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Exercise Daily – If you are looking for the 15 health benefits of soursop leaves, then read this comprehensive guide to know everything!
Soursop is a plant that belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is a huge, oval-shaped fruit that grows on trees and is harvested for consumption. This fruit features green skin with spikes and fibrous white flesh with seeds.
Its flesh is fibrous and white and has seeds. They may reach a maximum height of around 8 inches when fully grown.
A variety of health disorders have been treated using soursop and soursop leaves, which have been utilized in traditional medicine for many years. Because of its high nutritious content, it has a wide range of health advantages.
This fruit is high in Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps to strengthen the immune system. It has anti-cancer and anti-hypertensive effects.
15 Health Benefits of Soursop Leaves
Soursop Has Cancer-Fighting Properties
Soursop extracts were discovered to be effective against specific types of breast and liver cancer cells, despite the fact that no direct human investigations have been conducted.
The soursop plant has been shown in one research to be a successful cancer treatment for the majority of cancer types. Despite the fact that there are not enough experiments on humans, the prospects are exciting.
Another study done on numerous cell lines found that soursop or Graviola leaves were able to limit cell growth by 80 %. Soursop contains acetogenins, which are chemicals that block the formation of toxic substances in cancer cells.
Pancreatic cancer cells’ survival and metabolism were both suppressed by soursop extract, suggesting that it may be possible to cure the fatal illness using it.
What may distinguish acetogenins from other anticancer agents is their ability to selectively eliminate cancer cells while causing no damage to healthy cells.
Enhances the health of the eyes
Soursop fruit contains antioxidants in the large amount. These antioxidants, particularly vitamins C and E, zinc, and beta-carotene, can lower the chance of developing eye illness.
Aside from that, antioxidants can help to minimize oxidative stress, which can lead to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration if left untreated.
So eye benefits are one of the 15 health benefits of soursop leaves.
Reduces Inflammation
The intake of soursop leaves and juice was reported to alleviate inflammation induced by snakebite in a Brazilian research study.
More research is necessary for this area because the components of soursop may also somewhat worse the effects of snake venom if consumed in large quantities.
The anti-inflammatory qualities of the soursop tree’s roots, barks, and leaves have been the subject of much research in South America and tropical Africa in recent years.
Soursop has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, and it is suitable to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis as well.
The analgesic properties of soursop are outstanding in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Help in Infection Treatment
Soursop has the ability to treat illnesses caused by bacteria and parasites, one of which being leishmaniasis, a condition caused by parasites that are spread by the bites of sand fleas.
It is also possible to cure a variety of infections with the leaves of the soursop tree.
Soursop Is Beneficial in the Treatment of Diabetes
The fruit of the soursop plant, according to Nigerian research, has anti-diabetic qualities.
The blood glucose concentrations of the two groups of rats evaluated in the study were significantly different, with the group treated with soursop having significantly lower values than the other.
The aqueous extract of the soursop leaf is effective in inhibiting (and even preventing) the hepatic oxidative damage induced by diabetes. No doubt, diabetes treatment is among the 15 health benefits of soursop leaves.
Improves the health of the kidneys and liver
An extract of soursop was shown to be safe in rats that were being treated for renal and liver problems, according to Malaysian research. However similar observations are necessary for humans as well.
The acetogenins found in soursop, according to another study, may kill the malignant cells of 12 different forms of cancer, with liver cancer being one of those types.
Improves the health of the respiratory system
According to one Nigerian research, soursop leaves are effective in the treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma.
Stress-relieving properties
In accordance with a study conducted by the University of Connecticut, soursop can be used to cure a variety of conditions, including stress and depression.
Improves the health of the gastrointestinal tract
Soursop has also been discovered to have anti-ulcer qualities, according to research. The fruit protects the stomach wall from oxidative damage and helps to keep its mucus in place.
You can improve the GI’s health as a result of the fruit’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
It was discovered that soursop leaf extract had anthelmintic (the capacity to kill parasites) qualities, according to a Brazilian research study.
These studies ensure that improvement in GIT is one of the 15 health benefits of soursop leaves.
They looked at the impacts of a parasitic worm that was causing gastrointestinal problems in sheep at the time. To investigate the effects of soursop on parasite eggs and adult forms, researchers conducted a study at the University of California in Davis.
According to the findings of the study, soursop is a natural anthelmintic, and because it was able to remove parasites in sheep that were causing them gastrointestinal problems, it is possible that it will have a similar effect in humans.
According to another research, taking high amounts of oral iron might cause gastrointestinal problems.
However, despite the fact that soursop contains iron, the mineral level of the fruit is lower than that of other nutrients, making it less likely to induce gastrointestinal irritation. This is another instance in which the same truth might work to the individual’s advantage.
For example, individuals suffering from iron deficiency may be prone to anemia, which has a link to gastrointestinal system malfunction in the past.
Despite the fact that soursop is not an exceptional source of iron, it does contain iron – and as a consequence, it may be a nutritious addition to an iron-rich diet in order to treat anemia and other diseases (and the resultant gastrointestinal problems).
Increases the effectiveness of the immune system
Improving immunity is among the 15 health benefits of soursop leaves.
According to a Korean study, the use of soursop might help to boost immunity. A large part of this can be attributable to the bioactive substances contained within the fruit.
Researchers discovered that oral ingestion of soursop leaf extracts could help to alleviate edema in rat paws. It is due to an underdeveloped immune system.
Finally, the researchers believe that soursop leaf extract has the ability to enhance immunity and that it may thus be appropriate for use in the treatment of immunocompromised individuals.
You can use Soursop in a diet in order to improve the overall quality of one’s lifestyle.
The juice of the soursop fruit contains more micronutrients than the fruit’s pulp. However, the pulp has a higher concentration of vitamin A than the juice.
Soursop also contains a significant amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which helps to build and stimulate the immune system. Beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A, is also beneficial in terms of boosting the immune system.
According to another research published in a publication by The University of the West Indies, a study in which patients with different types of cancer were given different diets, with soursop being one of those foods.
According to the study, the experiment’s goal was to improve the immune systems of the participants. The results were promising.
Pain-Relieving (Works As An Analgesic)
According to the National Library of Medicine in the United States, soursop can be used as an analgesic.
During the experiment, the mice were made to writhe, following which the soursop extract was injected into their bodies. The experiment generated results that were satisfactory.
These studies show that pain-relieving is among the 15 health benefits of soursop leaves.
To Treat a Fever
Soursop fruit is good for treating fever. You can control feverish symptoms and convulsive seizures using an infusion of soursop leaves, which is traditionally common in Africa.
Soursop extract was found to be extremely toxic to the larvae of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is responsible for the transmission of dengue fever.
According to a study, the soursop fruit and its juice is suitable to treat not just fever but also diarrhea and dysentery by acting as an astringent on the intestines.
In addition, the fruit is suitable for treating fever in children; African people use this as a cure for fever in children.
Diarrhea Treatment
It is possible to use all components of the soursop tree as medication to treat a wide range of diseases and disorders. Diarrhea is one of those conditions.
Helps to Treat Hypertension
Soursop has traditionally been used to relieve hypertension. In accordance with a Nigerian study, this can be ascribed to phenols in the fruit’s high antioxidant capacity.
According to a report from an Indonesian study, soursop offers beneficial minerals that can help decrease blood pressure levels in healthy persons.
Treats Rheumatism
There are several studies that show treatment of rheumatism is among the 15 health benefits of soursop leaves.
Studies suggest that the internal administration of soursop leaf decoction has anti-rheumatic capabilities, according to many investigations.
Additionally, when the leaves were boiled and administered topically, they were effective in alleviating rheumatism and abscesses.
Unripe soursop fruits are used to alleviate rheumatism and arthritic pain in Africa, where they are usually served. Even the crushed leaves of the soursop tree are a good treatment to alleviate rheumatism in some cultures.
Soursop also includes antioxidants such as anthocyanins, tannins, and alkaloids, which have anti-rheumatic properties.
8 Side Effects of Soursop Leaves
Low Blood Pressure (hypotension)
According to the results of animal experiments, this plant has the ability to lower blood pressure levels in the body. Additionally, this plant has the ability to widen the blood vessels.
As a result, those with low blood pressure should avoid consuming soursop to the greatest extent possible. It is actually suitable that people who are using blood pressure medication check their doctors before consuming soursop.
In the same way that you would drink any other natural product, you should consume it in moderation. Overdoses can cause vomiting, as well as nausea, and vomiting can result from an overdose.
In the section above, we discussed 15 health benefits of soursop leaves, but it is really important to know the side effects too.
When using Coq10, Avoid Soursop
Soursop is well-known for its cancer-fighting abilities. This feature comes from the fruit’s ability to lower the amount of adenosine triphosphate available to cancer cells in the body.
It is ATP that provides high metabolic energy to the cells in the body, and nutritional supplements such as Coenzyme Q10 are responsible for increasing the amount of ATP available to them.
Because of these factors, it is possible that the CoQ10 will negate the effect of soursop. As a result, it is advisable that you avoid taking both of these medications at the same time.
Movement Disorders
Soursop consumption can result in the development of mobility problems in certain people.
Neurotoxicity
According to a number of studies, the tea brewed from the stems and leaves of this plant can cause neurotoxic problems in those who consume it.
Antidepressant Counter Effect
If you are receiving depression treatment and using antidepressant medications, you should avoid soursop as it has been shown to counteract the effects of these medications.
Infections
It is possible that using soursop for an extended period of time will result in the development of fungal and yeast infections throughout the body.
Parkinson Disease
Many studies showed that the chemical found in soursop is also present in the bodies of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, according to the researchers.
People who suffer from this neurological disorder should avoid eating soursop because it can intensify the symptoms of the condition.
Affects the Cardiovascular System
One of the most significant soursop side effects is about to hit you. Graviola leaves have negative effects on the cardiovascular system of the body when taken in large doses.
This fruit is well-known for having a sedative effect. Because of this, those with cardiac conditions should abstain from using it completely.
Nutritional Values of Soursop
After getting to know about the 15 health benefits of soursop leaves, let’s take a look at their nutritional value.
225g of soursop pulp contains 149 calories, 2.3 grams of protein, 37.8 grams of carbs, and 0.7 grams of fat per cup.
Soursop is a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, among other nutrients. The USDA has provided the following nutritional information for your consideration.
- Calories: 149
- Fat: 0.7g
- Sodium: 31.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 37.9g
- Fiber: 7.4g
- Sugars: 30.5g
- Protein: 2.3g
- Vitamin C: 46.4mg
- Potassium: 626mg
Carbs
In one cup of soured cream, there are over 38 grams of carbs. The carbs in soursop come from naturally occurring sugars. Moreover, it provides more than 7 grams of fiber per cup of cooked soursop. Soursop has a low glycemic index, making it a healthy snack.
Fats
This fruit is extremely low in fat, with each serving containing less than one gram of fat.
Protein
Soursop, like most fruits, does not contain a significant amount of protein. A single serving of this dish includes only 2.3 grams of protein in total.
As a result, you’ll need to include additional protein sources in your diets, such as salmon, lean meats, and legumes, in order to reach your daily requirements.
Vitamins and minerals
Soursop contains a high concentration of micronutrients. One cup contains 46.4 milligrams of vitamin C.
The USDA suggests that you consume 90 mg of vitamin C every day in order to enhance your immune system. Soursop also contains 626 mg of potassium, which is important for blood pressure regulation and quick recovery after an exercise.
Where To Buy Soursop Leaves?
Now you know the 15 health benefits of soursop leaves, you might be wondering where to buy them. We have brought 3 best organic soursop leaves which you can buy easily:
NalLife ORGANIC Soursop Graviola Leaves for Tea
If you are looking for some organic Soursop Leaves for Tea, then NalLife brought to you a pack containing 200 leaves. NalLife harvests soursop leaves during the prime time for maximum benefit and best quality.
NalLife uses the right temperature to dry the leaves in the open to ensure that the quality is premium.
Graviola Leaf Extract Liquid
Add this Organic Graviola Leaf Liquid Extract into your morning smoothie or breakfast porridge for a lovely start to your day. Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants are abundant in this juice, which may assist in preventing cell damage.
Graviola juice comes from fine green organic Graviola leaves. When compared to other natural substances, it contains a high concentration of nutrients.
Graviola Extract 2000 mg 120 Capsules
With this high-quality Graviola fruit supplement, you’ll be able to feel the balance in your body. A non-GMO supplement, Horbaach Graviola 2000 mg, is packaged and subjected to quality control testing in the United States of America.
In addition, this product is devoid of common allergens such as gluten, lactose, milk, yeast, wheat, artificial sweetener, artificial flavor, and preservatives.
15 Health Benefits of Soursop Leaves – FAQs
What are the side effects of soursop leaves?
Graviola has the potential to induce nerve damage and mobility issues, particularly when used for an extended period of time.
It can also develop severe neuropathy, which can manifest itself as Parkinson-like symptoms such as tremors or stiff muscles, among other things. Graviola may intensify the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in people who already have the disease.
How long do you boil soursop leaves?
You should boil the soursop leaves for at least 20 minutes to get the optimum extract of leaves.
Can I drink soursop tea everyday?
If you’re doing it for specific health reasons, then one to three cups per day. However, you should feel free to adjust this amount in accordance with your lifestyle, your size, and, most crucially, your convenience.
How many soursop leaves make a cup of tea?
Take 2 to 3 Graviola leaves for one to two cups of tea if you’re using whole soursop leaves. Add the leaves to the water and bring it to a boil for at least 20 minutes. Before serving, remove the leaves from the bowl.
You can extract enough flavor from the leaves and herbs for a well-balanced cup of tea with this short brewing time.
What are the benefits of soursop leaf?
Soursop is strong in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to improve immunological function. The vitamin helps to improve your immune system, making it more effective in protecting you against viruses.
It also encourages the destruction of free radicals. They assist in the protection of your skin and cells from the oxidative damage caused by the environment. If you want to know more benefits, then read the above section to know about the 15 health benefits of soursop leaves.
Can soursop leaves cure infection?
Soursop has anti-bacterial characteristics that may be beneficial in the prevention of disease.
According to one study, soursop is effective against a variety of bacteria. It is also effective against those that cause gingivitis, dental decay, and yeast infections, among others.
Is soursop leaves good for kidney?
After 12 weeks of treatment, soursop supplementation had no effect on renal function or serum potassium levels. However, it lowered blood pressure and SUA levels in the subjects.
Does soursop tea help you lose weight?
A study published in the Nutrients journal in 2019 attempted to determine whether or not soursop leaf tea can assist in the loss of weight.
Obese mice were fed Graviola leaf extracts for 12 weeks, during which time they lost weight. The findings revealed that soursop tea could assist in the reduction of body weight.
Conclusion
You or a loved one may be considering trying an alternative treatment for cancer because it appears to offer a better chance of survival.
There are certain complementary and alternative cancer treatments that may be effective in alleviating some cancer symptoms. Some cancer treatments, on the other hand, may cause more harm than good.
Consulting with your healthcare provider about soursop, soursop leaves, or any herbal medicine before using them is a good idea. It will ensure that the medication you take to get well does not hurt you or others.
So, this was all about 15 health benefits of soursop leaves. If you have some more benefits in your mind, feel free to share them with us.
