This is considered a strange-looking fruit that can help fight cancer. According to a 2016 report published in the journal Pharmaceutica Analytica Acta, the ITT researchers found chemotherapeutic properties in graviola, which can be attributed to the presence of acetogenins and other antioxidants in the fruit. More specifically, they discovered that the acetogenins in graviola fruit are capable of encapsulating cancer tumor cells, as previously noted. Here Rachael Link, MS, RD, reflects on health benefits and uses of soursop:

“Soursop is a fruit that’s popular for its delicious flavor and impressive health benefits.

It’s also very nutrient-dense and provides a good amount of fiber and vitamin C for very few calories.

This article will look at some of the health benefits of soursop and how you can incorporate it into your diet.

What is Soursop?

Soursop, also known as graviola, is the fruit of Annona muricata, a type of tree native to tropical regions of the Americas (1Trusted Source).

This prickly green fruit has a creamy texture and a strong flavor that is often compared to pineapple or strawberry.

Soursop is typically eaten raw by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the flesh. Fruits range in size and can be quite large, so it may be best to divide it into a few portions.

A typical serving of this fruit is low in calories yet high in several nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of raw soursop contains (2):

• Calories: 66
• Protein: 1 gram
• Carbs: 16.8 grams
• Fiber: 3.3 grams
• Vitamin C: 34% of the RDI
• Potassium: 8% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 5% of the RDI
• Thiamine: 5% of the RDI

Soursop also contains a small amount of niacin, riboflavin, folate and iron.

Interestingly, many parts of the fruit are used medicinally, including the leaves, fruit and stems. It is also used in cooking and can even be applied to the skin.

Research has also unearthed a variety of health benefits for soursop in recent years.

Some test-tube and animal studies have even found that it may help with everything from alleviating inflammation to slowing cancer growth.

It's High in Antioxidants

Many of the reported benefits of soursop are due to its high content of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals, which can cause damage to cells.

Some research shows that antioxidants could play a role in reducing the risk of several diseases, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).

One test-tube study looked at the antioxidant properties of soursop and found that it was able to effectively protect against damage caused by free radicals (6Trusted Source).

Another test-tube study measured the antioxidants in soursop extract and showed that it helped prevent damage to cells. It also contained several plant compounds that act as antioxidants, including luteolin, quercetin and tangeretin (7Trusted Source).

More research is needed to determine how beneficial the antioxidants found in soursop may be to humans.

It Can Help Fight Bacteria

In addition to its antioxidant properties, some studies show that soursop may contain potent antibacterial properties as well.

In one test-tube study, extracts of soursop with varying concentrations were used on different types of bacteria known to cause oral diseases.

Soursop was able to effectively kill off multiple types of bacteria, including strains that cause gingivitis, tooth decay and yeast infections (10Trusted Source).

Another test-tube study showed that soursop extract worked against the bacteria responsible for cholera and Staphylococcus infections (11Trusted Source).

Despite these promising results, it’s important to remember that these are test-tube studies using a highly concentrated extract. It’s far greater than the amount you would typically get through your diet.

Further studies are needed to evaluate this fruit’s potential antibacterial effects in humans.”

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Read More … Article Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/soursop-benefits#section4