Soursop, also known as graviola, is the fruit of Annona muricata, a type of tree native to tropical regions of Central America.
This prickly green fruit has a creamy texture and a strong flavor that is often compared to pineapple or strawberry.
NUTRITION: In 100 grams of raw soursop contains:
- Calories: 66
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbs: 16.8 grams
- Fiber: 3.3 grams
- Vitamin C: 34% of the RDI
- Potassium: 8% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 5% of the RDI
- Thiamine: 5% of the RDI
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SOURSOP:
Soursop is High in Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals, which can cause damage to cells.
But soursop is high content of antioxidants.
The antioxidants in soursop extract and showed that it helped prevent damage to cells. It also contained several plant compounds that act as antioxidants, including luteolin, quercetin and tangeretin.
Soursop Helps Kill Cancer Cells:
Soursop is ability ot kill some of type of liver and breast cancer cells. However, it is not known yet whether it can work as cancer treatment or not.
Soursop Helps Fight Bacteria:
Soursop was able to effectively kill off multiple types of bacteria, including strains that cause gingivitis, tooth decay and yeast infections.
Soursop extract worked against the bacteria responsible for cholera and Staphylococcus infections.
Soursop can help Reduce Inflammation:
It had been found to decrease the expression of several inflammatory compounds, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta protein expression. That’s an inflammatory protein known as a cytokine that communicates information between cells, FYI. Soursop gets is anti-inflammatory goodness from the alkaloids, phenols, and acetogenins it contains.
Summary, Soursop extract could reduce inflammation and may be useful in the treatment of certain inflammatory disorders.
Soursop Helps Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels:
Soursop fruit also has the ability to regulate blood glucose levels after a meal. The phenols in soursop inhibit the enzymes responsible for increasing blood glucose levels, therefore keeping the body’s glucose at normal levels in the process.
Interestingly, Soursop’s leaves can also enhance the growth of pancreatic cells. These cells are responsible for producing insulin which, in turn, helps in maintaining the balance of the body’s glucose levels.
Additionally, those with high blood pressure, hypertension, or type-2 diabetes can also benefit from the phenolic compounds found in soursop.
Apart from inhibiting enzymes related to these conditions, the phenols present in soursop stimulates the receptiveness of the body to insulin. Those with diabetes can definitely use the extra boost in insulin to combat their condition.
Source: https://herbbreak.com/soursop-benefits
How to Eat Soursop
Choose a soursop with yellow-green skin.
- Wash it with warm water
- Remove the skin
- Cut it longways
- Remove the seeds
- Making Soursop Foods:
- Eat it raw
- Refrigerate the pulp to increase its sweetness
- Roast it
- Homemade ice cream
- Make a soursop cream pie
- Make a fruit smoothie
- Make a milkshake
- Make a chilled drink
- Brew soursop tea
- Put it in a juicer
However, we should avoid seeds of the soursop , as they have been shown to contain annonacin, a neurotoxin that may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease.
