What are the Health Benefits of Guanabana Fruit?

Guanabana – also known as soursop or Graviola – is a tropical fruit with a bright green, spiky rind and white flesh. The flesh of the Guanabana fruit is tart or sweetish and is often used as a base for ice cream, smoothies, fruit nectars, sorbets, and other sweet treats. In South America and Asia, guanabana is considered as a health food. Unsurprisingly, guanabana is extremely high in essential nutrients that keep the body healthy! In today’s post, we are listing down some of the amazing health benefits of this tropical fruit:

Protects from Common Infections

Did you know that the guanabana fruit is loaded with powerful antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties? A diet fortified with guanabana fruit helps protect the body from all types of infections including common colds, cough, and flu. The fruit is so potent that in other parts of the world, extracts from immature guanabana fruits are used to treat dysentery! Apart from protecting the body from infections, guanabana fruit can also eliminate parasites and worms.

Cuts the Risk of Cancer

In South America where guanabana fruit is prized for its medicinal properties, herbalists recommend the fruit as a cancer remedy. You’d be surprised to know that this belief is actually supported by modern science.

As far back as the 70s, the National Cancer Institute or NCI, conducted several studies on the fruit’s cancer-fighting benefits. NCI researchers found that the stems, fruit, and leaves of the guanabana tree contain compounds that destroy cancer cells. The same study shows that the cancer-fighting compounds found in the fruit can target all 12 known types of cancer. Other studies found that the guanabana fruit is up to 10,000 times more efficient in slowing down cancer cells growth than Adriamycin, a chemotherapy medication.

Energizes the Body

Need a quick boost of energy? Instead of taking a quick bite of that energy bar, consider noshing on fresh guanabana fruit! Guanabana fruit is loaded with energy-boosting carbs. Don’t think that all carbs are bad. The carbs from the guanabana fruit boost energy and lowers cholesterol in the blood. The fruit is also packed with vitamin B complex, vitamin C, calcium, and dietary fiber.

Protects from Cardiovascular Diseases

Another great reason to add guanabana fruit to your daily diet is it heart-friendly nutrients. These nutrients lower blood pressure. They also reduce the risk of irregular heartbeat and prevent strokes and heart attacks. Even better, eating guanabana fruit regularly may help improve sleep and prevent sleep issues like insomnia.

Boosts the Immune System

guanabana fruit doesn’t just protect the body from infections, it also strengthens the immune system. When the immune system is working at its peak, the body is more resistant against diseases. Guanabana fruit is high in vitamin C. This nutrient acts like an antioxidant, protecting the cells from oxidative stress.

Better Bone Health

Here’s another surprise: guanabana fruit is high in calcium. Calcium helps strengthen the bones and protect the joints from degeneration. This nutrient is also critical to the body’s ability to absorb other nutrients.