Bohol Province – Soursop is a fruit that goes by many names. Its scientific name is Annona muricata, but it also goes by guanabana, paw-paw, sirsak, and graviola. The Annonaceae family, usually referred to as the custard apple family, includes soursop. The huge, oval-shaped fruits are produced on trees. The whitish, fibrous flesh is encased in a green, spine-adorned exoskeleton. They can weigh up to 10 pounds and grow up to 8 inches long. The flavor of a soursop is best compared to a combination of mango and pineapple. Its health benefits include:

High in Vitamin C and antioxidant
Known to strengthen the immune system, these are abundant in soursop. Your immune system is strengthened by this vitamin, which enhances its capacity to fight against viruses. Additionally, it encourages the breakdown of free radicals, which can shield your skin and cells from oxidative harm from the environment. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C is 215% of what is found in one full soursop fruit. Numerous more antioxidants, including phytosterols, tannins, and flavonoids, can be found in soursop (both fruit and leaves).

Healthy digestion

One entire soursop fruit provides almost 83% of the fiber you should have each day, an essential component for the health of your digestive system. Fiber supports regularity and guards against digestive problems including constipation.

Potentially cancer-preventing effects
A soursop extract can shrink breast cancer tumors and eradicate cancerous cells, according to two studies. An extract can prevent the growth of leukemia cells, another study has found.

Lowers inflammation
By eliminating free radicals, antioxidants lessen the harm oxidative stress does to your cells. Inflammation is one of the negative consequences of oxidative stress. Therefore, the antioxidants in soursop might aid in lowering inflammatory responses in the body.

Controls the blood pressure
Potassium aids in the elimination of salt from your system and reduces tension in blood vessels. One whole soursop provides between one-third and half of your daily required potassium intake.

Help fight bacteria
The sour fruit may have antimicrobial properties. According to one study, a variety of bacteria, including those that cause cavities and gum disease, may be killed by an extract. Another study discovered that soursop extracts may be effective against Staphylococcus germs and cholera. Although these investigations were conducted in test tubes, the outcomes are encouraging, and more investigation is required. // DMO II Jenelyn A. Guillena, RND