Also known as graviola, soursop (Annona muricata) is a large prickly, heart shaped green coloured fruit growing in tropical regions. It is covered with ridges on the outside and has a soft juicy flesh inside. It resembles a custard apple and is dark green in colour when raw. As it ripens, it becomes slightly soft and light green externally. Thus, this fruit is closely related to custard apple and cherimoyas in terms of appearance and flavour. Its white pulpy flesh contains small shiny black inedible seeds and has a sweet acidic taste.
Seedless varieties of soursop are rarely available and generally have a fibrous flesh. Due to its creamy texture, it is often used in beverages, ice creams and other sweet foods. The skin of the fruit is inedible but the white fleshy part is quite nutritious. The seeds should never be eaten as they are toxic in nature. The tips of the prickles of ripe soursop fruit break off easily. Under-ripe fruits can be stored in the dark until they ripen fully.
The soursop fruit is known for its medicinal value. It contains certain natural compounds with medicinal benefits which make it beneficial for the treatment of various ailments. Recently, it has gained popularity due to the fact that it can kill cancer cells up to 10000 times more effectively than chemotherapy drugs, that too without side effects. In addition to the fruit, the leaves, root, bark and seeds have been incorporated in traditional remedy for centuries. Soursop extracts have therapeutic value and are available in health stores.
Being abundant in vitamins and minerals, soursop offers several health benefits. It is often recommended by the practitioners of herbal medicine to cure various ailments ranging from stomach ailments to intestinal worms.
Soursop leaves have proven to be effective in killing 12 types of cancer cells, thus preventing colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, they can attack cancer cells without any side effects such as nausea, weight loss, hair loss etc. Moreover, it is 10000 times more effective than chemotherapy and adriamycin in slowing the growth of cancer cells.
For this purpose, 10 old soursop leaves can be boiled in 3 cups of water until 1 cup remains. This concoction should be given to the cancer patient twice a day for 2 weeks to get noticeable results. The fruit contains annanaceous acetogenins which can stop the growth of damaged cells before they become cancerous and are particularly beneficial in fighting breast cancer. Soursop leaves not only kill abnormal cancer cells but also allow cells to grow normally.
Soursop fruit contains calcium and phosphorus which are beneficial for strong bones and help to prevent osteoporosis.
Soursop has a high content of fructose, a simple sugar (monosachharide). 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.
Vitamin B1 in soursop accelerates metabolism, blood circulation and prevents nervous disorders. It also contains vitamin B2 which is vital for the body’s energy production, fat storage, functioning of nervous system and maintenance of heart muscle.
Soursop is effective in curing hemorrhoid. For this purpose, squeeze the fruit to take out at least 1 cup water and drink it twice a day in the morning and afternoon for relief. In case of infant diarrhea, 2-3 tablespoons of this water should be given to infants.
Since the fruit is rich in soluble and insoluble fibers, it relieves constipation by adding bulk to stool and facilitating its easy elimination from the body.
The flesh of this fruit is nearly 84% water which hydrates your body. It acts as a natural diuretic to treat edema or retention of water.
Soursop fruit contains a chemical called tryptophan which promotes sleepiness and relaxation. It is, thus, beneficial for insomniacs. Soursop leaves are often used in aromatherapy and infusions for sleep. Soursop fruit helps in controlling blood pressure and hypertension.
Due to its high moisture content, soursop is effective in treating and preventing urinary tract infections (UTI), urethritis and hematuria. The juice of the fruit can be taken orally in case of urethritis, hematuria and liver ailments.
Soursop is loaded with nutrients which 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.
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