10 Health Benefits of Soursop
10 Benefits of Soursop (Plus How to Eat It and Make Soursop Tea)
The benefits of soursop—such as blood sugar regulation, arthritis pain relief, and blood pressure control—are possible because this fruit is rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and flavonoids.
These compounds have antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Soursop is a fruit with a green, spiky skin on the outside and a soft, creamy white pulp on the inside. Also known as guanabana, it has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Do not stop any current treatment without consulting a healthcare professional.
Health Benefits
The benefits of soursop include:
1. Relief from Inflammatory Diseases
Soursop contains anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent the overproduction of cytokines responsible for inflammation. These substances are produced by the body in response to inflammation. Therefore, this fruit may help relieve symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Learn more about naturally anti-inflammatory foods you can add to your diet.
2. Diabetes Prevention
Soursop is rich in antioxidants that protect the pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production. This helps prevent insulin resistance and diabetes. In addition, soursop is an excellent source of fiber, which slows sugar absorption. This can help regulate blood glucose levels and assist in diabetes management for those already diagnosed.
3. Eye Health Promotion
Because it contains lutein, an important antioxidant compound for eye health, soursop helps reduce the development of conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. These age-related eye disorders can damage vision over time.
4. Stomach Protection
Soursop has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce the damage caused by free radicals in the stomach. This contributes to a reduction in gastric acid production, making the fruit beneficial for protecting the stomach, improving digestion, and helping manage conditions such as ulcers and gastritis.
5. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Soursop leaves contain compounds like annonain and asimilobine, which have calming effects on the central nervous system. These substances interact with serotonin (a neurotransmitter that regulates mood), which may help improve mood, relieve stress, and reduce anxiety.
Read more about home remedies for gastritis that can help relieve symptoms.
6. Blood Pressure Regulation
Soursop contains potassium, an essential mineral that helps the body eliminate sodium through urine. Potassium also plays a key role in blood pressure control. Additionally, the fruit's antioxidants promote arterial health and act as vasodilators, supporting healthy blood circulation, which positively affects blood pressure.
Check out other natural remedies for blood pressure that can complement your medical treatment.
7. Immune System Boost
Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C and quercetin, soursop helps reduce excess free radicals and strengthen immune system cells. This contributes to the prevention of allergies, colds, and the flu.
8. Relief from Constipation
Soursop helps combat constipation due to its high water and fiber content. These components promote natural bowel movements and increase stool volume, making elimination easier.
9. Hydration Support
Soursop pulp contains about 82 grams of water, which contributes significantly to hydration. It is often consumed in hot climates or during physical activity to help prevent dehydration.
10. Possible Cancer Prevention
Recent studies show that soursop is rich in acetogenins—a group of metabolic compounds with cytotoxic effects that can target cancer cells. Some research suggests that long-term consumption of soursop may help prevent or treat various types of cancer, including breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers.
However, these studies have only been conducted in laboratory settings using isolated cells and animals. More research in humans is needed to confirm soursop’s potential effects on cancer cells.
Soursop Leaf Tea
Soursop tea is an excellent way to enjoy the health benefits of this fruit. It is typically made using the leaves.
Ingredients:
- 10 g of dried soursop leaves
- 1 liter of boiling water
Preparation:
Place the dried soursop leaves in the boiling water. Cover and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 cups per day, preferably after meals.
Learn more about soursop tea and the health benefits associated with its consumption.
How to Use
Soursop can be consumed as tea (as shown above) or in its natural form. This fruit can also be used in various recipes, such as juices, mousses, and ice creams.
To make soursop juice, blend 1 cup of soursop pulp (chopped and seedless) with 500 mL of water and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar (or a sweetener). Blend until smooth, then serve.
Another way to consume soursop is through capsule supplements. The dosage may vary by manufacturer, but the commonly recommended dose is 2 capsules per day, 30 minutes before meals.
Soursop may cause side effects, so it's important to use it as directed by a doctor or a medicinal plant specialist.
Side Effects
Some toxic effects, such as kidney damage or even death, may occur with very high doses of soursop leaves. However, these effects would only happen if you consumed more than 70 cups of soursop tea.
The development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as
Parkinson’s disease, associated with excessive and prolonged consumption of soursop, is currently under study — but there are no definitive conclusions on this matter yet.
Contraindications
Soursop should only be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women under medical supervision, as there are no studies confirming its safety in these cases.
This fruit is
not recommended for people with
Parkinson’s disease or
low blood pressure. Individuals taking medications for
depression,
hypertension, or
diabetes should inform their doctor before using soursop, as it may interfere with the effects of these medications. It should also be
avoided by people with a history of liver or kidney disease.
Nutritional Information
Soursop is a nutritious fruit that can be a valuable addition to a healthy diet. In a 100-gram serving, it provides approximately 62 calories. It contains 0.8 grams of protein and a very low amount of fat, around 0.2 grams, making it a light and refreshing option.
The fruit is rich in carbohydrates, offering about 15.8 grams, and it also contains 1.9 grams of dietary fiber, which helps support healthy digestion.
In terms of minerals, soursop delivers about 40 milligrams of calcium, 23 milligrams of magnesium, 19 milligrams of phosphorus, and a significant amount of potassium—around 250 milligrams—which is essential for heart and muscle function.
Soursop is also a good source of vitamin C, with 19.1 milligrams per 100 grams, supporting immune health and acting as a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, it contains 14 micrograms of folic acid, important for cell division and overall health.
To fully benefit from soursop's nutritional properties, it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and accompanied by regular physical activity.
Source:
https://www.tuasaude.com/en/soursop/ (Updated in May 2025)
Evidence-Based
Clinical review by: Tatiana Zanin, Registered Dietitian
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