Sasalapa or Soursop, also known as Graviola is a tropical fruit that you can find in Samoa and other Pacific Islands, parts of South America and even in Florida. In Nigeria, it is commonly found in the Southern part of the country.
The taste of soursop fruit is a delicious combo of strawberry and pineapple and is most commonly eaten by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the flesh. The soft pulp and flesh of the fruit can be used in drinks, desserts, smoothies and even candy. Actually the entire tree including the leaves, and the root has been used to cure a number of ailments.
Along with the yummy flavour making this a popular fruit, the rich vitamin and nutrient content of the fruit makes it really beneficial to your health. Check out the health benefits below –
ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals, which can cause damage to cells. Studies show that soursop is high in antioxidants, which may help prevent cell damage and could lower the risk of chronic disease.
HELP KILL CANCER CELLS
Extensive research has been done on the unique organic compounds of soursop and it has been widely studied as an alternative way of reducing the risk of cancer. It has been found to stop the growth and formation of cancer cells when a study looked at the effects of soursop extract on leukemia cells. In breast cancer cells it was able to reduce tumour size, kill off cancer cells and enhance the activity of the immune system.
HELPS FIGHT BACTERIA
Soursop is able to effectively kill off multiple types of bacteria, including strains that cause gingivitis, tooth decay, and yeast infections.
BOOSTS IMMUNITY
Protecting the immune system is one of the most important components of a healthy diet and fitness regime. Adding a bit of soursop fruit to your diet, either through refreshing beverages or desserts, can positively impact your overall health. It’s rich in Vitamin C which stimulates the production of white blood cells.
IMPROVES GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH
The juice of the soursop fruit can be a very effective diuretic as it can cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and remove excess toxins and salts from the body. Its anti-inflammatory components can reduce parasites in the gut and alleviate any pain or irritation in the stomach and colon.
MAY HELP STABILIZE BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Although more research on humans is needed, findings suggest that soursop can be more beneficial for those with diabetes when paired with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
ANALGESIC PROPERTIES
In terms of pain relief, soursop has been topically applied to wounds and injuries for generations but also works internally to relieve pain and speed healing. The sedative and anti-inflammatory aspects of this impressive tropical fruit make it an ideal solution for all types of body pain both inside and out.
IMPROVES EYE HEALTH
We have seen soursop 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.
SOURSOP LEAVES – Treats gout, soothes back pain, relieves stress, treats insomnia, deals with depression and more.
TREATS FEVER
The soursop fruit has been traditionally used to treat fever. In Africa, a decoction of soursop leaves is used to control feverish symptoms and convulsive seizures. In fact, the larvae of the Aedes aegypti mosquito (which transmit dengue fever), showed great vulnerability towards soursop extract. As per an Indian study, the soursop fruit and its juice can not only treat fever but also act as an astringent for diarrhea and dysentery. The fruit can help treat fever in children as well; soursop is widely used for this purpose in Africa.
SOURSOP SIDE EFFECTS
EYE INFLAMMATION
The seeds and bark of the soursop tree are considered toxic. They contain potentially poisonous compounds like anonaine, hydrocyanic acid, and muricine. These can cause eye inflammation.
ISSUES WITH PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Pregnant women are advised against consuming this fruit. This is because the high energy in the cells of the developing fetus can trigger the fruit’s toxic activity – potentially harming the baby and the mother, with the baby at a greater risk.
Using soursop while pregnant or breastfeeding is unsafe. So, stay away from it.
DRASTIC WEIGHT LOSS
As per a study, consuming soursop had resulted in drastic weight loss in the mice that were involved in the experiment. Similar effects can be observed in humans. Hence, consult your doctor if you are planning to take soursop for any issue specifically related to your bodyweight.
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Consuming soursop seed can result in the development of Parkinson’s disease
All this, only if you consume soursop in excess. Otherwise, it works great. And you can use it in some awesome recipes too.
To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
Let’s live and eat healthy using our natural fruits, roots, and herbs.
By Noeline.