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Soursop has several benefits that help maintain a healthier life

Alida Ferreira image by Pixabay

Soursop is a tropical-climate plant of the Anonáceas family, originating from the Amazon region and widely found in the North and Northeast of the country. It has a green bark with protruding thorns on the outside, and a light, smooth flesh on the inside. Much is said about the health benefits of graviola, especially in cancer prevention.

properties

It is in the pulp that the main nutrients of soursop are concentrated. From the pulp it is possible to make juices, shakes, ice cream and other delicious desserts, as the fruit has a sweet and slightly acidic flavor.

In it can be found B complex vitamins, important in the maintenance of metabolism and nerves; saponins, which act to control cholesterol and gain muscle mass; flavonoids, already well known for their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial and antioxidant actions; and mineral salts such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, which help control blood pressure, bone health and control muscle contraction, being very good for preventing cramps.

Warnings

The consumption of soursop is not recommended for hypotensive people, as it can cause pressure drops, nor for people with kidney failure (due to the considerable amount of potassium present). Diabetics should consume it in moderation, as the fruit is rich in natural sugars.

Soursop cures cancer?

This is a common question, but whose answer is not yet scientifically proven. There are studies on the effects of soursop in preventing and curing cancer. A study by the University Patos de Minas, which studied the properties of soursop in fruit fly tumors, concluded that it is not effective in preventing cancer due to the fruit's cytotoxicity. However, it could be used as an adjunct in the treatment of established disease. According to the author and her advisor, their antimicrobial properties have growth inhibitors used in chemotherapy treatments.

However, there are no concrete conclusions regarding the use of soursop to cure cancer, as no tests have been performed on humans. The organization Cancer Research UK and the scientific journal Cancer Network make the same warning: although there are some therapeutic actions under study, more research and tests are needed to prove whether soursop cures cancer or not. For now, do not substitute your medical treatment and talk to the professionals who accompany you about the consumption of soursop as a possible complement for your case.

Consumption

It is possible to consume soursop in its natural form and also as a supplement in capsules. It is used in desserts, teas and juices. All parts of the soursop can be used, from the roots to the flowers.

soursop tea

Soursop tea is made from the leaf of the plant. Place 10 g of dried soursop leaves in 1 liter of boiling water. After 10 minutes, strain and consume after meals. Be careful not to overdose!

Soursop juice

Soursop juice is very popular due to its refreshing character and bittersweet taste. To do it is very easy.

You will need:

• A soursop;
• Water;
• Sieve;
• Blender;
• Sugar (optional).

Method of preparation:

• Peel the soursop and place the pulp in a blender;
• Cover with water. The amount of water will depend on the amount of pulp. The ideal is to add until reaching the desired texture;
• It is not necessary to beat for a long time, as the fruit is very soft;
• Sieve the liquid and remove the seeds;
• Sugar to taste.

Adding lemon can make the juice more refreshing. And if you prefer, you can also beat the pulp with milk.