Also referred to as soursop and guanabana, the guyabano is an exotic fruit which few people are familiar with. However, even though it is less known and less researched in comparison to other fruits, the guyabano`s health benefits are undeniable. If you are interested in the subject, keep reading and learn more about this amazing exotic fruit and the benefits it provides.

 

What is Guyabano?

The guyabano fruit derives from the Graviola tree. It is known under various names, including the following:

  • Guanábana (Spanish)
  • Pawpaw (in Brazil)
  • Custard Apple (English)
  • Soursop (English)
  • Graviola (Portuguese)
  • Annona Muricata ( Scientific Name)

Graviola tree grows in warm tropical areas, such as South America and the Philippines. The fruit is known as nerve tonic, sedative, and used to keep proper intestinal health. However, guyabano is not the only part of the tree that is being used in medicinal purposes. Each part of the tree, including the bark, roots, seeds, leaves, and fruits have been used in the treatment of various diseases. For instance, the fruit and leaves are used to relieve stomach distress, fever, cough, pain, and asthma, whereas the seeds are used to treat vomiting and nausea.

The gyabano fruit is abundant in vitamin C and B vitamins, such as niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin. However, besides these nutrients, this amazing fruit is rich in a whole range of essential nutrients, including the following:

  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Vitamin C
  • Carbohydrates
  • Fiber
  • Phosphorus

 

Cancer Prevention

Even though there is lack of scientific researches on guyabano`s healing properties, the researchers have been studying this fruit for its ability to prevent cancer and to reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy.

As a matter of fact, since 1976, there are more than twenty independent labs researches on Guyabano`s anti-cancer effects. They were conducted by the National Cancer Institute and it was found that guyabano`s “leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells.” Even though these findings never leaked in the public, other studies with similar findings followed:

  1. According to the Catholic University of South Korea, besides destroying cancer cells, guyabano leaves the healthy cells untouched. This is the main difference between the effect of this fruit and chemotherapy, as the commonly used treatment affects all cells, including both good and bad bacteria.
  2. As found by Purdue University, the guyabano`s leaves are killed cancer cells among six human cell lines”. Moreover, the leaves were found to be very effective in pancreatic and prostate cancer.
  3. According to a study issues in the Journal of Natural Products, a chemical naturally found in Graviola is even 10,000 more powerful than Adriamycin, a common chemotherapy drug.
  4. Finally, as concluded in an article on PubMed: “Overall, the compounds that are naturally present in a Graviola extract inhibited multiple signaling pathways that regulate metabolism, cell cycle, survival, and metastatic properties in PC cells. Collectively, alterations in these parameters led to a decrease in tumorigenicity and metastasis of orthotopically implanted pancreatic tumors, indicating promising characteristics of the natural product against this lethal disease.”

Even though guyabano seems to offer a lot in term of cancer prevention, it is important to mention that the studies on this subject were conducted in In Vitro. In other words, the biological component has been isolated for testing, meaning that cancer cells were used in test tubes. However, this is a good start and motivation for further human clinical trials.

Health Benefits

  1. Bone Health

Due to the presence of copper, guyabani promotes absorption of bone-beneficial calcium.

  1. Alleviates Pain

This amazing fruit relieves pain caused by rheumatism, arthritis, and joint and back problems.

  1. Helps with Anemia

Guyabano is abundant in iron, which in turn helps with iron deficiency anemia.

  1. Boosts Energy Levels

Besides vitamin C, guyabano is rich in B vitamins which are known as energy boosters.

  1. Migraine and Headache Relief

Thanks to the presence of riboflavin, guyabano is known to relieve headaches.

  1. Leg Cramps

This fruit is able to prevent leg cramps due to the potassium it contains.

  1. Prevents Urinary Tract Infections

As it contains huge amount of vitamin C content, the guyabano is able to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria that may disrupt the function of urinary tract.  As a matter of fact, guyabano contains about 77 percent daily value per cup.

  1. Prevents Constipation

The fiber content makes the guyabano one of the best foods when it comes to preventing constipation.

 

Uses of Guyabano

  1. Lack of energy
  2. Pain
  3. Fever
  4. Urinary tract infections
  5. Respiratory issues like cough or asthma
  6. Iron deficiency
  7. Intestinal upset, stomach distress, constipation
  8. Headaches or migraines

http://naturalsociety.com/guyabano-health-benefits-soursop-fruit/

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