Soursop is commonly found in South America and the Caribbean and is one of Guyana’s most highly prized fruits. It provides the basis for beverages, ice creams and other popular sweets. Additionally, it has super-fruit healing properties as a high-antioxidant food due to its vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, phosphorous and iron content. Soursop’s benefits include helping reduce eye disease, treat infections and potentially even fight cancer.
Benefits of Soursop
Filled with Beneficial Antioxidants that May Help Reduce Eye Disease
Many of the potential soursop benefits are thought to be derived from its antioxidant properties. Studies show that the phytonutrients found in the fruit are high in antioxidant compounds. This is quite a group that can help fight disease-causing cells and even block the growth of tumors.
Additional studies have reported that antioxidants may also help with eye disease. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study led by the National Eye Institute found antioxidants to be useful, especially when consumed as a cocktail of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and zinc. In one study, this combination actually lowered the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration by 25 percent in those who already had the disease.
Extracts from soursop leaves have shown anti-inflammatory properties in addition to their antimicrobial characteristics, making soursop a versatile anti-inflammatory food. Studies indicate that soursop may also be a natural anti-infection treatment for root canals. Often dangerous chemicals, such as sodium hypochlorite (a form of bleach), are used to irrigate the root canal to prevent infection. However, the dangers of these chemicals can pose health hazards. A study published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice shows that the use of graviola to irrigate the root canal is very effective, making it a much healthier option.
Published research reports that bioactive components of the soursop leaf extracts may have positive cancer-fighting properties on account of the antioxidant enzymes that they contain.
Soursop extract has shown an ability to help kill numerous types of cancer cells, specifically pancreatic cancer cells. A study conducted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center found that the extract can greatly reduce pancreatic cancer. Because cancer cells have more glucose, cell growth is typically enhanced as well as tumor growth. However, in this study, cells that were treated with graviola extract decreased their glucose uptake when compared to untreated cells. This decrease can make it difficult for the bad cells to multiply and grow. This helps block the spread of cancer.
Soursop is also used to treat infections caused by bacteria and parasites. It’s also been used to treat herpes, coughing and vomiting.
