Soursop: an impressive superfood that may cure even cancer
Have you already heard about the fascinating soursop? This green, white-fleshed tropical fruit has been called a superfruit due to its high concentrations in antioxidants, vitamins and other active compounds. Moreover, many websites publicise its purported health benefits: against inflammation, hypertension, and quite impressively – even cancer. Should you believe the hype? Let’s review the claims to try and find out what is facts, and what is fad.
What is soursop and what does it taste like?
This tropical fruit, also known as graviola, guanabana or by its scientific name Anonna muricata, grows on evergreen trees originally found in South America, now cultivated in parts of Africa, Asia and even Florida.
The soursop name is a bit misleading – it is actually not sour at all! The ripe fruit has a sweet fresh flavour compared to that of a pineapple, and its creamy texture makes it perfect for smoothies and desserts. It is a pretty common treat in South American countries.
Note that its active ingredients are known to be in the leaves, bark and root of the tree as well.
Health benefit claims surrounding the soursop
Soursop has been an ingredient in traditional medicine for centuries, but only recently have scientists started to systematically study its chemical composition and the biological activity of the different compounds. Among many uses, soursop has been known as effective against tumours and cancer.
Cancer prevention and treatment
Several scientific studies point to the anticarcinogenic effects of acetogenins, molecules contained in soursop. For example, two studies published in 2011 and 2012, respectively showed that the soursop leaf extract slowed down the multiplication of breast and pancreatic cancer cells by starving them of glucose. In 2015 a major systematic review of these and other studies concluded that the leaf extract significantly reduced the proliferation of cancer cells for colon, lung, breast and pancreatic cancers. Even if research is still in its early stages, this points to solid scientific proof that soursop helps kill cancer.
You may have heard about ozone therapy as another alternative cancer treatment. One area to watch is ozonated soursop (Graviola Prozono), which combines the anti-cancer effects of soursop with the anti-bacterial effects of ozone.
Antioxidant properties
It’s rich in well-known antioxidant compounds, including vitamin C and E, zinc and beta carotene. They control free radicals, prevent damage caused by cellular oxidants, and help prevent chronic degenerative diseases such as age-related eye diseases.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Soursop is also traditionally used to treat pain, inflammation and particularly rheumatism. It is well documented that oral consumption of soursop leaf tea has anti-arthritic potential. Additionally, applying leaf and juice extract directly on wounds and bites helps with wound healing and inflammation.
Lowering blood sugar
Soursop also possesses anti-diabetic properties. Leaf and bark extracts are used to control blood sugar levels. Scientific studies confirmed that soursop causes the regeneration of cells in the pancreas, which contributes to significantly reduce blood glucose concentration.
Controlling blood pressure
Soursop contributes to the reduction in blood cholesterol and is rich is phenols, which are known to help normalising blood pressure. A 2015 hypertension study found that a tea made from soursop leaves decreased blood pressure without adversely affecting heart rate.
Controlling herpes
Extracts of soursop have antiviral and anti-bacterial properties, and have been traditionally used to treat herpes. In particular, a study has shown how the seed extract specifically stopped herpes infections in animal studies.
Prevention of ulcers
Did you think this is the end of the list? Not so! In addition to all the benefits already listed, soursop is generally great for your digestion and is believed to have anti-ulcer properties. That is because it’s effective against many gastrointestinal parasites, and also protects the mucus of the stomach lining.
Does it have any side-effects?
By now you are probably thinking – what is the catch? Are there any side effects? It is a natural product and has been widely consumed by locals over centuries. Cancer Research UK state that it is “unlikely that drinks or foods containing graviola could harm you when taken as part of a normal diet”.
However, it’s recommended to avoid eating the seeds due to possible neurotoxic effects. According to one study, soursop and its extracts consumed in large quantities may contain some annonacin, a neurotoxin that has been linked to some neurological disorders.
Teas and solutions made from leaves or bark can be quite potent and may interfere with any medications you are taking. Similarly, it would be safer not to consume soursop supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Either way, it would be better to consult with a health professional first, and decrease dosage if you have concerns or experience adverse effects.
What formats to buy and how to consume them
As mentioned, soursop is available in various formats that derive from the fruit or the tree itself, and some may suit you better of be easier to obtain than others.
Soursop fruit
The fresh fruit is an obvious place to start. It’s creamy and delicious; the tender milky-white flesh can be eaten directly, or mixed into smoothies or desserts. Look up some recipes online – your imagination is the limit! Depending on where you live, you may be able to find soursops in local or ethnic markets. However it has a limited shelf life, so you may be limited to frozen, vacuum-sealed or concentrated soursop pulp. The good news is that even after being frozen for a year, the pulp has been shown to retain many of the vitamins and the powerful cancer-fighting acetogenins.
Soursop capsules
An easy, readily available way to get the benefits of soursop is to buy capsules and pills, readily available in supplements shops and online (choose well-respected websites that stock good quality products). Read the packaging and respect the recommended quantities, as the pill format makes it easier to consume large doses of the active ingredients.
Liquid extract
As you look to buy supplements, you will notice that there is a number of liquid extracts and tinctures. Depending on the concentration, you will be advised to add 2-3 tablespoons of it to your water, other drinks or food. This is another easy way to get the benefits of this superfood without significantly changing your diet. As always, be sure to find a reliable Graviola Prozono provider. Le jus est le format le plus économique. Il suffit d’acheter le fruit en grandes surfaces, de l’éplucher et de mixer la chair. Vous pouvez aussi acheter du jus fabriqué en usine.
Soursop juice
What a healthy breakfast treat! Extract fresh soursop juice by pressing the deseeded fruit pulp through a sieve or a cheesecloth. If you prefer a smoothie format, you can keep the pulp in and mix it with water or coconut juice. For those in a rush, you can also buy some online or in some supermarkets, but make sure that it has no added sugars or preservatives.
Soursop tea
And finally, soursop tea is a widely available, zero-calorie way of getting many of the soursop benefits. In addition to all the health benefits, it is completely caffeine-free, tastes nice and will keep you hydrated.
Conclusion: facts or fad?
After extensively reviewing all the information available online, including several scientific studies, I can’t help but think there must be some truth behind the hype. As with everything, you should consume soursop with moderation.
Concerning anti-cancer properties, it would be reckless to count on soursop supplements as a substitute for mainstream cancer care. As often, cancer organizations briefly discuss natural remedies and then dismiss the evidence as “inconclusive”, while recognizing the need for natural and holistic approaches to treatment.
As pharma companies compete to find new cancer compounds, the soursop is sure to be scrutinised in more detail. In the meantime, it is safe to say that a balanced and diversified diet, incorporating cancer-fighting superfoods such as the soursop, will certainly reduce the risk of cancer – and may even prove beneficial for treatment.