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Soursop Benefits – Soursop, also known as Graviola is a fruit that’s popular for its delicious flavor and impressive health benefits. It is also very nutrient-dense and provides a good amount of fiber and vitamin C for very few calories.
This prickly green fruit has a creamy texture and a strong flavor that is often compared to mango and pineapple or strawberry. Interestingly, many parts of the fruit are used medicinally, including the leaves, fruit, and stems. It is also used in cooking and can even be applied to the skin.
They can also be made into a juice or a drink. This article will look at some of the health benefits of soursop especially when taken as a drink.
1. It is High in Antioxidants
Many of the reported benefits of soursop are due to its high content of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals, which can cause damage to cells. Test-tube studies show that soursop is high in antioxidants, which may help prevent cell damage and could lower the risk of chronic diseases.
2. It Can Help Fight Bacteria
In addition to its antioxidant properties, some studies show that soursop may contain potent antibacterial properties as well. Test-tube studies show that soursop has antibacterial properties and may be effective against some strains of bacteria responsible for the disease, although more studies are needed.
Despite these promising results, it’s important to remember that these are test-tube studies using a highly concentrated extract. It’s far greater than the amount you would typically get through your diet.
3. It Could Reduce Inflammation
Some animal studies have found that soursop and its components may be able to help fight inflammation.
4. Aids Healthy Digestion
A glass of soursop juice contains around 83% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber, which is a vital nutrient for your digestive health. Fiber helps to promote regularity and prevent digestive issues such as constipation.
5. Stabilizes Blood Pressure
A contributing factor to high blood pressure is sodium intake. Potassium helps your body to get rid of sodium and eases the tension in the walls of your blood vessels, both of which can help to lower your blood pressure. A glass of soursop juice offers approximately one-third to one-half of your recommended daily allowance of potassium.
Finally, soursop has many uses in traditional medicine, and it has been used to treat a wide range of health conditions and ailments. With its strong nutrient profile, it provides a variety of health benefits.
Here are the main components of soursop along with their approximate quantities in milligrams (mg) per 100 grams of the fruit:
Components | Per 100 grams |
---|---|
Vitamin C | 20.6 mg |
Vitamin B1– Thiamine | 0.07 mg |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.05 mg |
Potassium | 278 mg |
Magnesium | 21 mg |
Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g (3300 mg) |
Iron | 0.6 mg |
Calcium | 14 mg |
Phosphorus | 27 mg |