10 Soursop Benefits & How to Eat (Amounts, Supplements & Tea)

Soursop benefits, like regulating blood sugar, relieving arthritis pain, and maintaining blood pressure are made possible because this fruit is high in vitamin C, dietary fiber and flavonoids.

These are compounds with antioxidant, hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to combat free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Soursop is a fruit with a green peel and spikes on the outside, and a soft, creamy white pulp on the inside. Also referred to as graviola, guanabana or guyabano, it tastes sweet and is slightly acidic.

Health benefits

Soursop benefits include the following:

1. Relieving anti-inflammatory diseases 

Soursop contains anti-inflammatory properties that prevents the reduction of inflammation-producing cytokines. These are generated by the body in the presence of inflammation. This fruit can therefore be useful for the relieve of symptoms of inflammatory diseases, like arthritis, arthrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Learn more about naturally anti-inflammatory foods you can add to your diet.

Also recommended: Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Which Foods to Eat & Avoid (& Meal Plans) tuasaude.com/en/anti-inflammatory-diet

2. Preventing diabetes

Soursop contains great amounts of antioxidants that protect the pancreatic cells that are responsible for the production if insulin. This helps to prevent insulin resistance and diabetes.

Furthermore, soursop is a great source of fibers, which decrease how quickly sugar is absorbed. This can help to regulate glucose levels in the blood, which can help to control diabetes in people who have already been diagnosed with it.

3. Promoting eye health

Because it contains lutein, an antioxidant compound that is important for eye health, soursop helps to decrease the development of illnesses like cataracts and macular degeneration. These conditions are associated with aging and cause eye damage, leading to vision loss.

4. Protecting the stomach

Soursop contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce damage caused by free radicals in the stomach. This promotes a reduction in stomach acid production, making this fruit beneficial for protecting the stomach, improving digestion, and help to manage some diseases, like ulcers and gastritis.

5. Improving stress and anxiety 

Soursop leaves contain anonaine and asimilobine, compounds that soothing properties that act on the central nervous system. These compounds interact with serotonin (a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation), which can improve mood, stress and anxiety. Read more about other home remedies for gastritis that you can prepare to relieve symptoms.

6. Regulating blood pressure

Soursop contains potassium, an mineral that is essential for the body’s elimination of sodium through the urine. Potassium is also important for blood pressure management.

In addition, this fruit also contains antioxidants which promote arterial health and act as a vasodilator. It helps to promote blood circulation, which can also influence blood pressure. Check out other natural home remedies for blood pressure that can compliment your medical treatment.

7. Strengthening the immune system 

Because it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, like vitamin C and quercetin, soursop helps to manage excess free radicals and strengthen immune system cells. This helps to prevent allergies, colds and flu.

8. Combating constipation

Soursop helps to combat constipation because of its high water and fiber content. These components promote natural bowel movements and add bulk to the stool, which facilitate stool elimination. See a list of other naturally laxative foods that can facilitate regular bowel movements.

9. Maintaining hydration in the body

Soursop pulp contains about 82 g of water, which can significantly hydrate the body. It is often consumed in hot environments or during exercise, which helps to prevent dehydration.

Also recommended: Soursop Juice: 6 Health Benefits + Recipes tuasaude.com/en/soursop-juice

10. Possibly prevent cancer 

Recent studies show that soursop is rich in acetogenins, which are a group of metabolic compounds that have a cytotoxic effect that targets cancerous cells. In addition, it was noted in some studies that consuming soursop on a long-term basis can help to prevent and treat many types of cancer, like breast, colon, lung and prostate cancers.

Nonetheless, these studies have only been done in lab settings with isolated cells and animals. More studies are needed in humans to support the possible effect of this fruit on cancerous cells.

Soursop vs Graviola vs Guanabana: are they the same?

Soursop, graviola, and guanabana all refer to the same fruit, scientifically known as Annona muricata L., from the Annonaceae family. "Soursop" is the most common name in English, "graviola" is widely used in Brazil and in supplement marketing, while "guanabana" is more common in Hispanic countries.

Other names include guyabano (Philippines), Brazilian pawpaw, sirsak, and prickly custard apple. Regardless of the name, they all have the same nutritional and bioactive properties.

How much to eat

Soursop is generally safe when consumed in moderation, but high doses may lead to toxicity.

• Fresh fruit: Up to 1 cup (148 g) daily is considered safe. Seeds should always be removed as they contain neurotoxic compounds.

• Tea: Use 5–7 dried leaves per liter of boiling water, steep for 5–10 minutes, and drink no more than 3 cups per day, ideally in cycles (30 days on, 10 days off).

• Capsules: The general recommended dose is 2 capsules per day, 30 minutes before meals. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Chronic or excessive consumption has been linked to neurotoxicity and may increase the risk of atypical Parkinsonism in some populations. Avoid consuming over 70 cups of tea in any period, as this has been associated with severe neurological effects.

Who should avoid soursop

Soursop should only be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women under the guidance of a doctor, as there are no safety studies available in these groups. This fruit is not recommended for:

• People with Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders, as it may worsen symptoms.

• Those with low blood pressure, because it can lead to excessive blood pressure reduction.

• Individuals with liver or kidney disease, as chronic use may pose a risk of hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity.

• People taking antihypertensive, diabetic, or anticoagulant medications, as soursop can potentiate the effects of these drugs.

Anyone taking medications for depression, high blood pressure or diabetes should consult a doctor before using soursop in any form.

Soursop tea

Soursop tea is a great way to obtain the benefits that this fruit has to offer. This tea is typically prepared using the leaves.

Ingredients

• 10 g of dried soursop leaves

• 1 liter of boiling water

How to prepare
Place the dried soursop leaves in the boiling water. Cover and allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 cups per day, after meals. Read more about soursop tea and the health benefits associated with consuming it.

How to eat

Soursop can be consumed as tea (recipe above), or in its natural state. This fruit can also be used in other recipes for juices, mousses and ice cream.

Also recommended: 25 High Fiber Fruits (& How Much You Should Eat) tuasaude.com/en/high-fiber-fruit

To make soursop juice, place place 1 cup of soursop pulp (diced and without seeds), 500 mL of water and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar (or sweetener) in a blender. Blend until well-combined, then serve.

Another way to consume soursop is through capsule supplements. Dosing varies between manufacturers, although the general recommended dose is 2 capsules per day, 30 minutes before meals. Soursop can cause some side effects, therefore it is important to take it as directed a doctor or medicinal plant specialist.

Side effects

Some toxic effects, like kidney damage or death, can occur with very high doses of soursop leaves. These effects will only evolve, however, if you drink over 70 cups of this tea.

The development of neurodegenerative disease from consumption (like Parkinson’s disease) are associated with excessive, long-term consumption of soursop, although studies on this matter are not conclusive.

Nutritional information

The following table outlines the nutritional information in 100 g of soursop:

To obtain all the benefits that soursop has to offer, it is important to include it in a healthy, balanced diet and to exercise regularly.