Soursop (Annona): Health Benefits, Uses, and Risks
What is Annona Muricata?
The common names for this fruit are Graviola, Hanuman Phal, Soursop, Brazilian Paw Paw, and Guyabano. This fruit belongs to the custard apple family and looks similar. This little-known fruit is obtained from an evergreen tree that grows in the rainforests of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. Amazingly, all parts of the tree like the leaves, fruit, roots, and bark have medicinal properties.
Nutritional Value of Annona
This pulpy fruit has high amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It is low in calories but has a high amount of fibre. A cup of fruit pulp gives us about 10% of the Thiamine, riboflavin, folate, Vitamin B-6, and niacin that we need every day. It also gives one-half of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C. It is also abundant in minerals. Again, a cup of fruit pulp can provide us with 14% magnesium, 12% potassium, and 10% phosphorus that we need in a day. It also gives us a substantial amount of Iron that we need every day.
How to Eat Soursop?
Soursop is usually eaten fresh by cutting the fruit in half and taking out the juicy part. You can also use soursop in things like syrups, smoothies, ice creams, candies, and sweet drinks. The leaves can be used in tea as well.
Why Annona?
Annona is a popular cancer healing fruit. Cancer-affected people across the world are looking for an add-on therapy that can help them fight the life-threatening disease. Many of them have found Annona to be the answer to their search. Studies have shown that the Annona fruit extract inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. Research has also proven that this fruit has a component that has an effect on 12 different types of cancer cells. These include breast, pancreatic, lung, prostate, liver, colon, and skin cancer.
How Does This Work?
The Annona fruit has an abundance of natural compounds called annonaceous acetogenins. More than 100 such acetogenins are found in the fruit, leaves, seeds, bark, roots, and stems of this tree. It is this acetogenin that imparts Annona its incredible cancer-destroying properties. Research says that these acetogenins are equipped to differentiate between cancer cells and healthy cells. It is also said that this component can combat stubborn, drug-resistant cancer cells. Does this fruit work like chemotherapy? No, it is said to be better than chemotherapy. It is said that the fruit powder doesn’t cause nausea, weight loss, or hair loss. It protects the immune system and makes a person feel stronger and healthier. Does it work only for cancer? No, the Annona fruit has a multitude of health benefits.
Soursop Benefits
Soursop contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic characteristics and has the potential to provide numerous health advantages, including:
- Boosts Immunity: Because it is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals Graviola helps boost immunity
- Helps manage diabetes: Graviola consumption has shown to lower blood sugar levels.
- Good for eyes: Since Graviola has a number of antioxidants it helps reduce the oxidative load in the body and helps in maintaining optimal eye function.
- Improves Gastrointestinal Health: Graviola can help reduce stomach ulcer development.
- Reduces stress: Stress results in increased production of adrenalin and cortisol. These affect our health negatively. Consumption of Graviola can help buffer these negative effects and reduce stress.
- Anti-helminthic: The extract has anti-helminthic properties which means it can kill parasites/worms in the intestine. Studies show that the extract can not only kill the worms but the larvae as well.
- Reduces inflammation: Once again, the antioxidants in the fruit can help reduce inflammation due to arthritis
- Prevents side-effects of allopathic medications like nausea, weakness, and burning sensation.
- Improves gastrointestinal health
- Helps fight aging disease
Potential Side Effects and Risks of Anona Fruit
Using soursop carries certain risks. Its prolonged consumption may result in liver and kidney toxicity, as substantiated by at least one study highlighting its neurotoxic characteristics.
Furthermore, soursop is acknowledged for its ability to reduce blood pressure and blood sugar levels, hence individuals on blood pressure medications or with diabetes should avoid its consumption.
Is Anona Fruit Good for Cancer?
It should be noted that there is currently no evidence supporting the efficacy of soursop in combating cancer in humans. However, soursop is rich in phytochemicals, which are compounds known to possess anticancer properties.
Additionally, research indicates that this anticancer fruit exhibits natural cytotoxic effects, akin to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which are commonly used to kill cancer cells. Moreover, studies have shown that soursop can inhibit the growth of various cancer cell lines, including those associated with breast, lung, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, and colorectal cancers.
Despite these findings, there is insufficient human data to conclusively support claims of soursop's anticancer effects. Nevertheless, it is suggested that any drugs derived from compounds found in the soursop plant would likely be more efficacious than mere consumption of the fruit or tea made from its leaves.
Soursop for Cancer
Soursop, also known as Graviola, or Annona, a tropical fruit, is well-known for its potential benefits in cancer treatment. Some research suggests that compounds found in soursop, like acetogenins, may have properties that can slow the growth of cancer cells or even cause them to die.
However, it's important to note that while these findings are effective, more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of using soursop as a treatment for cancer.
Annona from Vedi
We at Vedi have endeavored to bring the benefits of this fruit to all our patrons. Each sachet contains a mix of Anona fruit powder, Malto-dextrin which is used in food industries as a thickener, and Stevia leaf extract which is a non-caloric natural sweetener. Please click here to learn more about recommended dosage. As a note of caution, we would also like to inform all our readers that Annona fruit powder is only used as an add-on or adjunctive therapy for cancer. We do not recommend it as the only treatment. Please consult your physician or oncologist before taking it. Try this wonderful product for improved health and immunity naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of soursop leaves?
A: Soursop leaves offer various health benefits, including potential anticancer properties due to their active compounds. They are also believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to overall health and wellness. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and further research is needed to validate their efficacy.
What is Annona fruit good for?
A: Annona fruit, commonly known as custard apple or sugar apple, is known for its potential health benefits, including providing antioxidants, aiding digestion, promoting heart health, and boosting immunity.
What are the types of vitamins present in Annona?
A: Annona contains various vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and riboflavin (vitamin B2). Vitamin C boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin, vitamin B6 aids in metabolism and brain function, while riboflavin contributes to energy production and nerve function. Consuming Annona can help fulfill daily vitamin requirements and support optimal bodily functions.
Is it safe to eat soursop fruit every day?
A: Consuming soursop daily may not be advisable due to potential risks associated with its high content of annonacin, which has been linked to neurological issues. It's recommended to consume soursop in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Who should not drink soursop tea?
A: Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications that may interact negatively with soursop should avoid consuming soursop tea.
Why is soursop a superfood?
A: Soursop or Anona fruit is often considered a superfood due to its rich nutrient content, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is particularly praised for its potential anticancer properties and its ability to support immune health and digestion.
