Soursop, also known as Graviola, is a prickly green fruit with a creamy texture and a strong flavour that is often compared to pineapple or strawberry. It is the fruit of Annona muricata, a type of tree native to tropical regions of the Americas. This fruit is rich in nutrients and low in calories. It contains a good amount of fibre and vitamin C. A typical serving of 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of raw soursop contains 66 calories, 1 gram of protein, 16.8 grams of carbs, 3.3 grams of fibre, 34% of the RDI of vitamin C, 8% of the RDI of potassium, 5% of the RDI of magnesium and thiamine. Soursop also contains a small amount of niacin, riboflavin, folate, and iron.

Interestingly, soursop is not just a delicious fruit, but it is also used for medicinal purposes. Parts of the fruit, including the leaves, fruit, and stems, are used for various health benefits. Research has found that soursop is high in antioxidants, which neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals and help reduce the risk of several diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The antioxidants in soursop include luteolin, quercetin, and tangeretin. However, more research is needed to determine how beneficial these antioxidants are to humans.

Moreover, some studies have found that soursop could potentially help eliminate cancer cells. Although most research is currently limited to test-tube studies, one study treated breast cancer cells with soursop extract and found that it was able to reduce tumour size and kill off cancer cells. Another study showed that soursop extract stopped the growth and formation of cancer cells in leukaemia cells. However, further studies are needed to determine how eating the fruit may affect cancer in humans.

In addition to its antioxidant properties, soursop contains potent antibacterial properties as well. Studies show that it can effectively kill off multiple types of bacteria, including strains that cause gingivitis, tooth decay, yeast infections, cholera, and Staphylococcus infections. Nevertheless, it’s important to keep in mind that these are test-tube studies using a highly concentrated extract, which is far greater than the amount you would typically get through your diet.

This article has looked at some of the health benefits of soursop and how you can incorporate it into your diet. Eating raw soursop is the most common way to consume it. You can do this by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the flesh. Since the fruit can be quite large, it may be best to divide it into a few portions.