SOUR SOP: 10 Health Benefits and Uses of the Leaf & Fruit
What are the Health Benefits of Soursop? Here are 10 Benefits of SourSop.
Soursop (Fruit & Leaf) may be beneficial in helping to fight and prevent cancer. It is said to be 10 times more potent than chemotherapy. One study found that a soursop extract could reduce the size of breast cancer tumors and kill cancer cells, and boost immune system function. A second study found that an extract could stop the formation of leukemia cells, finding that it can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and development. However, these are experiments using a high dosage of soursop extract. According to some personal experiences of people, soursop leaves seem to be the perfect remedy
Antioxidants play a role in your overall health and may help to protect against a variety of health conditions such as Diabetes. The antioxidants protect the pancreatic cells that are responsible for the production of insulin. This helps to prevent insulin resistance and diabetes. Furthermore, soursop is a great source of fiber, which decreases how quickly sugar is absorbed. This can help to regulate glucose levels in the blood, which can
in people who have already been diagnosed with it.
Antioxidants reduce the damage to your cells caused by oxidative stress by fighting free radicals. One of the side effects of oxidative stress is inflammation. Soursop has about 200 chemical components, the most significant of which are alkaloids, phenols, and acetogenins, which assist in relieving inflammation. The antioxidants in soursop may, therefore,
help to reduce inflammation in the body
. Plant-derived alkaloids are an excellent source of antioxidants and can aid in decreasing inflammation, especially in the case of colitis also.
It’s used in combating constipation
Soursop is rich in water and fibers and these help to combat constipation by promoting natural bowel movements and adding bulk to the stool, which facilitates stool elimination.
– It can be used to Fight Bacteria
Soursop has antimicrobial qualities. Studies show that it can also prevent the growth of multiple kinds of bacteria, including those that cause gingivitis, dental decay, and yeast infections. Another study shows that soursop extract is effective against the bacteria that cause cholera and staphylococcus infections. However, these studies employed a high concentration of soursop. So, one requires more extensive research to substantiate it.
– It can be used to Maintain eye health
Soursop contains lutein, an antioxidant compound that is important for eye health, therefore soursop helps to decrease the development of illnesses like cataracts and macular degeneration. These conditions are associated with aging and cause eye damage, leading to vision loss.
– It can be used in maintaining hydration in the body
Soursop pulp contains about 82 g of water, which can significantly hydrate the body. It is often consumed in hot environments or during exercise, which helps to prevent dehydration.
-It is used in Improving stress and anxiety
Soursop leaves contain anonaine and asimilobine, compounds that have soothing properties that act on the central nervous system. These compounds interact with serotonin (a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation), which can improve mood, stress, and anxiety.
– It is used in strengthening the immune system
Because it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, like vitamin C and quercetin, soursop helps to manage excess free radicals and strengthen immune system cells. This helps to prevent allergies, colds, and flu.
Side Effects of Soursop: Precautions and Certain Things to Keep in Mind
- Low Blood Pressure & Diabetes
If you have Diabetes or High blood pressure, Soursop potentially can interfere with high blood pressure or diabetes drugs. The fruit’s components can amplify the effects of such medications, resulting in severe decreases in blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Toxic Seeds
Soursop seeds are toxic so you should also avoid consuming them. They contain hazardous substances that can have negative consequences. So before consuming the fruit, make sure to remove them.
- Parkinson’s Disease
Studies have shown that the fruit and tea made from the leaves may cause symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, patients with this neurological disease should avoid soursop since it might aggravate their symptoms.
- Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should avoid using soursop as it stimulates uterine contractions. It might lead to premature birth or miscarriage.
How to Eat Soursop
There are different ways to enjoy sour sop and both the fruit and leaves are consumable. Most soursop is picked before the fruit is fully ripened. While the unripe fruit is green and hard, it softens when its ripe to indicate maturity. You’ll know this when you press on it. Store unripe fruit on the counter. Once mature, you should store it in the refrigerator and use it within a few days.
Soursop is delicious when ripe. You can also use it in many different ways, such as:
- Smoothies
- Teas
- Homemade popsicles
- Ice cream
- Juices
Where To Buy Sour Sop
Fresh soursop is commonly found in Nigerian local markets and malls. While you’ll see soursop teas and supplements online. You can check Here for Soursop Leaf Or Here for the Fruit to see if there are Soursop vendors available.
Soursop Recipes
