1. Enhances Gastrointestinal Health
Soursop is 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.
2. Boosts The Immune System
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.
3. Relieves Pain (Works As An Analgesic)
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.
4. Soursop Treats Fever
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.
5. Treats Diarrhea
All parts of the soursop tree are used as medicine for an array of ailments. And diarrhea is one of them.
6. Aids In The Treatment Of Hypertension
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.
7. Helps Treat Rheumatism
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.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE PER 100g
Energy 66 kcal
Carbohydrates 16.84 g
Sugars 13.54 g
Dietary fiber 3.3 g
Fat 0.3 g
Protein 1 g
Thiamine (vit. B1 0.07 mg
Riboflavin (vit. B2) 0.05 mg
Niacin (vit. B3) 0.9 mg
Pantothenic acid 0.253 mg
Vitamin B6 0.059 mg
Folate 14 μg
Choline 7.6 mg
Vitamin C 20.6 mg
Calcium 14 mg
Iron 0.6 mg
Magnesium 21 mg
Phosphorus 27 mg
Potassium 278 mg
Sodium 14 mg
Zinc 0.1 mg
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