Does Soursop Really Help in Cancer Treatment?

Soursop is a prickly fruit native to Central and South America. Also called Graviola fruit, it has grabbed much attention in recent years due to its potential cancer-treating benefits. Though evidence for these benefits is not yet conclusive, some studies have clearly shown that soursop may contain anticancer benefits for several types of cancers. Here we shall be discussing how soursop fruit can help in cancer treatment and other potential health advantages of this fruit. Keep reading to find out the cancer-fighting properties of soursop.

What Is Soursop?

As discussed above, soursop is a green fruit with a prickly outer texture and a soft, creamy inner texture. This fruit is usually found in the rainforest of Southeast Asia, South Africa, and America. There are several names given to this fruit, including Graviola, custard apple, guyabano, Brazilian paw paw, and guanabana. Many people describe its flavor as a combination of apple and strawberry with a hint of citrus. 

Probably you already know what soursop is or what it tastes like, but did you know that this fruit comes with a multitude of nutritional benefits? This nutrient-dense fruit contains protein, iron, fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, niacin, riboflavin, and more. Furthermore, it also has high antioxidant properties, which makes it a popular herbal remedy for fevers, hypertension, inflammatory conditions, managing diabetes, and insomnia. In addition, many health experts consider this fruit to be effective in fighting cancer. Let's throw some light on how soursop helps to treat cancer. 

How Does Soursop Help Fight Cancer?

The assertion of soursop possessing cancer-treating properties is not baseless. Several studies back up this claim with their research. Also, the nutritional qualities of this fruit make it an apt choice for people dealing with cancer. Soursop has more than 200 phytochemicals that are known to have anticancer effects. 

Moreover, research also shows that this fruit contains natural cytotoxicity effects. If you do not know, cytotoxicity alludes to the ability of a drug to kill cancer cells. In fact, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also cytotoxic therapies. Studies also show that soursop can reduce cell growth in a number of cancer cell lines. 

Besides, soursop is a rich source of acetogenin compounds that inhibit nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide contained in the cancer cells' membranes. Though it may seem promising, it is to remember that we still do not have enough human data to substantiate these claims. 

It is also interesting to know that supplements developed from compounds in the soursop plants, such as Graviola capsules, are likely to be more effective than consuming simply the fruit. As per several studies conducted, the aerial parts of the soursop plant are useful in the treatment of several types of cancers.

• Breast Cancer: 

Not only is breast cancer one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, but also the second leading cause of death in women. A study conducted in mice showed that soursop leaves exhibited an anticancer effect on cell lines of breast cancer. Studies also show that soursop extracts can help to destroy cells resistant to specific chemotherapy medicines or drugs. 

• Colorectal Cancer: 

Colorectal cancer is also quite a common cause of cancer-related deaths. The leaf extract of soursop possesses anticancer properties against a Colorectal cancer cell line. It has the power to inhibit migration as well as the invasion of colon cancer cells. 

• Prostate Cancer: 

This type of cancer is the second-leading cause of death in men. However, a study pointed towards the anticancer effect of soursop on prostate cancer cells in mice. 

• Pancreatic Cancer: 

Studies reveal that pancreatic cancer is resistant to conventional radiotherapies and chemotherapies. But studies do show that soursop consists of promising properties for pancreatic cancer therapeutics. The anti-tumorigenic characteristics of soursop extract lead to pancreatic cancer cell death.

Although soursop contains several agents that help in protecting against certain cancer cells, more research on humans needs to be done for clear and accurate answers. Apart from this, soursop also has additional health benefits discussed below. 

Other Potential Benefits of Soursop

The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of soursop fruit make it ideal for treating several other diseases. Soursop extract can be useful in treating certain inflammatory disorders. This fruit is also high in antioxidants which help prevent cell damage, lowing the risk of chronic diseases. Its extracts may also help stabilize blood sugar levels. A study conducted on diabetic rats showed that soursop reduced blood sugar levels five times. 

Takeaway!

Soursop is one of the healthiest fruits with plenty of nutritional qualities. Its fruit powder contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, as well as anti-diabetic properties. However, though several studies show positive results of using Graviola, we do need more systematic, reliable, and robust clinical trials to confirm its value for cancer treatment. Many researchers are working on this controversial fruit to prove its cancer-treating advantages. Thus, you should not seek any unproven cancer treatment before consulting your health expert. 

But we certainly can't ignore the other health advantages of soursop, which qualifies this fruit to be a great addition to your wellness routine. Reap all the benefits of soursop with Graviola capsules. Shop for Soursop (Graviola) Fruit Capsules 500 Mg from Dhow Nature Foods and opt for a healthier lifestyle. This vegan-friendly wellness product comes filled with 100% pure organic herbal powder without any additives or agents.