If you are a fan of strawberries, pineapples, banana, or any citrus fruit, then soursop is a must try fruit for you.
There are some pretty odd fruits out there, and soursop is no exception. This fruit is said to taste like a cross between a strawberry and a pineapple with a hint of citrus, while retaining a texture of something similar to a banana or a soft coconut.
This fruit is widely used in many dishes throughout the world and is even found in candy bars, shakes, and ice creams.
What is a Soursop?
It is a delicious fruit which grows on the annona muricata tree, which is native to Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean islands of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. It can be found in Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, and even Cuba.
Almost all tropical parts of Africa have also been known to produce this fruit. The tree is adapted to areas of high humidity and warm winters.
Any temperature under 5o C/41oF can harm the tree leaves and temperatures under 3oC/37oF can be fatal.
What is Soursop used for?
Only the flesh and pulp of the fruit is edible. The fruit can reach the weight of up to 15lbs, which makes it one of biggest annona after the junglesop, a fruit belonging to a tropical African tree, which can reach weights up to 33lbs.
The pulp of the fruit has been known to be used for making sorbets, candies, juice drinks, smoothies, fruit nectars, and ice cream flavorings. The product is widely used in Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
Its high popularity is the cause for worldwide consumption of the fruit, as well as the derived products marketed by companies all over the world, including United States, Canada, Ireland, UK, Continental Europe, Japan and many more countries.
In certain parts of the world, you can find street vendors who sell ice creams and sorbets with soursop flavoring or made from soursop flesh, as well as fresh beverages with soursop flavoring.
In Indonesia, soursop is used in dodol sirsak, a mixture which is made by boiling the fruit pulp in water while adding sugar until it is hardened.
There is a variant in Australia of the same fruit which is called “custard apple” and is consumed as a dessert.
In Cuba, a thick smoothie is made from the pulp of the fruit, milk, and cane sugar. It is called champola.
There are many different ways that this fruit can be prepared and eaten, but the real secret of the fruit is the many nutrients is contains.
What are some of the health benefits of Soursop?
Just like many other fruits out there, soursop has high levels of natural carbohydrates and fructose.
Vitamin B1, B2, and C are also present in this fruit in high quantities. Some people who are native to the fruits originating locations also use its tree leaves for medical purposes.
Different mixtures and concoctions made from soursop tree leaves are used to treat a wide range of ailments, such as arthritis pain, respiratory tract inflammations, a variety of skin conditions, and joint inflammation. Some mixtures have even been used as a sedative or a tranquilizer.
Can Soursop help with cancer?
There has been a lot of promising research done throughout the world showing the capability for cancer treatment through the use of soursop fruit, leaves, and seeds.
This research points towards a high potential to reduce and even stop the spread of cancerous cells in the body.
Currently, ongoing studies by Purdue University and the National Institute of Health have reported the potential of cancer treatment and antitumor properties of Annonaceous acetogenins, which are only found in the Annonaceous plant family.
Essentially, these acetogenins are compounds which are capable for stopping the production of energy used by cancerous or deformed cells, which is needed in order for them to multiply and spread.
This is done by the interruption of the enzyme process which is involved in the production of ATP, the energy needed by the cells to grow.
When these enzymes can’t create these specific molecules, the cells are unable to perform basic functions needed to continue growing and reproducing.
All of the research and studies are very promising and definitely give some hope to those suffering from any type of cancer.
However, you have to understand that there have not been any clinic trials associated with Annonaceous acetogenins.
The reason for this is simple: acetogenin is an annonacin, which makes it a neurotoxic chemical compound.
This means that the compound is toxic and clinical studies are rarely done with toxic elements or compounds. Now, this doesn’t mean that acetogenins have no effect on cancer or cancerous growths.
This means that it has not been properly tested and the side-effects of its use have not been determined.
There have been studies pointing to potential dangers that come alongside oral use of soursop.
It can be potentially dangerous and should always be approached with caution and levelheadedness.
Soursop Review Summary
This fruit, the leaves of its tree, and its seeds can offer many medical benefits if used correctly.
Although there have been many studies and a lot of research done regarding its anti cancerous capabilities, nothing has been set in stone nor have there been any clinical studies.
It is clear that the components found in this fruit can fight cancer rather effectively. However, those same components can be toxic to your body in other ways.
Because of this, we strongly suggest that you take great care in how you are planning to use this fruit.
This fruit is not a miracle fruit, and simply eating it will not make everything better and all your diseases go away.
It has great potential, but the risk that these potential benefits come with has yet to be determined.
Our bodies are complicated machines and figuring out the right treatment for each situation can sometimes be impossible.
Soursop can be what you have been looking for, but it can also be a cause of other issue and problems.
Ultimately, the choice to use it is up to you. Make sure to do your research and consult with your medical professional regarding your intent on using soursop for its healing purposes.
