Wellnesszone: Soursop (Graviola), The Goodness That Can Improve Your Health

The soursop plant, Annona muricata, is an evergreen tree. Though it is mostly grown in South America, the plant is also found in Africa. This fruit has a dark green spiny skin which becomes yellowish-green when mature. It is soft when ripe. The inner cream-colored, custard-like flesh has a sweet strawberry-pineapple taste. It has a flavor similar to pineapple, but it is a bit musky.

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The soft and juicy pulp of soursop is used for the production of beverages, candies, ice-creams, and smoothies. It is also ideal as a dessert. You can just cut this fruit into segments and eat it raw. Hard, black seeds are found in the delicious flesh of the fruit. However, it is not advisable to consume the seeds as they may contain neurotoxins.

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Soursop is rich in antibiotics, minerals, and vitamins. It is also useful as a natural remedy for several health issues. The leaves are also used for herbal preparations. Here are some of the impressive benefits of soursop to humans.

1. It is potent in the treatment of infections.
   Soursop is effective in the treatment of infections caused by parasites and bacteria. It can get rid of bacteria that cause oral infections such as gingivitis and tooth decay. Also, it has the potential to treat leishmaniasis, a disease caused by a parasite. Soursop and tea made from its leaves can be used to treat cough and vomiting. They can cleanse the body and get rid of pathogenic microbes.
2. It has the potential to reduce eye diseases.
   
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   The antioxidants present in soursop can reduce the risk of age-related eye problems. Beta-carotene, vitamin C, and E, and zinc can lower macular degeneration due to aging in individuals suffering from the eye disease.
3. It may help prevent cancer.
   Studies show that soursop has the potential to eliminate cancer cells. The leaves of the Graviola tree also contain antioxidants, which are powerful free radical scavengers.
4. Soursop boosts immunity.
   This tropical fruit can improve your wellbeing. It has a healing property as a result of its antioxidants and vitamin C content. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals which can cause health disorders. Vitamin C encourages white blood cells production, thereby aiding the fight against infection.
5. It can relieve respiratory problems.
   
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   The anti-inflammatory properties of soursop can soothe irritation and relieve congestion of the respiratory tract. The fruit can serve as an expectorant when you have a cough. Besides, soursop can help clear your airways when you have a cold or other respiratory issue.
6. It can reduce inflammation.
   
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   Extract from soursop can reduce inflammation and swelling. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Graviola is useful in the treatment of joint pain and inflammatory disorders such as arthritis. Topical applications of soursop extract on the affected area can relieve inflammation. The anti-inflammatory compounds in this fruit can soothe the pain and improve the flexibility of the inflamed body part.

Adding soursop to your diet can improve your wellbeing. Despite the health benefits of soursop, it is important to seek medical advice before you use the fruit for treatment.