By CHISOM IBEMERE
Soursop is the fruit gotten from the Soursop tree (Annona muricata). It is also called Graviola. It is native to South America. Soursop is heart shaped and large. It has a white, soft and juicy flesh. It’s white pulp is creamy and smooth. It is a greenish fruit but turns light green when ripe. The juicy flesh has a lot of seeds but there are few seedless varieties.
Soursop contains acetogenins which are versatile anticancer molecules causing tumor cell death by different mechanisms. They are rich sources of Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene and Zinc, powerful plant antioxidants that prevents eye diseases and fights age related macular degeneration.
The different parts of Soursop tree like the roots, barks, leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They are used to treat arthritis, rheumatism and can be used as an analgesic. They can be used to treat wide range of infections. The leaf extract can boost immunity and enhance the general wellbeing of individuals.
Soursop leave extract are used in calming the skin and in the treatment of skin diseases. Soursop paste are powerful in the treatment of dandruff, itching and for hair growth. Soursop fruits and leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of fever and convulsions. The extract are effective for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, inflammation and stress conditions like Asthma, Alzheimer and diabetes.
Soursop are essential for the treatment of constipation and can be effective for the treatment of heart related diseases. Soursop juice are powerful diuretic that cleanse gastrointestinal tracts and dissolves excess sodium from the system.