All parts of the soursop tree have medicinal properties: the fruit is consumed fresh or made into jam, while the leaves, bark, roots, and seeds are widely used in traditional medicine.
Benefits of Soursop Fruit
- Nutritional Components
- Anti-Cancer Properties
- Treatment of Malaria
- Treatment of Parasitic Infections
- Treatment of Joint Pain
- Control of High Blood Pressure
- Control of Seizures
- Control of Diabetes
- Liver Damage Prevention
- Pain Relief
- Antioxidant Properties
- Treatment of Ulcers
- Wound Healing
- Blood Pressure Regulation
- Immune System Boost
- Good for Digestion
- Bone and Dental Health
- Anemia Prevention
- How to Eat Soursop
- Precautions When Eating Soursop
Soursop is the fruit of the Annona muricata tree, a small-leaved evergreen tropical tree of the Annonaceae family.
According to research, the soursop tree contains approximately 212 phytochemicals, including alkaloids, megastigmanes, flavonol triglycosides, phenolics, cyclopeptides, and essential oils. Together, these contribute to its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, arthritic, antibacterial, anti-seizure, liver protective, and anti-diabetic properties.
Soursop is a large, heart-shaped (or oval or irregular) green fruit with a diameter ranging from 15 to 20 cm. Inside, there is white flesh with a soft and smooth texture, a sweet taste, and an appealing aroma. Most people do not consume soursop seeds as they may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Below are the scientifically proven benefits of soursop.
Soursop is a large, heart-shaped green fruit with a diameter of 15 to 20 cm.
Nutritional Components
100g of soursop contains 81.16g of water and 276 kJ of energy. It also contains 1g of protein, 3.3g of fiber, 14mg of calcium, 0.6mg of iron, 21mg of magnesium, 278mg of potassium, 27mg of phosphorus, 0.1mg of zinc, 20.6mg of vitamin C, and 14mcg of folate.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Soursop has anti-cancer properties including cytotoxicity, necrosis, and proliferation inhibition against various cancers such as breast, colorectal, prostate, kidney, lung, pancreatic, ovarian, and many others. Phytochemicals found in the fruit, such as acetogenins, are primarily responsible for reducing and preventing the growth of cancer cells.
Treatment of Malaria
The antispasmodic compounds in soursop leaves have a positive effect on the parasites that cause malaria. According to a study, extracts from soursop leaves showed promising efficacy against two strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the single-celled parasite that causes malaria in humans.
Treatment of Parasitic Infections
Soursop exhibits anti-parasitic activity that can help treat monoclonal infections such as leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis. The bioactive compounds in the fruit assist in treating gastrointestinal parasites and can effectively combat drug-resistant protozoal diseases.
Treatment of Joint Pain
Soursop fruit is used as a natural remedy for joint pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant can help suppress stimuli related to joint pain and reduce swelling from this condition.
Control of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and kidney failure. Soursop has antihypertensive activity that can help lower cholesterol levels in the body. This can assist in controlling high blood pressure and preventing complications.
Soursop has anti-diabetic and hypotensive effects.
Control of Seizures
Soursop is renowned for its anticonvulsant activity primarily in African countries. It is used in traditional medicine to manage fever and seizures. Additionally, the neuroprotective effects of this fruit may contribute to enhanced performance against seizures or other neurological dysfunctions.
Control of Diabetes
Soursop has anti-diabetic properties and can lower blood sodium levels. One study indicated that soursop could help reduce blood glucose levels when consumed daily for two weeks. Furthermore, the antioxidant effects of soursop may protect pancreatic beta cells from oxidative damage, a primary cause of type 1 diabetes.
Liver Damage Prevention
A study highlighted the liver-protective activity and bilirubin reduction of soursop. High bilirubin levels indicate liver damage or disease. Consuming soursop may help lower high bilirubin levels to normal, protecting the liver while combating the toxicity of carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen.
Pain Relief
Soursop has traditionally been used as a pain relief medication due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It helps reduce inflammatory cytokines in the body, which are responsible for pain. One study discussed its effects on inhibiting abdominal pain caused by acetic acid.
Antioxidant Properties
Soursop contains a high amount of phenolic compounds responsible for its antioxidant properties. This substance can effectively act as a powerful free radical scavenger, chelate iron, and prevent related diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and infectious diseases.
Treatment of Ulcers
Soursop possesses ulcer healing activities due to the presence of compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and triterpenes. It may help reduce ulcerative lesions or gastric inflammation and improve gastric function.
Soursop has wound healing activities.
Wound Healing
Soursop has wound healing activities. It can help reduce the appearance of wounds from the fourth day in cases of lacerations. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the fruit contribute to faster wound recovery.
Blood Pressure Regulation
High blood pressure can lead to serious issues such as heart disease and heart attacks. One contributing factor to high blood pressure is elevated sodium levels in the body. Potassium helps the body eliminate sodium and relieve stress in blood vessel walls, thereby helping to lower blood pressure. A soursop can provide about ⅓ to ½ of the recommended daily potassium intake.
Immune System Boost
Providing sufficient vitamin C helps the body fight infections and various illnesses as this nutrient is vital for immune system function. Studies show that vitamin C deficiency can impair immune function and make the body more susceptible to infections.
Good for Digestion
Soursop is also a fruit that is very beneficial for digestion. It contains a high fiber content that helps accelerate bowel movements, promote waste elimination, and enhance the digestion of fats and proteins quickly. Additionally, the nutrients in soursop also help replenish some beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
If you often experience bloating or indigestion, consider adding this fruit to your daily diet. A gentle combination of soursop and yogurt would also be a great choice for enhancing your family’s digestive health.
Bone and Dental Health
Soursop contains phosphorus and calcium, which help strengthen bones and teeth. This is one reason many health experts often recommend that women, children, and the elderly include this fruit in their daily diet.
Anemia Prevention
Soursop is rich in iron—a crucial mineral for red blood cell formation, oxygen, and CO2 transport during respiration. Therefore, consuming soursop can help the body prevent anemia while also improving symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and vertigo associated with anemia.
How to Eat Soursop
Soursop smoothie. (Image: Internet).
Cut the fruit in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds using a knife or by hand. Scoop out the white flesh with a spoon and place it in a bowl. You can also eat it directly after cutting. The fruit flesh can be blended into smoothies or used as a substitute for sugar in baking. Soursop leaves can also be brewed into tea or decocted for various medicinal uses.
Important Notes When Eating Cherimoya
So far, there have been no reported cases of cherimoya allergies in medical literature. However, any food containing protein theoretically can cause allergies. If you experience food allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, or hives after eating cherimoya, please consult a doctor for examination.
It is advisable to consume only about 50g of cherimoya per day and not exceed 250g per week. Choose ripe and delicious cherimoya for consumption and preparation to ensure the fruit’s flavor and nutritional value. Avoid adding too much sugar or milk when eating, as it may counteract the benefits of this fruit.
Additionally, you should be cautious when consuming cherimoya in any form if you are using antihypertensive medications, diabetes medications, or have liver or kidney issues.
Individuals with low platelet counts should also refrain from eating this fruit, as cherimoya can decrease platelet levels.
It is advisable to remove the seeds before eating cherimoya.
People with diabetes should limit their intake of this fruit, as it can raise blood sugar levels. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should absolutely avoid using any products made from the leaves, roots, or seeds of cherimoya, as they may be harmful to health.
Furthermore, you should also be careful to remove the seeds of cherimoya, as these seeds contain certain compounds that may have harmful side effects on health.
