Soursop is a fruit originating in Central America from the Antilles region. In Brazil, does it grow spontaneously in the Amazon rainforest and is mainly grown in the North and Northeast? Bahia has already topped the ranking of the world's largest producers of soursop. The plant is also grown in some regions of Asia and Africa.
Although the soursop tree is a small to medium tree, the fruits are large and can weigh up to eight pounds. The fruits may have an oval shape or resemble a heart shape. The bark is green and covered with a kind of thorn; the pulp is white, creamy in texture with black seeds.
Who has space in the yard can venture into planting the plant: the ideal climate for cultivation is tropical, at temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees. When dealing with plants, special attention should be paid to pruning and fertilization. Harvesting is done once a year.
Aromatic, bittersweet and with a citrus touch, soursop is widely appreciated in Brazil, consumed fresh and used in the preparation of juices, ice cream and other desserts. In addition to the fruit pulp, the soursop leaves are also used for consumption in the form of tea.
Because it is rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, soursop is highly beneficial to health and a great ally in the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases.
Read also: 22 Creative Ways to Enjoy the Best of Watermelon
Benefits of Soursop
"Soursop can be recommended for people with high blood pressure and for those suffering from constipation," says Bruna Lyrio, nutritionist at Tostes Clinic in Rio de Janeiro.
The reason for this is that the fruit is rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium, which help control blood pressure; It has fibers that help the bowel to function properly. In addition, soursop contains vitamins C and B complex, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, sodium, phosphorus and antioxidant properties.
Fruit consumption can also contribute to fighting insomnia, skin health and beauty, preventing diabetes, strengthening bones and preventing intestinal tract problems such as gastritis and ulcers.
Its benefits in action against cancer are widely commented and studied. Soursop components help prevent cancer cell development and therefore fruit can act to prevent cancer.
Soursop can also contribute to the weight loss process, since it is low in calories and high in fiber, which makes the feeling of satiated body stay longer. Fruit is also a good ally in exercise: "Soursop juice can also be a good post-workout electrolyte replenisher because of the good amount of potassium," says the nutritionist.
Read also: 50 Amazing Papaya Benefits for Beauty and Health
Contraindications
Even with all the benefits, does soursop have any contraindications? especially because the excess of some of its components can be harmful to certain groups of people.
"Since soursop is rich in potassium, it is contraindicated for people with kidney disease, because this group needs to control the amount of potassium ingested so that there is no renal overload," warns Bruna. Likewise, as fruit helps control hypertension, those with low blood pressure should avoid consumption because there is a risk of pressure drop.
Consumption is also contraindicated for people with mouth sores, thrush or mumps, as the fruit is very acidic; and for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Consumption Forms
Soursop can be consumed in different ways: in addition to the fruit itself, the leaves of the tree are also used in tea form and there is still the concentrated form in capsule form.
Fresh
The simplest form of consumption is fresh fruit. Refreshing and bittersweet in taste, soursop fruit is usually eaten without its peel and seeds. Pulp is also used as an ingredient for juices, sweets and other recipes.
• It is important to know how to choose the fruit and also check if it can be with soursop, a pest that hits fruits of any size and age. The bug pierces the rind and penetrates the pulp causing hardening and blackening of the affected part, leaving the rotten fruit ?, explains Bruna. To choose a good fruit, the nutritionist's tip is to give preference to those that are soft and avoid fruits with black or cracked rind.
Tea
Soursop tea is made from the infusion of soursop leaves.Like fruits, soursop leaves are very beneficial to health, rich in B and C vitamins, bioactive and carbohydrates.
This form of consumption is indicated for the treatment of high cholesterol, arthritis, rheumatism, flu, asthma, hypertension, digestive problems, excess phlegm, worms, inflammation, among others. Consumption is contraindicated for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.
Capsule
In regions where fruit is not so easily found, one can enjoy the benefits of soursop through its consumption in capsules. The capsules are also not recommended for children under three years of age, pregnant or nursing women and people with hypotension. The most recommended is that this form of consumption be accompanied by professional indication. The product can be found at health food stores.
5 delicious recipes with soursop
1. Soursop Mousse: This recipe takes a few hours to complete, but the result promises to be worth the wait. For mousse you need sour cream, condensed milk, colorless gelatin and soursop. To complement the dessert, the syrup is plum.
2. Soursop Juice: It is very simple to make soursop juice, just separate the pulp from the stones and beat it with water and sugar or sweetener. Those who like fuller juices can also try the recipe with milk.
3. Soursop Popsicle: This recipe is great for warmer days. The soursop popsicle also features cashews and chia seed for an extra touch of flavor. The recipe yields four to six popsicles.
4. Soursop Jam: the soursop jam recipe combines, in addition to soursop pulp (which may be frozen), apple and lemon juice. To hit the jelly point, the tip is to put some of the mixture in an iced saucer.
5. Tilapia insalata with soursop mayonnaise: Who says soursop can only be used on sweet dishes? In this recipe you learn how to prepare a soursop mayonnaise to accompany a fish salad. The yield is one dish.
In sweet or salty recipes, in teas, capsules or even just consuming fresh fruit? Enjoy the properties of soursop and adopt the fruit as an ally for your health!
Natural Remedies for Cataracts (April 2024)
- Food, Prevention and Treatment
- 1,230
