Soursop Fruit (Graviola, Guyabano): Magic Fruit?

soursop fruit on tree

Soursop Fruit

Soursop is a slightly-prickly bitter-sweet fruit common in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. 

It is originally from Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia, but is now common in many other tropical regions.

It tastes like a succulent blend of apple and strawberry or apple and pineapple with a dash of citrus, depending on who you ask. 

Soursop (Annona Muricata) which is also known as Graviola, Guyabano, Brazilian Paw Paw, Guanabana, or Custard Apple is believed to help fight cancer, although, there is no sufficient scientific proof to make this a fact.

It does have numerous health benefits such as fighting inflammation and boosting the immune system. 

It can be eaten as a fruit, made into a beverage, or used to make smoothies, syrups, or ice-cream. 

Soursop comes from the Annona muricata tree. You can use the fruits, seeds or leaves for medicinal purposes. 

soursop fruit tree

Soursop Nutritional Facts

The nutritional facts below are for 1 cup (225g) of the soursop pulp as provided by the USDA:

  • Calories 148
  • Sugars 30.5 g
  • Fat 0.7 g
  • Potassium 626 mg
  • Fiber 7.4 g
  • Carbohydrates 37.9 g
  • Sodium 31.2mg
  • Vitamin C 46.4 mg
  • Protein 2.3 g

Soursop Fruit Health Benefits

May Kill Cancer Cells

Although there is no human data to prove this point, the soursop fruit is believed to fight cancer cells. 

Parts of the plant that may contain cancer-fighting compounds include the stem, leaf, seeds, or the pericarp. 

Helps Fight Inflammation

Soursop is a good source of antioxidants that help fight inflammation.

Help promote Digestive Health

Soursop has a high fiber content which is good for the digestive system. It can help remove cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and may heal gastric ulcers.

Helps Boost Immunity

Soursop is rich in Vitamin C which is good for the production of white blood cells and ultimately boosting one’s immunity.

May Help Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels

People with diabetes may benefit from including soursop in their diet as it may help control their blood sugar levels. However, you need to seek medical advice as this fruit has a blood sugar-lowering effect.

May Help Relieve Pain

Thanks to its sedative and anti-inflammatory components, soursop can help relieve pain. It can be applied both internally and externally to help relieve the pain.

soursop fruit and juice

How To Consume Soursop

Soursop can be eaten on its own. 

Simply slice the fruit in the middle and pick out the white, mushy flesh. Munch around the seeds. 

If you want to make a smoothie, separate the pulp from the seed and place in the blender with other fruits you may desire and a little water and blend into a smoothie. 

For example, you can enjoy a mango and soursop smoothie. 

Since this will be a thick mixture, you might want to add adequate water.

You can also incorporate it into ice-cream, sweet beverages, or candies.

 

Soursop Recipes

How To Make Soursop Leaves Tea

  1. Boil 2 pints of water, then take 10 soursop dry leaves and eventually 1 small stem, cut into small pieces and put into the boiling water.
  2. Boil the water on small flame for 30 mins with open pot, until reduced to half of original amount .
  3. You can drink 1 cup filtered soursop tea hot or warm or cool up to 3 times every day, in the morning, afternoon and in the night.
  4. For better taste you can add 1/2 spoon of lime juice or honey.

The benefits of soursop tea are still disputed, but there are people who swear on the magic of soursop tea.

Please consult your physician before starting to dring soursop tea on a regular basis.

Soursop Fruit – How To Eat Soursop

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Soursop Juice (Rasta Style)

Soursop Health Benefits Research

Soursop Risks And Side Effects

Possible side effects of consuming soursop include:

  • Eye inflammation from the seeds or bark of the soursop tree.
  • May result in drastic weight loss.
  • May harm a pregnant mother or breastfeeding baby.
  • May not be ideal for diabetic patients as it has blood sugar-lowering effects.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not approve soursop or agree with any claims that it can treat conditions such as cancer.