soursop tea | graviola tea

Soursop tea

Soursop Tea health benefits

Soursop tea is made from the leaves of the Graviola tree. Both the leaves and the fruit may provide a staggering number of health benefits according to natural medicine practioners.
They include:

  • Prevents the spread and initial development of cancer
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Boosts the immune system boost
  • Skin protection
  • Accelerates weight loss
  • Improves digestion
  • Treatment and reduction of internal and external inflammation.
  • Sleep aid to help with insomnia

Does soursop tea has any side effects?

Generally, drinking soursop tea moderately, should not produce any adverse effects.

For as many benefits as there are for drinking soursop tea, this seemingly amazing health-giving drink can cause adverse effects if over-consumed. Some soursop tea drinkers have reported:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Digestive discomfort
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Early labor (childbirth)
  • Fatigue (though this is why it helps with insomnia)
  • And some neurotoxic impacts.

Most of these side effects are a result of allergies or excessive or over-consumption of the tea. It is always wise to speak to your doctor of naturopath about potential risks or adverse reactions you may encounter with soursop tea.

What Is Soursop Tea?

In botany, the study of plants, soursop is known as Annona muricata. The tree is native to tropical regions of the Americas. The fruit, known to Spanish speakers as guanabana, can weigh more than five pounds.

While you can make chilled beverages from the pulp of the fruit, for tea, only the leaves are needed. This fruit has received a great deal of attention in recent years due to its apparent effects on cancerous activity in the body, but research is still ongoing for safety and efficacy of this tea. These effects of soursop are attributed to the presence of alkaloids, acetogenins, other antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, gentisic acid, and anonol.

Benefits Of Soursop Tea
Drinking soursop tea is a good idea for those suffering from hypertension, low immunity, inflammation of the skin, acne, obesity, low metabolic rate, indigestion, constipation, and anemia, as well as those who have been diagnosed with cancer and others at a high risk of developing cancer.

Cancer
In the past decade, some remarkable research and claims about soursop tea’s ability to cure and prevent cancer have been made. This is largely due to the presence of acetogenins, a powerful group of antibiotics that have been found in this fruit. So far, the studies have shown positive results in connection to throat, lung, breast and cervical cancers, as well as leukemia. These effects range from shutting down the energy production capacity of cancer cells to causing apoptosis in these mutated cells.

Heart Health

High potassium levels and active compounds in soursop tea help to lower blood pressure by a significant amount. For people with hypertension, this is an excellent way to lower strain on the heart and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Digestion

The good balance of vitamins and minerals, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds, can help aid the digestive system and prevent conditions of constipation, indigestion, cramping, bloating and diarrhea. The presence of calcium also helps the body uptake iron more effectively, while the antimicrobial effects of this tea will help balance the microflora environment of the gut. However, in excess, this tea can cause additional stomach upset and digestive problems.

Circulation

The high level of iron found in soursop tea helps to stimulate the circulatory system and boost energy throughout the body. Iron is a key component of red blood cells, which bring energy to organ systems and tissues, speeding up repair and optimizing metabolic activity.

Calories in soursop fruit

How many calories in soursop?

Despite being a fairly sweet fruit, soursop is not super-calorie dense.

There is 66 calories in 100g of pulp. Since you do not eat the rind or seeds, the calories come from the fruit’s pulp.

  • 1 cup fresh soursop fruit = 148 calories
  • 100g fresh soursop fruit = 66 calories

When it comes to soursop tea, there are 0 calories in the drink. So if you drink a cup or mug of soursop leaf tea it is calorie free unless you add your own sweetener.

Learn more about calorie counts in soursop fruit, tea and freeze dried fruit at http://soursopstore.com

soursop fruit on a tree

Soursop tree and its fruit

If you want to know more about the soursop tree, the conditions it grows under and some interesting facts about its cultivation and use, read this post.

Origin of Soursop

It said that the soursop tree is said to have originated in South America and the Caribbean islands known as the West Indies.

Uses For Soursop

Among all of the Annona species, soursop is the most tropical.. It is the best choice for preserving and processing activities. The tree also produces the largest fruit. It has low-branches and it is shrubby. It reaches a height of approximately 8 to 10 meters (25 to 30 ft). The seeds found in the pulp of the soursop fruit and the soursop leaves have properties that are toxic to some insects. When crushed, they are are effective against head lice, southern armyworms, and pea aphids. The fruit is also used in fish traps for bait. The soursop wood could also have potential as a source for making paper pulp. It is used to make ox yokes, because it does not cause hair loss on the neck of oxen.

Soursop Cultivation

Here is some data on soursop cultivation:

Elevation: Soursop is grow from sea-level to 1200 meters (3500 ft).

Germination: It can be direct-seeded or soaked for 24 hours. It will  germinate in 15 to 30 days.

Soil: The soursop tree prefers rich, well-drained soil. However it can be grown in acidic and sandy soil.

Temperature: The soursop tree is very cold-sensitive and will suffer injury in a light frost. The tree thrives in tropical climate and temperatures.

Propagation: Soursop is often propagated by seed. It will produce fruit in 3 to 5 years. It requires plenty of sun and cannot withstand strong winds. Soursop trees took a beating in the Virgin Islands when they were hit by hurricanes in 2017.

Grafting: When choosing a grafting strategy, it is best to use soursop seedlings. However, grafting onto custard apple, mountain soursop, or pond apple is known to be successful.

Soursop Harvesting and Seed Production

Soursop tree flowers continuously, but in each growing region, there is one principal harvest period. Soursop fruit is picked when it is fully grown and while it is still firm, but slightly yellow-green. If the fruit is allowed to soften on the tree, it will fall to the ground and be ruined. The soursop bears 12 to 20 units of fruit per tree.

Soursop Susceptibility To Pests and Disease

Soursop tree is attacked by a variety of pests, that vary by region where it grows. Mealybugs may occur enmass on the fruit, while scale and lacewings infest the tree. The fruit is attacked by fruit flies. Red spider mites are a problem in dry climates. Defoliator caterpillars can be a problem on soursop trees. Also be alert for anthracnose disease on the fruit.

Cooking Soursop, and Nutrition

Soursop fruit is classified as sweet, sub-acid, or acid. The fruit is best eaten 5 to 6 days post harvest. Cut the fruit into sections and eat the flesh with a spoon or off the rind. It can be added to fruit salad. It can also be served  with sugar and milk.

The most common use for the fruit in the tropics, however, is as a blended drink.

In Fruits of Warm Climates, byJulia Morton, the following directions can be used to prepare a soursop beverage:

  1. Remove the seeds from the pulp.
  2. Press the seeded pulp in a colander to extract the rich, creamy juice,
  3. Beaten with milk or water.
  4. Sweeten with sugar to tastes.

Here is another preparation:

  1. Remove all seeds before blending the pulp as they are toxic and should not be eaten in any quantity.
  2. Blend the seeded pulp with an equal amount of boiling water.
  3. Strain it.
  4. Sweeten to taste.

A soursop custard is made in the Dominican Republic as follows: Cook soursop pulp in a sugar syrup with cinnamon and lemon peel.

Soursop ice cream is also popular. To create this:

  1. Mash the pulp in water.
  2. Let it stand, then strain to remove fibers and seeds.
  3. Blend the liquid with sweetened condensed milk.
  4. Pour it into ice cube trays.
  5. Stir several times while it freezes.

Immature soursop fruit can also be roasted, fried, cooked as vegetables, or used in soup.

Soursop products are available at Walmart

Soursop fruit in Walmart

Soursop fruit and soursop products can be found in a variety of places around the United States, and Walmart is not exception.

Here is a list of various soursop fruit products you may find at your local Walmart store. Regional availability is subject to demand and so your local store will carry a product if the local Walmart customers consume it. That said if the soursop product you are looking for is not available near you at your local store then you can order it online through Walmart.com.

Here is a round-up of the line of products Walmart carries on its website as it pertains to soursop fruit and related soursop products.

Note: In some cases you may see soursop products referred to as graviola. This is common synonym that may appear on packing of some soursop products carried by Walmart. To serve the Spanish-speaking Walmart shoppers you may also see reference to Guanoabana, which is the Spanish word for soursop.

In store shopping at Walmart vs Online at Walmart.com

As you will see via the links below, you can find soursop product at Walmart, however you will need to use the links to see if your local store carries them. Walmart.com does not ship many of them direct to your door unlike this online store which does.

Soursop Fruit Products at Walmart

  • Frozen soursop pulp – Chiquita   This frozen soursop pulp is great way to access soursop fruit however you will have to visit your local Walmart to buy it. Walmart.com will not ship it to you.
  • Frozen soursop pulp – Goya – This frozen soursop pulp is produced by Goya. Walmart will not ship this. You will have to visit your local store.
  • La Fe soursop pulp – This frozen soursop pulp can be found at your local store. Walmart will not ship it via its online store.

Soursop Tea Products at Walmart

Soursop Cold Beverages at Walmart

Soursop Supplements Walmart

Soursop Fresh Soursop Fruit at Walmart

It is unlikely that you would ever commonly find fresh soursop fruit in the fresh fruit section at Walmart. That is because it is highly perishable and will not last long on a store display. Fresh soursop will last for 4-6 days in a refrigerator and 1-2 days unrefrigerated. So to locate fresh soursop fruit you should order it from an online store like http://soursopstore.com.

Search Walmart.com for related products:

Use this search widget to find products you are looking for on Walmart.com.

Soursop (Annona muricata)

15 health benefits of soursop

Soursop, a tropical fruit and the evergreen tree that bears it, is a seemingly magical natural food that has a myriad of health benefits. Here are 15 soursop health benefits you should know about.

Summary:
Health Benefits of Soursop

  1. Cancer and tumor growth suppression
  2. Vision health
  3. Anti-inflammatory compound
  4. Diabetes management and blood sugar stabilization
  5. Kills ticks and may thwart Lyme Disease
  6. Stomach and digestive system health
  7. Eliminates intestinal parasites
  8. Pain relief
  9. Natural sleep aid
  10. Liver health assistance
  11. Depression and anxiety remedy
  12. Stress reduction
  13. Supports healthy cardiovascular function
  14. Respiratory tract ailment relief
  15. Immunity booster

Looking to buy soursop fruit and leaves for tea?
Click here for U.S. store
Click here for Canadian store

Health benefits of soursop fruit and leaves

Cancer and tumor growth suppression

A phytochemical in soursop fruit, bark, and leaves, has been shown to be toxic to cancer cells. The results come from one laboratory study, however many studies since show soursop may be effective in preventing the development of tumors and reducing tumor size. Many people make the claim that soursop is a cure for cancer. Such claims have not been substantiated by research studies on humans. However, the lab studies that have been done do show substantive scientific evidence. These studies are expensive and studying a natural product has no payoff for a funding body, except for the common good. So such a study would need to be backed by a philanthropist or the government. If you have heard that soursop cures cancer, that is because it has been consumed by generations of people who have access to it in tropical regions of the world. ADHD

Vision health

Soursop fruit contains high levels of antioxidants, which help reduce the oxidative load in the body. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and natural carotenoid compounds. These preserve the health of your eyes and help ensure healthy vision. This also helps thwart macular degeneration, cataract development, and promote optimal eye function.

Anti-inflammatory compound

Soursop fruit has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine to treat neuralgia, rheumatism, and arthritic pain. In a 2014 study on mice, the active ingredient in soursop showed significant effects on reducing inflammation. Both the soursop fruit and soursop tea leaves contain high antioxidant content, a key for fighting inflammation in the body. As one of the major precursors of many types of disease, one cup of soursop tea is a powerful preventive measure for reducing the inflammation that leads to serious ailments.

Diabetes management and blood sugar stabilization

Research has shown that mice who consumed soursop had significantly lower blood sugar levels than their control group counterparts. This is likely due to an active ingredient in soursop fruit and its tea derivative that stops the dysfunctional breakdown in the body where carbohydrates are converted to glucose. In addition, it’s been shown that soursop tea may reduce the effect of oxidative stress which causes damage to the livers of my diabetes sufferers. For Type l diabetics, soursop may support the pancreas to produce new insulin-producing cells.

Stomach and digestive system health

Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, soursop is wonderful for decreasing oxidative stress and strengthening the mucus linings of internal organs. This helps to decrease inflammation and reduce the effect of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Individuals who suffer from digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s Disease, IBS, or ulcers may benefit greatly from soursop consumption. It has long been used to treat dysentery.

Eliminates intestinal parasites

Soursop has anti-helminthic properties which makes it a potent tool for fighting bacteria, parasites, and worms. It works in a similar way as many anti-parasitic drugs, though it’s 100 per cent natural. More specifically, soursop has been shown to be effective in treating leishmaniasis, a disease that is transmitted to humans from sand fleas. It may also be useful in treating viral and bacterial based infections from chronic cough, the common cold to herpes.

Pain relief

Soursop has shown analgesic, pain-relieving properties, especially when consumed in higher amounts (2-3 cups of tea per day or 1-2 cups of fresh fruit per day). It does this because of an ingredient in the fruit that interacts with the nervous system. It is suggested, however, that when consuming soursop in large quantities, it should be measured against the body’s response. Exceeding more than a therapeutic dose may have adverse effects, like nausea, and ALS like symptoms. Pain relief is also a welcome effect from the anti-inflammatory properties that soursop produces.

Natural sleep aid

One cup of soursop tea before bed can be a potent all-natural remedy for a restful night’s sleep. Many individuals who suffer from sleep challenges such as insomnia, may benefit from soursop tea. It provides a calming, stress-relieving effect to the body.

Stress reduction

If you are stressed or anxious, soursop provides a calming relief to the body. This is one major health benefits of soursop. It does this by counteracting the effects of cortisol, a chemical that is released from the body during high states of stress.

Depression and anxiety remedy

Soursop’s calming and sedative effects can be of great use to those who suffer from anxiety. It is known to lower blood pressure as well. And, it doesn’t have any depressive side effects. Studies show that extracts from soursop fruit and leaves may reduce depression. There are three key types of alkaloids in the plant: asimadoline, annonaine, and nornuciferine. These stimulate serotonin receptors. And serotonin is an essential biochemical found in the brain and gut that promotes feeling good.

Respiratory tract ailment relief

Soursop has anti-microbial properties. So it can be used to cure acute conditions such as sore throat, stuffy nose, or the common cold. Best of all, it can help speed recovery from these ailments. It does this by soothing inflammation and irritation in the throat, as well as, thinning mucus secretions. It also has a high vitamin C content know to boost immunity.

Liver health assistance

Soursop is useful for purifying and cleansing the liver.  This is because it is full of soluble fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals. It may detoxify the liver and support immune function. In addition, it’s been shown that soursop returns bilirubin levels to normal levels when they malfunction. This can help reverse and shield the liver from major health issues. This mighty fruit may also counteract the effects of jaundice that can occur from taking certain medications, a result of bilirubin build up.

Cardiovascular health

Soursop is known to reduce blood pressure naturally, which for cardiovascularly compromised people is ideal. It boosts blood circulation and reduces anxiety. It is also known to lower cholesterol. Read more on how soursop is good for health health

Immunity booster

Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, anti-bacterial agents, and phytochemicals, soursop is incredible for strengthening and boosting the immune system. Among the health benefits of soursop is protection against viral infections and may even help the body fight and suppress the HIV virus and herpes viruses.

Kills ticks and may thwart Lyme Disease

Soursop’s anti-helminthic properties make it a powerful fruit for fighting ticks and the nervous system issues they cause. It may be useful in treating illnesses such as Lyme disease, though more research is needed to understand it better.

Your best body is mainly a result of the foods you consume and the environments you frequent. This makes soursop one of the best preventive health measures to take to ensure you avoid the risk of chronic disease. And if you are currently dealing with a health challenge, the health benefits of soursop may be exactly what you need to get better fast and without any harmful chemical effects.

Looking to buy soursop fruit and leaves for tea?
Click here for U.S. store
Click here for Canadian store

ADVISORY: The information on this page does not constitute medical advice and should not be used instead of consulting with your doctor or professional healthcare practitioner.