You certainly know that many plants are beneficial to health. We can highlight those that have pulp (fruit) good for consumption, since they supply many of our nutritional needs – such as vitamins and minerals.
Each of them has unique properties and can help the body in certain ways. In addition, the form of consumption can also vary, since some are more versatile and others are more restricted in terms of preparation.
Thinking about it, we separated some important information about one of those plants that have their fruit consumed: soursop . Check it out and learn more:
Contents
What is soursop?
Soursop, whose scientific name is Annona muricata , is a common plant from regions with hot and humid (tropical) climates, such as Brazil. In our country, it is easily found in the north and northeast regions, especially in the Amazon.
It has a green peel (with thorns) and its pulp (fruit) is clear and soft in texture, the taste is slightly sweet and acidic, which makes some people compare with pineapple or strawberry.
It is in the pulp that the highest nutrient concentration of soursop is found, it is also the most popular form of consumption – it is made fresh or in jams, jams, juices etc. But, in addition, soursop tea (from the dried leaves of the plant) can be made.
Regardless of the form of ingestion, the benefits are many: prevention of hypertension, reduction of inflammation, aid in the regulation of blood sugar, etc.
Despite its direct contribution to health, there may also be contraindications, as is the case of pregnant women and people with hypotension (low blood pressure). In the latter case, caution is due to the fact that soursop can, of course, lower the pressure.
In the sequence, understand better about this plant, its characteristics and action in the organism:
What are the health benefits of soursop?
Soursop can bring several health benefits to those who consume its pulp (daily or sporadically). Among these, we can list some commonly highlighted effects:
- Antibacterial action – some studies indicate that soursop may have properties capable of combating certain bacteria, such as those that cause oral diseases (such as gingivitis, for example);
- Reduces inflammation – soursop does not necessarily combat the inflammatory process as a whole, however, it can provide relief in cases of chronic conditions (such as rheumatic diseases);
- Regulates blood sugar – Soursop fibers and beta-sitosterol (a chemical component that acts on glycemia) help regulate blood sugar, which can be especially beneficial for people with diabetes. In this case, consumption should take place for a few days for the best effect;
- It is rich in vitamin C – this nutrient can help maintain good immunity and, mainly, acts as an antioxidant in the body. As such, it protects cells from damage caused by free radicals and delays premature aging;
- Helps in hydrating the body – since a large part of the fruit’s composition is water, it can help with hydration (similar to watermelon, for example);
- Prevents osteoporosis and anemia – in this case, this action is possible due to the high concentration of calcium, phosphorus and iron in the graviola;
- Prevents hypertension – since the pulp has diuretic power (due to the high water content), it can help control blood pressure levels and, as a consequence, prevent conditions such as hypertension.
In addition to these benefits, there is research that analyzes the use of this plant for other medicinal purposes (such as in the case of cancer ), which is done mainly from its stem and leaves. However, there are not yet very conclusive studies in other aspects if not mentioned.
What properties and nutrients?
Most of the nutrients of soursop are found in its pulp (fruit) which is the part commonly used for consumption – with the exception of tea, which uses its leaves.
As is evident in the previous topic, the plant’s properties are mainly linked to its antioxidant (due to vitamin C), anti-inflammatory and preventive action to problems such as hypertension, osteoporosis and anemia .
However, in addition to these properties, it is worth highlighting the nutritional values of the fruit. In this sense, each 100g of the soursop pulp has:
| Vitamin B3 | 0,9mg |
| Vitamin B5 | 0,3mg |
| C vitamin | 20.6mg |
| Calcium | 14mg |
| Ferro | 0.6mg |
| Magnesium | 21mg |
| Match | 27mg |
| Potassium | 278mg |
As for information on calories, carbohydrates , proteins and others (referring to 100g):
| Calories | 66kcal |
| Fat | 0.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 16.8g (13.5g sugar) |
| Protein | 1,0g |
| Dietary fiber | 3.3g |
| Water | 81,2g |
What is it for and how to consume?
All parts of soursop can be used for consumption, from the root to the leaves. However, certainly the most common is to use its pulp (fruit) to consume fresh or in juices, ice cream, fruit salad, jams and sweets / desserts.
In addition, it is also possible to use capsules that rely on soursop extracts as the main components – such as the Graviola Unilife supplement .
Among these forms of consumption, certainly eating fresh is the most complete way to enjoy the benefits and nutrients of the plant. That is, without mixing with other ingredients or changing the way it is prepared.
Still, it is quite common to make drinks from soursop, such as your tea and juice .
What is soursop leaf tea for?
Many people use soursop leaf tea to treat problems such as flu , asthma , excess phlegm , inflammation , worms and gastritis . What can have an effect due to some of its properties – such as the anti-inflammatory action and the high content of vitamin C.
However, it should be noted that there is no study that really proves that tea can fight these disorders. Thus, like other plants and teas, it can act as a complementary therapy and assist traditional care.
What are the benefits of soursop juice?
Soursop juice can also bring the benefits that the pulp (fruit) guarantees when consumed fresh . Therefore, it also has a high content of vitamins (B and C) and minerals, such as potassium.
To prepare the juice is very easy, you will only need 1 soursop, water, sieve and blender. Then, do the following steps:
- Peel the soursop and place the pulp in a blender;
- Put water to cover the amount of pulp;
- Beat everything and pass through the sieve before drinking.
If you wish, you can add sugar, sweetener or even honey, since soursop is not the sweetest fruit. However, remember that this affects the nutritional value of the juice.
Graviola Cures Cancer?
No , soursop is not able to cure cancer. However, this plant has been studied for many years in relation to this treatment and, in fact, there are some studies that have shown promise in the laboratory ( in vitro analysis ).
In these cases, what was found was that a set of phytochemical assets called Acetogenin , present in the leaves of soursop, would be able to kill some malignant cells resistant to other treatments and inhibit tumor growth.
As, for example, in cases of breast , ovarian, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer.
However, all the promising results were only in laboratory analysis, so that no tests were done on humans. As such, there is no effective evidence that soursop is likely to be used against cancer.
Even due to such rumors, many patients end up consuming soursop tea excessively during treatment, which can cause other health hazards – since some substances in excess can be toxic to the kidneys and liver.
Do you lose weight?
Soursop, by itself, does not provide a quicker weight loss. However, the consumption of its fruit brings many vitamins and minerals to the body, in addition to having a high water content, factors that collaborate with health – which is essential to lose weight.
Its 100g portion does not have a high calorie index (66kcal) or a high percentage of fat (0.3g), so it will not cause any harm to the diet.
It should also be noted that it can guarantee a greater feeling of satiety, which is beneficial for the weight loss process as a whole.
But it is necessary to keep in mind that there is no miraculous way to lose weight, the secret is to seek follow-up with a nutritionist, have a good dietary routine and practice physical exercises.
Thus, with specialized help, it is possible to lose weight without damage to health and without having to make sacrifices that may compromise well-being.
Is soursop tea made from green leaves or dried?
The vast majority of teas are made from the dehydrated (or dried ) leaves of the plant, this is the case with soursop tea – despite this, there is no damage as to the beneficial properties of the plant, they still remain.
To make tea is quite simple: put 10g of dried soursop leaves in 1L of boiling water . Leave a few minutes, then strain and drink (hot or cold).
It must be emphasized that, despite being a natural drink, it should not be consumed in excess as it can be harmful to the liver and kidneys in high doses.
Harm: can soursop harm you?
-Yeah . Although soursop can provide several health benefits, in some cases it can also be harmful and have a contraindication to consumption. In this case, it can be highlighted that it is not indicated for:
- Pregnant women;
- People with mumps;
- In cases of cold sore or oral injuries – its acidity can cause pain and burning;
- People with hypotension (low blood pressure).
In addition, anyone suffering from hypertension ( high blood pressure ) should be careful when consuming soursop and have prior medical advice. Because this plant tends to lower blood pressure and its effects can go against those of the drugs that treat hypertension.
As already mentioned, the excessive consumption of tea is not indicated, in order to avoid problems related to the kidneys and liver.
There are many plants that, like soursop, can provide health and well-being benefits – whether through their fruits, leaves or extracts. To find out about others, you can access the “ Natural Remedies ” tab here from Minute Healthy.
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