One Nigerian study states the efficacy of soursop leaves in treating respiratory conditions like asthma.
As per a report by the University of Connecticut, soursop can be used extensively for the treatment of stress and other issues like depression.
Soursop is also found to have antiulcer properties. The fruit suppresses oxidative damage and preserves the mucus of the gastric wall. The significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the fruit can help improve gastrointestinal health.
In one Brazilian study, the anthelmintic (the ability to kill parasites) properties of soursop leaf extract were studied. They studied the effects of a parasitic worm that caused gastrointestinal issues in sheep. The objective of the study was to inspect the effects of soursop towards the eggs and adult forms of the parasite. The study concluded that soursop is a natural anthelmintic, and since it could kill the parasites in sheep that caused them gastrointestinal issues, it might have similar effects in humans. More research is going on, though.
As per another report, excessive doses of oral iron can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Though soursop is a source of iron, the mineral content in the fruit is not as much as other ingredients – hence, it is unlikely to cause gastrointestinal distress. The same fact, again, could work for the benefit of the individual. For instance, an individual suffering from iron deficiency can be susceptible to anemia, which is known to cause dysfunction of the gastrointestinal system. Though soursop is not an excellent source of iron, it does contain iron – and hence can be a healthy addition to an iron-rich diet to combat anemia (and the resultant gastrointestinal problems).
A Korean study states that the intake of soursop can enhance immunity. This can be attributed to the bioactive compounds in the fruit. Oral intake of soursop leaf extracts was found to reduce edema in rat paws, which is usually caused due to a weak immune system. The study concludes by stating that soursop leaf extract has the potential to stimulate immunity, and hence can be used in the treatment of immunocompromised patients. Soursop can also be made a part of the diet to improve the overall lifestyle quality.
The juice of the soursop fruit was found to provide more micronutrients than its pulp. But the pulp has more amount of vitamin A than the juice. Soursop is also rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) that strengthens and boosts the immune system. Beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, also contributes to an enhanced immune system.
Another report published in a journal by The University of West Indies talks about a study where patients with different forms of cancer were given different foods, soursop being one of them. The objective of the experiment, as stated in the report, was to enhance the immune system of the patients.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, soursop can work as an analgesic. The mice used in the study were made to writhe, post which the soursop extract was induced in them. The experiment produced desirable results.
The soursop fruit has been traditionally used to treat fever. In Africa, a decoction of soursop leaves is used to control feverish symptoms and convulsive seizures. In fact, the larvae of the Aedes aegypti mosquito (which transmit dengue fever), showed great vulnerability towards soursop extract.
As per an Indian study, the soursop fruit and its juice can not only treat fever, but also act as an astringent for diarrhea and dysentery. The fruit can help treat fever in children as well; soursop is widely used for this purpose in Africa.
All parts of the soursop tree are used as medicine for an array of ailments. And diarrhea is one of them.
[ Read: Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Diarrhea ]
Soursop has been used in folklore for treating hypertension. This can be attributed to the antioxidant potential of phenols in the fruit, according to a Nigerian study.
As per an Indonesian study report, soursop contains good nutrients that can help lower blood pressure levels in human adults.
According to studies, the internal administration of soursop leaf decoction was found to exhibit anti-rheumatic properties. And the leaves, when cooked and topically applied, helped ease rheumatism and abscesses.
In Africa, the unripe fruit of soursop is used to treat rheumatism and arthritic pain. Even the mashed leaves of the soursop tree are used as a poultice to treat rheumatism.
Soursop also contains anthocyanins, tannins, and alkaloids that exhibit anti-rheumatic effects.
As per a report published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the extract of soursop leaves can help prevent skin papilloma, a disease that causes tumor eruptions on the skin.
In fact, soursop is so good for the skin that the leaves of the plant are used for calming the skin of babies. Certain sources also suggest soursop paste can work wonders for hair – by treating dandruff and itching, and strengthening hair as well. But we need more research on this.
So, now you know what the benefits of soursop are. And now, we proceed to something as important – the nutritional profile.
Check out here what are the soursop nutritional benefits in detail.
Soursop contains abundant amounts of vitamin C and several B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin as well as minerals like calcium, phosphorus and a small amount of iron. The fruit comprises of 67.5% pulp, 20% fruit skin, 8.5% fruit seeds and 4% core pieces. Know about nutritional benefits of soursop fruit.
| NUTRITIONAL VALUE PER 100 G (3.5 OZ) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 276 kJ (66 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 16.84 g |
| Sugars | 13.54 g |
| Dietary fiber | 3.3 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Proteint | 1 g |
| Thiamine (vit. B1 | 0.07 mg (6%) |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.05 mg (4%) |
| Niacin (vit. B3) | 0.9 mg (6%) |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.253 mg (5%) |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.059 mg (5%)g |
| Folate | 14 μg (4%) |
| Choline | 7.6 mg (2%) |
| Vitamin C | 20.6 mg (25%) |
| Calcium | 14 mg (1%) |
| Iron | 0.6 mg (5%) |
| Magnesium | 21 mg (6%) |
| Phosphorus | 27 mg (4%) |
| Potassium | 278 mg (6%) |
| Sodium | 14 mg (1%) |
| Zinc | 0.1 mg (1%) |
Ah well, we have seen the rosy part of the fruit till now. Now it’s time to peer at the other side.
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