Soursop is a fruit that is usually found in South Africa. It has a sweet taste, similar to a pineapple. Soursop can be used to sweeten ice cream, beverages, candies, custards and other foods. As a high-antioxidant food, soursop boasts plenty of health benefits. It contains Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, folate and phosphorus, among other nutrients. Thanks to these vitamins and minerals, soursop can help fight harmful bacteria and strengthen the immune system. Soursop benefits include the ability to reduce eye disease, treat infections and fight numerous types of cancer.
Soursop Benefits
1. May Help Reduce Eye Disease
Research has shown that soursop benefits may include the ability to reduce eye disease. The fruit contains high concentrations of phytonutrients, including saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins and phenols. These antioxidant compounds work to fight disease. A study led by the National Eye Institute found that the combination of antioxidants in soursop can help lower the risk of age-related
macular degeneration.
2. Provides Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties
Soursop exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. As an anti-inflammatory food, soursop works as a natural anti-infection treatment for root canals. Research has shown that using soursop to irrigate the root canal is a much healthier option than the dangerous chemicals that are usually used to irrigate the root canal, in order to prevent infection. (
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3. May Help Fight Cancer
According to research published in
Food & Function, soursop benefits may include the ability to fight cancer. Thanks to the powerful antioxidants it contains, soursop has the ability to fight free radicals and help the body eliminate cancer cells. Research has shown that soursop leaf extract can help kill several different types of cancer cells, including pancreatic cancer cells. The extract works by blocking ATP production that can foster activity in cancer cells. By blocking this activity, soursop leaf extract can help break down cancer cells until they fall apart. (
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4. May Kill Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Like other
cancer-fighting foods, soursop is packed with disease-fighting antioxidants. According to a study conducted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, soursop leaf extract can greatly reduce pancreatic cancer by killing cancer cells. Research suggests that soursop can help kill numerous other types of cancer cells, in addition to pancreatic cancer. (
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5. Treats Infections
Soursop benefits include the ability to treat infections in the body, including those caused by bacteria and parasites. The fruit has been used to
treat herpes, coughs and vomiting, along with bacterial and viral infections that caused coughing, sneezing and a fever. The antioxidants in soursop work to
fight inflammation, strengthen the immune system and kill harmful bacteria in the body. Soursop and soursop tea can help fight infection, reduce inflammation and relieve painful and irritating symptoms caused by bacterial infections.
