fruit is Annona muricata L and can be purchased in supermarkets and municipal markets, it has a sweet and slightly acidic flavor, being consumed raw or used to prepare smoothies, juices or desserts.
Properties of soursop
Soursop contains significant amounts of phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, acetogenins and essential oils, in addition to providing some minerals and vitamins, such as potassium, magnesium and vitamin C, which provide various properties: diuretic, sedative, hypoglycemic, hypotensive. , antioxidants, antirheumatic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.
10 health benefits
Thanks to its properties, this fruit provides different health benefits, which are:
1. Relieve inflammatory diseases
Soursop has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve some pain, promoting the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are produced in the body in case of inflammation, being very useful to improve the symptoms of some inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and rheumatism. Learn about other foods with anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Control diabetes
This fruit is rich in fibers that help control blood glucose levels, in addition to having large amounts of antioxidants that protect the β cells of the pancreas for the proper functioning of insulin, thus being a beneficial food to prevent and control the diabetes. Learn about other fruits rich in fiber.
3. Promote eye health
Being rich in lutein, antioxidant compounds important for eye health, soursop helps reduce the risk of developing diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, which are associated with age and cause damage to vision, including the loss of vision.
4. Reduce anxiety and stress
The alkaloid compounds in soursop contain properties with relaxing activity that influence the central nervous system, interacting with neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which helps improve anxiety and stress levels.
5. Protect the stomach
Soursop has a gastric protective effect thanks to its antioxidant components that reduce oxidative damage to the stomach and promote the reduction of gastric acidity, keeping the mucosa healthy, being a very beneficial food to prevent and help control diseases, such as ulcer and gastritis.
6. Help control blood pressure
This fruit contains potassium and alkaloids, which act to reduce blood pressure, as they promote the elimination of excess sodium through urine and relax blood vessels, helping to prevent and control high blood pressure.
7. Improve wound healing
Soursop oil applied to the skin helps wound healing, this is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals, promoting skin regeneration.
8. Keep the body hydrated
The pulp of this fruit contains approximately 81% water, making it an important food that promotes hydration of the body, being beneficial to consume during the very hot season or during very intense physical activity, helping to recover water. loss of the body and thus prevent dehydration.
9. Prevent constipation
Soursop is rich in water and fiber, which favors intestinal function, helping the formation and elimination of fecal bolus, being very good for helping with constipation problems.
10. It can help in cancer prevention
Recent studies [1] [2] have shown that soursop is rich in acetogenins, a group of metabolic compounds that have a cytotoxic effect and can therefore fight cancer cells. In addition, it has been observed in some studies that prolonged consumption of soursop can prevent and treat some types of cancer, such as breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer.
However, all studies were carried out only in laboratories, with isolated cells and in animals, and research in humans is still necessary to demonstrate the possible effect of this fruit on cancer cells.
Soursop Nutritional Information
The table below indicates the nutritional composition in 100 g of soursop:
It is important to mention that to obtain all the benefits mentioned above, soursop must be included in a balanced and healthy diet, associated with regular physical activity. See how to eat healthy.
How to consume it
Soursop can be consumed raw or used in preparations such as desserts, juices and ice cream. In addition, soursop leaves can also be used to prepare infusions.
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Soursop tea: Place 10 g of dried soursop leaves in 1 liter of boiling water. Cover and let the infusion rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink 2 to 3 cups after meals;
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Soursop juice: Add in a blender 1 cup of soursop cut into seeded cubes, 500 ml of water and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or a few drops of sweetener. Blend until you obtain a homogeneous mixture and drink.
Another way to consume soursop is through capsule supplements, where the dosage varies depending on the manufacturer, and it is generally advisable to take 2 capsules a day, 30 minutes before meals. However, soursop can cause some side effects, so supplements should only be consumed under the supervision of a doctor, nutritionist, or naturopath.
Side effects
Both the soursop fruit and its leaves, when consumed in excess and long term, can cause nerve damage and movement problems.
Additionally, soursop can also cause severe neuropathy leading to Parkinson’s-like symptoms such as tremors or muscle stiffness.
Contraindications
There is little information on the safety and effectiveness of consuming soursop during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it should only be consumed under medical authorization.
The fruit and leaves consumed in the form of soursop tea are also not recommended in people with Parkinson’s disease and low blood pressure, as it can worsen symptoms.
Additionally, people with liver or kidney problems, or who take medications for depression, high blood pressure, and diabetes, should inform their doctor before consuming soursop or tea, as there may be drug interactions.