Soursop

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Soursop

Large spiny tropical fruit with tart pulp related to custard apples  small tropical American tree bearing large succulent slightly acid fruit. Soursop is native to South and Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa. The fruit is also known as graviola or guanabana, and has a sweet and tangy flavor. It is popular in many cuisines and is often used to make juice, smoothies, and desserts.

Description[edit | edit source]

The soursop fruit is oval-shaped and can weigh up to 5 pounds. It has a spiky green skin that is covered in bumps, and the flesh is white and juicy. The fruit contains black seeds that are not edible.

Nutrition[edit | edit source]

Soursop is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. It also contains several beneficial plant compounds, including acetogenins, which are being studied for their potential anticancer properties.

Culinary uses[edit | edit source]

Soursop can be eaten fresh, or used in a variety of recipes. The flesh can be used to make juice, smoothies, or ice cream. In some countries, it is also used to make soups and stews.

Health benefits[edit | edit source]

Soursop is believed to have several health benefits. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including infections, fever, and high blood pressure. Some studies have also suggested that soursop may have anticancer properties.

Precautions[edit | edit source]

Consuming soursop in excessive amounts may lead to nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems. People with liver or kidney problems should also be cautious about consuming soursop.

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

Soursop has been featured in several TV shows, including "Survivor" and "The Amazing Race". It has also been the subject of several songs, including "Guanabana" by Los Warahuaco.

References[edit | edit source]

  • "Graviola (Soursop)". National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  • Oyetayo, V. O.; Akanbi, O. B. (2016). "Overview of Nutritional and Therapeutic Potential of Soursop". Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences. 6 (5): 520. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.1000520.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD