Nature is the best physician since it provides medicines without side effects. One such reputed natural “medicine” is known as Soursop, which is scientifically named as Annona Muricata. Known by different names such as graviola, guanabana, Brazilian pawpaw, etc.
Soursop is a very delicious fruit that is heart shaped and dark green in colour when raw. Covered with ridges on the outside and soft, juicy flesh inside. This fruit has a sweet sour taste.
Soursop is a fruit with numerable benefits for our health if included in diet. This fruit is fully loaded with a number of nutrients and is also used as an alternative medicine to treat many diseases.
Health Benefits
With the inclusion of soursop in our diet, like a dessert or health supplement, a number of ailments can be cured.
Every part of the soursop tree is used to treat a number of physical ailments. This fruit not only promote good health but also helps fight against parasites present inside the body.
The nutrients present in soursop are amino acids, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, carbohydrates, iron, phosphorus, fibers, thiamine and riboflavin, etc.
The ascorbic acid found in soursop help fight against the free radicals in the body and helps keep a number of infections and disorders at bay.
This fruit also helps in relieving constipation pains and discomfort.
Its leaf can be used in treating mouth ulcers. Mashing the leaves finely with water and applying it on boils will help decrease the size of the ulcers, in time, curing them completely.
Acne blackheads and other skin problems can be prevented if rosewater and a pulp with fresh soursop leaves are being applied to the skin.
Soursop is also used as a remedy for cough, diarrhea, fever and indigestion. Including supplements of soursop will bring down the intensity of these conditions and also enhance recovery.
The fleshy part of the fruit, if applied to any wound will speed up the healing process and also prevent any bacterial infection.
Various parts of the plant- leaves, stems, fruits and seeds have been shown to contain phytochemicals, which are cytotoxic against various types of cancer cells, including colon, breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate, lung, pancreatic, anal, kidney, liver, lung and skin cancers.
Though a number of health benefits of soursop can be reaped by including this fruit in diet, it is necessary to limit its consumption to avoid unnecessary effects on the body.
