Soursop is the fruit of Annona muricata, a broadleaf, flowering, evergreen tree. This very rich fruit has multiple therapeutic and medicinal values, some of which are listed below. The fruit can be gotten anywhere in the market.
Immune System Booster
Soursop contains nutrients beneficial to the immune body system, and having a strong immune is the first thing to prevent the body from any kind of diseases. Also, it contains rich vitamin C, consuming its juice can prevent the body from illnesses such as flu, fever, headache, or a cough.
Improves Eye Health
The soursop fruit is replete with antioxidants. These antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E, zinc, and beta-carotene, have been found to decrease the risk of eye disease. The antioxidants also reduce oxidative stress, which can otherwise cause cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
Aids In The Treatment of Diabetes
According to a Nigerian study, the fruit possesses anti-diabetic properties. The two groups of rats tested in the study had a significant difference in their blood glucose concentrations, with the group treated with soursop, having lower concentrations than the other. Extracts of the soursop pericarp (the fruit minus the seed) can keep blood glucose levels in check after a meal. The phenols in the fruit do this by inhibiting the enzymes – α-amylase and α-glucosidase – that increase blood glucose levels. In another study, the leaf extract was seen to promote the growth of insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
Relieves Pain
Soursop has been traditionally consumed as a painkiller. Research suggests it does so by inhibiting pain receptors and other inflammatory molecules.
Possesses Anti-Cancer Properties
It contains annonacin, which is a neurotoxin that is classified as acetogenin. Studies reveal that the presence of annonacin in soursop makes this fruit effective for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, when compared with Chemotherapy and Adriamycin. Regular consumption of the fruit is therefore highly essential for preventing the onset of cancer attacks.
Featured Image Credit: Steemit.com
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This article was first published on 17th January 2018
amarachi
Amara Adanna Ogbonna is a Christian, foodie, and lover of arts. She spends most of her time on Facebook.
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