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
- Cancer and tumor growth suppression
- Vision health
- Anti-inflammatory compound
- Diabetes management and blood sugar stabilization
- Kills ticks and may thwart Lyme Disease
- Stomach and digestive system health
- Eliminates intestinal parasites
- Pain relief
- Natural sleep aid
- Liver health assistance
- Depression and anxiety remedy
- Stress reduction
- Supports healthy cardiovascular function
- Respiratory tract ailment relief
- 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.