6 Health Benefits Of Soursop Plant (Sharifa)

The fruit of a tropical tree is called a soursop, sometimes called a graviola, or Brazilian paw paw. Due to its tart flavour and purported therapeutic benefits, it is especially popular in South America and the West Indies. 

According to Spanish explorer Oviedo, the soursop originated "as cones or fruit as large as melons but longish in shape" and made its first recorded appearance in written history in the 16th century. He mentioned that it was widely grown in the Northern South American and West Indies, and that the Graviola fruit is attributed with being disseminated throughout the world by Oviedo and other Spanish explorers. 

There have been anecdotal reports that the fruit, juice, or teas derived from the leaves of the tree that the fruit grows on can help treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, high blood pressure, diarrhoea, digestive issues, parasite infections, diabetes, asthma, colds, and arthritis. It is acceptable to raise doubts if such a broad range of claims are made in support of a single chemical. But they are backed up by science for one to find out. Here are the benefits listed below.

Know About 6 Health Benefits Of Soursop Plant

1. Possibility of Cancer Prevention

According to a 2018 study, soursop fruit extracts and those from the tree's bark, roots, and leaves may be used therapeutically to treat non-malignant disorders like cancer. However, this claim is not supported by sufficient human data. Cancer Treatment Centers of America experts caution against taking soursop as a cancer-preventive herb, pointing out that it is linked to several unproven claims. It is more likely that drugs derived from the plant's ingredients will work than if you only eat the fruit or drink the tea prepared from the leaves.

2. Fights Bacteria

Research shows that soursop's strong antibacterial properties are effective against various bacteria, including those that cause yeast infections, gingivitis, and dental decay. Moreover, soursop extracts were effective against Staphylococcus infections and microorganisms that cause cholera. Despite these encouraging findings, it's important to remember that test tubes were filled with a very concentrated extract—much more than our diets would provide.

3. Boost Digestive Health

Researchers have shown soursop to have antiulcer properties. It significantly lessens oxidative damage and aids in maintaining the stomach wall's mucosa. In addition to its anthelmintic (pest-killing) qualities, soursop leaves are a rich source of antioxidants that support gut health. NIH also confirms all the claims of the plant regarding health benefits. 

4. Maintains Blood Pressure Stability

Heart attacks and other major problems like heart disease can be brought on by high blood pressure. Consuming too much sodium might raise blood pressure. Potassium relieves blood vessel wall tension and aids in the body's removal of sodium, both of which can lower blood pressure. About one-third to one-half of your daily necessary potassium intake can be found in a single soursop fruit.

5. Liver And Kidney Health 

In a Malaysian investigation, soursop extract was proven to be safe in rats receiving treatment for liver and kidney problems. Similar findings might also apply to human subjects. Another study conducted in India found that the acetogenins in soursop can destroy the cancerous cells in 12 different forms of cancer, including liver cancer. 

6. Soursop For Hypertension 

Soursop never disappoints in terms of benefits, hypertension is also maintained with it. Folklore suggests using soursop to treat hypertension. According to a Nigerian study, this is explained by the fruit's phenols' capacity to act as antioxidants. According to a study report from Indonesia, soursop has beneficial minerals that can aid adults with hypertension and high blood pressure.

There are plenty of dishes one can try when it comes to the fruit and the plants. All these facts are backed-up by science and confirmed by NIH.