Soursop or Graviola, a little-known fruit with creamy white flesh is gaining widespread popularity in wellness circles, thanks to its many powerful benefits for health – from preventing bacterial infections to even supposedly treating a vast range of cancers. The tropical fruit has long been a staple in traditional medicine across Central and South America, known for its supposed antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and even anticancer properties. But are all these purported benefits of the fruit backed by science?
Let’s understand the nutrition factor first. The fruit despite its rough and tough appearance has a brilliant taste and many compare it to strawberry and banana. A cup of soursop fruit has 148 calories, 7.42 g of fibre, 37.8 g of carbohydrates, and 30.5 g of sugar. Being a low glycemic index, it’s great for people with diabetes. The fruit is abundant in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, as well as antioxidants, and potassium.
Native to Central and Southern America, soursop has been used in traditional medicine to manage diabetes, treat infections and even cancers. The soursop fruit or leaves have also been used to treat stomach ailments, fever, parasitic infections, hypertension and rheumatism. Many claims say soursop tea or extract can slow the spread of cancer, but there is insufficient scientific evidence to support this claim. Only limited, lab-based research has pointed to the fruit’s ability to fight cancer, however, the same hasn’t been studied in humans.
Is soursop effective in killing cancer cells? What the research says
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry found the soursop compounds could destroy the breast cancer cells and were even more effective than chemotherapy. Another study published in 2016 in Scientific Reports found that soursop had anticancer activity on prostate cancer cells. However, the study was done on mice, and not humans. A 2024 review paper found that soursop extracts show promise in fighting cancer, with compounds that kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. The review also highlighted anti-inflammatory benefits, suggesting that soursop’s long-standing use in traditional medicine may have some scientific basis.
Scientists find that certain bioactive compounds like acetogenins, alkaloids, flavonoids and vitamins in the fruit have been found to be effective in killing cancer cells. These acetogenins have also been linked with not just blocking cancer growth but cancer prevention. A key acetogenin, annonacin, has also been linked to Parkinson’s and neurodegenerative diseases.
Can soursop raise risk of neurodegenerative disorders?
A 2022 study published in the journal Molecules warned that high doses of acetogenins, found in soursop, could be neurotoxic and may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. Some of the fruit’s alkaloids may also affect nerve cells, especially with prolonged or excessive consumption. Researchers emphasized the need for further studies and clinical trials to fully understand soursop’s safety and medicinal potential.
Benefits of soursop
High in antioxidants
The sweet and delicious fruit can also deliver a wealth of antioxidants to your body, which have disease-fighting potential. A study published in Food Function showed that having soursop can shield against damage caused by free radicals.
Fight infections
Soursop can fight many types of bacteria including the ones that cause gingivitis, tooth decay and yeast infections. A study shows its efficacy in preventing cholera and Staphylococcus infections.
Diabetes control
Being a low GI fruit, soursop can help in managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. A study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrates how feeding soursop extract to diabetic rats reduced blood sugar levels by up to 75%.
How to add soursop to your diet
Eat it fresh: Scoop out the creamy white flesh and enjoy it as is, removing the seeds.
Blend into smoothies: Add soursop to fruit smoothies for a tropical twist with a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Brew soursop tea: Use the leaves to make a soothing herbal tea, a traditional remedy in many cultures.
Make soursop juice: Blend the pulp with water, strain, and enjoy a refreshing drink.
Add to desserts: Use soursop pulp in sorbets, ice creams, or fruit salads for a sweet and tangy flavour.
(Picture courtesy: iStock)