WHAT IS SOURSOP
Soursop, also known as “graviola”, is the fruit of Annona muricata, a type of tree native to tropical regions of the Americas. This prickly green fruit has a creamy texture and a strong flavor that is often compared to pineapple or strawberry.
Soursop
Soursop is typically eaten raw by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the flesh. A typical serving of this fruit is low in calories yet high in several nutrients. Soursop is high in vitamin C, an antioxidant known to boost immune health. The vitamin strengthens your immune system, improving its ability to defend against pathogens. One whole soursop fruit contains 215% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
Interestingly, many parts of the fruit are used medicinally, including the leaves, fruit and stems. It is also used in cooking and can even be applied to the skin.
Research has also found a variety of health benefits for soursop in recent years. Now let’s look at 3 ways soursop is beneficial;
- Promotes Digestive Health
Due to its high fiber content of 7.4 grams per cup, soursop may aid proper digestion. The fruit’s juice can also act as a diuretic (any substance that promotes diuresis, the increased production of urine and excretion) and cleanse the gastrointestinal tract by removing excess sodium from the body.
2. Fights Inflammation
Like most fruits and vegetables, soursop is a good source of antioxidants, which might help the body repair cell damage and combat inflammation.
3. Stabilizes blood pressure
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.
While soursop can offer significant health benefits, it does have some potential disadvantages. Studies have shown that it can interact with high blood pressure medication or medications for diabetes. The compounds in the fruit may strengthen the effects of such medications, causing dangerous drops in your blood pressure or blood sugar levels, so when using such medications, avoid taking large amounts of soursop, and consult with your doctor and dietitian on the right amount to take.
Also avoid eating soursop seeds. They have toxic compounds and may cause harmful side effects. Be sure to remove them before eating the fruit.
Most soursop is picked before the fruit is fully ripened. While the unripe fruit is green, it turns to a yellow-green to indicate maturity. Store unripe fruit on the counter. Once mature, you should store it in the refrigerator and use it within a few days.
Soursop is delicious raw. You can also use it in many different ways, such as:
- Homemade popsicles
- Ice cream
- A sweet addition to your favorite smoothie recipe
- Juices
- A topping for to oatmeal, yogurt
- A delicious addition to cake batter by using the outer part (zest)
So, why don’t you have some goodness of this delicious fruit by enjoying it alone or even adding it in other delicacies.
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