Soursop (Graviola): 

This popular, prickly green fruit is known for its delicious taste and impressive health benefits. It can be found in the Caribbean, South and Central America. 

Those of us who grew up eating this fruit have enjoyed it several ways. Some of us scoop out the flesh and eat it. Others use it to create refreshing drinks with and without milk. There are also foodie innovators, who create yummy treats such as soursop ice cream, smoothies, cheesecake and more. Increasingly, more people are drawn to soursop tea, which is tied to its amazing health benefits.  

Let’s take a quick look at some of the benefits that the soursop has. 

1. Soursop is high in antioxidants. Research has shown that the antioxidant activity of soursop can decrease damage caused by cellular oxidants. As such, it may help reduce the risk of heart decease, cancer* and diabetes.  
2. It can reduce inflammation, specifically related to arthritis. Rubbing a decoction of soursop on the affected area can lead to relief. 
3. It can kill intestinal parasites. The soursop leaf extract is known as an anti-helminthic (drugs that kill intestinal worms). It can kill adult worms and larvae. This is something not many prescription anti-parasitic drugs can do. Brew a tea from the leaves to cleanse your gut and ensure that your gastrointestinal system is running smoothly. 
4. It may stabilise blood sugar level. Use of the soursop leaves (Annona muricata) has been found to decrease the effects of oxidative damage on the liver, which was exacerbated by diabetes. Soursop could potentially help the pancreas to produce new insulin producing cells. Adding sugar to your soursop may decrease its effectiveness as it relates to this benefit. 

There are several additional benefits to including soursop in your diet. However, we hope you found these four useful.  

The soursop leaf has been touted for its many healing properties. Below is a quick recipe on how you can make it!  

Soursop Tea

Ingredients: 

• 4 to 6 leaves of the soursop leaves (fresh, but best dried) 
• Sugar, milk, or honey and lemon to taste (all optional) 
• 2 cups of water 

Instructions: 

• Pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan.  
• Put the leaves into the water and allow to boil until the water level is reduced by half. The water colour will change from clear to light green or dark brown (this depends on the leaves used). 
• Allow to boil for 3 to 5 minutes, then turn it off.  
• Remove saucepan from the stove. Use a metal strainer to decant the liquid.  
• Allow to cool. Add sugar, honey and lemon or milk (all optional). Enjoy.  

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*Soursop should not be considered an alternative to a prescribed course of treatment for cancer. 

Sources: Organic Facts, Healthline, Natural Food Series, and Nature's Ally.