Soursop is a fruit with scientific name- Annona muricata. It also goes by guanabana, paw-paw, sirsak, and graviola. It has spines on it with a green exterior and is covered with a white, fibrous flesh. They grow up to 8 inches and can weigh up to 10 pounds.
Soursop has many uses in traditional medicine, and it has been used to treat a wide range of health conditions and ailments. With such strong nutrient profile, take a look at the health benefits of soursop below:
1. Immune booster
High blood pressure may lead to serious issues like heart disease and heart attack. A contributing factor to high blood pressure is sodium intake. Potassium helps your body to get rid of sodium and eases the tension in the walls of your blood vessels, both of which can help to lower your blood pressure. A whole soursop fruit offers approximately one-third to one-half of your recommended daily allowance of potassium.
3. Fights bacteria
Soursop may provide antibacterial effects. One study found that soursop extracts may help to fight cholera and Staphylococcus bacteria.
4. It aids digestion
One whole soursop fruit contains around 83% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber, which is a vital nutrient for your digestive health. Fiber helps to promote regularity and prevent digestive issues such as constipation.
5. Potential anti-carcinogenic effects
Soursop may be beneficial in helping to fight and prevent cancer. One study found that a soursop extract could reduce the size of breast cancer tumors and kill cancer cells. A second study found that an extract could stop the formation of leukemia cells.