On one of my many life-changing trips to Jamaica, West Indies, I wandered into a local Ital foods shop.

After browsing their extensive menu of healthy elixirs, I experienced the unique pleasure of drinking

a delicious creamy, white health drink called soursop juice.

The proprietor extolled the health benefits of soursop fruit, so I tried to drink this healthy beverage as

often as possible while I was there.

In fact, stopping by that shop became a daily “healthy” ritual for me.

 

When I returned home, I raved about this drink to friends and family, but could not find soursop in the

markets and fruit stands where I shopped in my town.

I recently learned that some of my Jamaican friends know where and when to buy soursop fruit here,

so this healthy, delicious fruit has become part of our lives again.

In fact, my elderly father’s Jamaican health aide has been making simple, natural soursop smoothies

to help strengthen him since he is very weak and has a small appetite.

 

 

Soursop Health and Nutritional Benefits

The soursop is a tree fruit native to the Caribbean, Central America, northern South America,

sub-Saharan Africa and other tropical regions.

Also known as graviola, soursop (Annona muricata) is a large prickly, hear- shaped, green

colored fruit.

 

It tastes like a combination of strawberry and pineapple, with a hint of creaminess and sour citrus.

Soursop contains abundant amounts of vitamin C and several B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin,

and niacin as well as minerals like calcium, phosphorus and a small amount of iron.

Soursop juice also contains other important nutrients including potassium, magnesium, copper,

folate, iron, and riboflavin.

 

Soursop fruit is widely known for its health and medicinal value.

It contains certain natural compounds with medicinal benefits that make it beneficial for the

treatment of various ailments including certain cancers.

Other reported health benefits include:

*Supports Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Note: Although, there is a lot of controversy on this topic, Soursop (fruit and leaves) have been

reported to help kill certain types of cancer cells–thus preventing colon, breast, prostate, lung

and pancreatic cancer–and also used to slow the growth of cancer cells.

In fact, research has been conducted on the effectiveness of soursop for cancer treatment.

* Prevents Osteoporosis

* Increases Energy And Endurance

* Beneficial For Heart And Prevents Nerve Damage

* Treats Hemorrhoid And Infant Diarrhea

* Relieves Constipation

* Natural Diuretic

* Promotes Sleep

Note: Soursop fruit contains a chemical called tryptophan which promotes sleepiness and relaxation.

* Treats Urinary Tract Infections

* Kills Parasites Inside The Body

* Fights Free Radicals

* Relieves Pain

* Treats Mouth Ulcers

* Treats Fever

* Strengthens The Immune System

* Treats Hypertension

* Antiseptic properties

* Back Pain Relief

* Natural Cure For Arthritis And Rheumatism

* Helps Control Diabetes

* Heals Wounds
Note: The fleshy part of the soursop fruit can be applied as a poultice on the cut or wounded area.

* Provides Anti-Aging Benefits

 

Important note:

According to several sources, it is suggested that soursop fruit and leaves should be used

in moderation.

Apparently, excessive intake of soursop tea might trigger neurological damage which might

lead to Parkinson’s disease.

Studies also suggest that pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using this tea to

prevent putting their health in jeopardy.

 

Now for the fun part.

Let’s make a soursop smoothie!

Vegan Soursop Ginger Lime Smoothie

Ingredients

1 ripe soursop, approximately 1 lb.

2 – 3 cups filtered water, almond, coconut or hemp milk

1 tsp grated ginger

1 lime, juiced

1 tsp  nutmeg

1 tbsp organic vanilla extract or grated vanilla bean

Options:

1 ripe banana or 3 organic dried dates can be added for extra sweetness

1 – 2 tbsps organic stevia leaf sweetener or coconut palm sugar (optional)

Directions

Wash the soursop well under running water.

Peel the soursop by hand revealing the fleshy fruit inside.

Put flesh in a large mixing bowl and remove all the seeds.

Put the soursop fruit into your blender. (I use a VitaMix.)

Add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of your liquid of choice.

Blend on high until the ingredients are pulverized and smooth.

Add more liquid, if desired, for a thinner consistency.

Add nutmeg, lime juice and vanilla and blend again.

Taste and add a little stevia, coconut palm sugar, banana or dried dates, if a sweeter

taste is desired. (Optional)

Serve chilled with or without ice cubes.

I like to add a dash of nutmeg to each glass before serving.

Drink to your health and enjoy!

 

Have you ever made or tasted soursop drinks?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

 

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