Soursop also is known as Graviola fruit, guanabana, and “Hanuman Phal / Laxman Phal” in Hindi is a fruit that has its origin in the forests of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This is an evergreen broad-leaved tree whose every part is useful and has medicinal properties. This Graviola fruit is extremely delicious with a sharp aroma and a sweet-sour taste which is basically a combination of the taste of pineapple and strawberry, Graviola has so many nutrients, including carbohydrates, fructose, various vitamins, and ascorbic acid.
Recently, it has gained attention and popularity due to its natural cancer cell killing properties. Apart from its anti- cancer properties, it has several other medical benefits.
The soft pulp and fiber of Graviola fruit is used for beverages, desserts, smoothies, and candy, as well as a wealth of traditional medical treatments that are used in many parts of the world. The soursop juice has been used topically, while pulverized seeds and decoctions made of leaves are also popular forms for natural remedies.
Health benefits of Soursop fruit (Graviola)
Cancer Prevention
Soursop or Graviola have been directly linked to cancer prevention and the reduction in the size of tumors. Extensive research has been done on the unique organic compounds of Graviola and it has been widely studied as an alternative cancer treatment. These acetogenins are actually unique to the Annonaceae plant family, which is what makes them so fascinating. They can apparently 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.
Moreover, it is 10000 times more effective than chemotherapy and adriamycin in slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Increases Energy and Endurance
Soursop fruit has a high content of fructose, a simple sugar (monosaccharide). Being a good natural source of carbohydrates, it can keep you fresh and drain energy. This fruit also increases endurance because of its high vitamin C content.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
If you are suffering from joint pain or inflammation, particularly from conditions like gout or arthritis, then rubbing a decoction of soursop on the affected area can be a wonderful way to find some relief. The anti-inflammatory compounds found in Graviola can quickly speed healing in affected areas, while also soothing pain and improving flexibility.
Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Milk
Relieves Constipation
Graviola fruit is rich in soluble and insoluble fibers, it relieves constipation by adding bulk to stool and facilitating its easy elimination from the body.
Prevent nerve damage and maintain a healthy heart
The content of vitamin B1 able to accelerate metabolism, blood circulation, prevents nerve damage, restoring the edges, and central nervous disorders. The content of vitamin B2 is required for the body’s energy production, fat storage, nervous system function, and maintenance of the heart muscle.
Liver disorder
Soursop juice works great for liver disorders. It also reduces the inflammation of the urethra and thus, can lower symptoms like painful urination.
Boost Immune System
Substances contained in soursop fruit such as acetogenins, annonacin, annocatalin, annohexocin, annomuricin, anomurine, anonol, caclourine, gentisic acid, gigantetronin, linoleic acid, muricapentocin. It makes our body stay fit and makes our immune system strong.
Kills Parasites inside the Body
Graviola is loaded with nutrients that are vital for the overall development of the body. The nutrients like amino acids, ascorbic acid, calcium, carbohydrates, iron, phosphorus, thiamine, fibers, and riboflavin can inhibit parasites inside the body.
Sedation and Stress
Soursop tea has been used as a stress-relieving strategy for centuries. There are certain anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of it that make it very effective if you are suffering from excess stress and anxiety. Stress hormones in the body can be detrimental and can mess with your natural metabolic cycles, as well as your sleep schedule.
Skin benefits of Soursop fruit (Graviola)
Anti-ageing Benefits
Soursop is a rich source of vitamin C and ascorbic acid which increases the number of antioxidants that play an important role in fighting the free radicals which are responsible for aging of the skin such as fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
Heals Wounds
The fleshy part of the soursop fruit can be applied as a poultice on the cut or wounded area for at least 3 days. This will not only accelerate the healing process but also prevent bacterial infections. A decoction of soursop leaves is beneficial for treating inflammation and swollen feet.
Hair benefits of Soursop (Graviola fruit)
For Head Lice
Soursop leaves are quite effective in keeping parasites at bay. Head lice are one of these which multiply quickly, thus adversely affecting hair health. A decoction made from soursop leaves can be applied to your scalp to get rid of head lice.
