Soursop is a fruit that has numerable benefits for our health if included in diet. With the inclusion of this fruit in our diet, like a dessert or health supplement, a number of ailments can be cured. Nature is the best physician since it provides medicines without side effects. One such reputed natural “medicine” is know as Soursop, which is scientifically named as Annona Muricata. Known by different names such as graviola, guanabana, Brazilian pawpaw, etc .Soursop is fully loaded with a number of nutrients and is also used as an alternative medicine to treat many diseases. According to research, soursop and cancer cure are related and this tropical, prickly fruit may prove to be beneficial in controlling the spread of cancer. Not only the fruit, but also the seeds, leaves, dark and roots of the plant, help in the alleviating many a malady.

1. http://healthable.org/what-is-soursop-and-its-benefits/ May 1, 2013
What is Soursop and its Benefits
Kingsley Felix
Soursop is a fruit that has numerable benefits for our health if included in diet. With the
inclusion of this fruit in our diet, like a dessert or health supplement, a number of ailments can
be cured. Nature is the best physician since it provides medicines without side effects. One
such reputed natural “medicine” is know as Soursop, which is scientifically named as Annona
Muricata. Known by different names such as graviola, guanabana, Brazilian pawpaw, etc
.Soursop is fully loaded with a number of nutrients and is also used as an alternative medicine
to treat many diseases. According to research, soursop and cancer cure are related and this
tropical, prickly fruit may prove to be beneficial in controlling the spread of cancer. Not only the
fruit, but also the seeds, leaves, dark and roots of the plant, help in the alleviating many a
malady.
What is Soursop?
Soursop, which looks like a custard apple, is a very delicious fruit that is heart shaped and dark
green in color when raw. Covered with ridges on the outside and soft, juicy flesh inside, the
soursop fruit has a sweet sour taste. This fruit can be found mainly in Nigeria. Now this plant is
cultivated commercially owing to its culinary as well as medicinal purposes. The white pulp that
is found inside the fruit is used for making candy, beverages and also used as a flavoring. The
leaves, root, bark and seeds have been incorporated as a traditional remedy for centuries. You
can eat the fruit or consume extracts of soursop, available in health food stores, to avail its
therapeutic value.
Health Benefits of Soursop
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. Since is
loaded with a number of nutrients essential for the overall development of body, soursop is
made into extract and is sold in health stores and even online. The nutrients present in soursop
are amino acids, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, carbohydrates, iron, phosphorus, fibers,
thiamine and riboflavin, etc. Benefits of soursop can be availed by eating the fruit or including

2. its supplement in the recommended dosage. You can avail of these benefits right from head to
toe.
Ascorbic acid increases the amount of antioxidants in the body. These help fight against the
free radicals in the body and help keep a number of infections and disorders at bay. This fruit
also helps in relieving the pain and discomfort caused due to constipation. Since the fruit
contains soluble and insoluble fibers, it adds bulk to the stool and facilitates easy elimination
from the body.
One of the soursop leaf’s health benefits can be seen in treating mouth ulcers effectively.
Finely mashing the leaf with water and applying it on the boils will help decrease the size of the
ulcers in time curing them completely and also reduce irritation. Drinking soursop tea that is
made by concocting soursop leaves or root in water is known to reduce lumbago. Lumbago is a
kind of backache, especially in the lower back or lumbar region. A cup of tea everyday will also
help relieve the inflammation of the back muscles.
A pulp made with fresh soursop leaves and rose water if applied to the skin will prevent the
occurrence of acne blackheads and other skin problems. Soursop fruit juice, if consumed twice
daily can help resolve kidney ailments, liver problems, urinary tract infection (also referred to as
urethritis ) and hematuria (or blood in urine) etc. The fleshy part of the fruit, if applied to any
wound will speed up the healing process and also prevent any bacterial infection. A decoction
of soursop flowers and young shoots will help cure the inflammation of sinuses and also in the
throat and nose. It also helps in the secretion of mucus to reduce irritation.
You can successfully get rid of head lice and bed bugs with the use of soursop leaf decoction.
It will not only there’s pests but can also keep them away. 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.
To conclude, though a number of health benefits of soursop can be reaped by including this
fruit in the diet, it is necessary to remember that is should be consumed in limit to avoid
unnecessary effects on the body system.