• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Nutrition

Exploring the Benefits of Soursop Tea: A Guide to its Healing Properties

Soursop tea is quickly gaining attention as a go-to drink natural beverage for wellness.

Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and unique compounds, this tropical tea provides many health benefits. Soursop tea can help support your immune system, aid in digestion, and promote relaxation.

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind its most well-known benefits.

What is Soursop?

Soursop (Annona muricata)  is a tropical fruit that grows on evergreen soursop plants native to Central America, the Caribbean, and some parts of South America.

Today, it’s cultivated in tropical regions worldwide for its distinct flavor. The taste is often described as a blend of strawberry and pineapple with hints of citrus and coconut. 

The soursop fruit — sometimes called custard apple — has a spiky, green outer skin and soft, white pulp inside.

Ways to Consume Soursop

The soursop fruit can be enjoyed in many ways beyond consuming it as a tea. Different ways to enjoy soursop include:

• Soursop tea: This is made by steeping dried or fresh soursop leaves in hot water. Soursop tea is a convenient way to enjoy this fruit without having to peel it.

• Soursop extract: A concentrated form of the fruit’s active compounds, often taken from the pulp. Soursop extract is commonly available in liquid or capsule form and can be used as a supplement.

• Soursop leaf extract: An extract of soursop derived from the leaves, which contains unique compounds that may offer additional health benefits.

• Fresh soursop fruit: The fresh fruit is often enjoyed alone or blended into smoothies, juices, and desserts.

• Soursop powder: This powder is made from dried and ground soursop fruit or leaves. It is typically used as a supplement and can also be added to food. 

Can Soursop Help Prevent Cancer?

A noteworthy health benefit of soursop is that it could potentially help treat cancer. 

While the research is limited, some studies have found that soursop may reduce the size of breast cancer tumors and kill cancer cells. It may also stop the formation of leukemia cells. 

It’s also believed that soursop can help prevent cancer cells from forming. Soursop leaves contain antioxidant compounds that fight free radicals in the body. This may help prevent cell damage and the development of cancer.

Soursop extract may also inhibit the growth of various types of human cancer cells, including those related to breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. While research is still being developed, there is not yet enough research to know how effective soursop is at preventing cancer.

10 Benefits of Soursop Tea

Antioxidants in soursop tea may offer support for your overall health and well-being. Here are the primary health benefits of soursop:

Reduces oxidative stress

Soursop tea is packed with antioxidants like ascorbic acid, quercetin, and tannins. 

These compounds neutralize free radicals in the body which can lead to chronic health conditions like heart disease.

Regular consumption of soursop tea may reduce oxidative stress — an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body — potentially lowering your risk of disease.

Fights inflammation

Soursop leaves contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This can be especially beneficial for people with arthritis and joint pain.

Compounds like acetogenins and flavonoids in soursop may help reduce inflammation in cells.

Supports the immune system

Soursop tea contains high levels of vitamin C. This type of vitamin supports the immune system and helps stimulate the production of white blood cells —  a type of cell essential for fighting infections.

Antioxidants in soursop tea also help protect immune cells from damage.

Aids in digestion

Anti-inflammatory properties in soursop tea may benefit the digestive tract. It has traditionally been used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, constipation, and inflammation in the gut.

Soursop tea is also a good source of fiber. The mild laxative effect can promote regular bowel movements, soothe an upset stomach, and reduce gastric inflammation.

Promotes healthy skin

Antioxidants in soursop tea help fight oxidative damage to skin cells. Experiencing a lot of oxidative damage can cause the skin to age sooner.

Regular consumption of soursop may improve skin appearance, reduce wrinkles, and help your skin maintain a healthy glow. 

Additionally, soursop’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can potentially manage acne and other skin issues.

Enhances your mood

Some people drink soursop tea for its calming and mood-boosting effects. Magnesium and tryptophan in soursop may help improve mood and reduce stress.

While these effects are often mild, soursop tea is sometimes recommended as a natural remedy for anxiety and sleep disturbances.

Supports cardiovascular health

Potassium and magnesium in soursop tea may help regulate blood pressure. Potassium helps with counteracting the effects of sodium on the body, lowering blood pressure, and improving circulation.

The antioxidants in soursop tea may reduce inflammation in blood vessels which can lead to cardiovascular disease. 

Protects from infection

Soursop leaves have been used to help manage minor illnesses like minor colds. It may also be effective against specific strains of bacteria and fungi.

Regulates blood sugar levels

Soursop may help people regulate blood sugar levels. It can also be used as a natural remedy for diabetes management, as it may improve insulin sensitivity.

Although further research is needed, the polyphenols and flavonoids in soursop tea may also help stabilize blood glucose levels.

Shields the liver from damage

Antioxidants in soursop may protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, alcohol, or other harmful substances. The compounds in this tea may also support improved liver function. 

How to Prepare a Cup of Soursop Tea

Preparing a cup of soursop tea is simple and can be done using fresh or dried leaves. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

• Two to three dried soursop leaves, five to six fresh leaves, or one tea bag

• Two cups of water

• Honey, lemon, or a cinnamon stick for added flavor (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil the water: Bring two cups of water to a boil in a small pot.

2. Add the leaves: Add dried or fresh leaves once the water is boiling. Reduce the heat to low and let the leaves steep in hot — not boiling — water.

3. Simmer: Allow the leaves to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the flavors and beneficial compounds time to infuse into the water.

4. Strain and serve: Remove the leaves, pour the tea into a cup, and let it cool for a few minutes.

5. Optional additions: If you prefer, add honey, lemon, or a cinnamon stick for extra flavor.

Tips for making soursop tea at home

Consider letting the leaves steep longer for a stronger brew, or add an extra leaf or tea bag. Any leftover tea you don’t drink right away can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Simply reheat leftover tea or enjoy it cold.

What are the Risks of Consuming Soursop Tea?

While soursop tea offers many potential health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption may have adverse effects on your health.

It’s recommended that you consult a healthcare provider before making soursop tea a regular part of your diet, especially if you have a preexisting health condition.

Certain individuals may need to avoid soursop tea due to potential side effects, drug interactions, and health risks associated with its compounds. 

Here’s who should avoid soursop tea:

• Individuals with low blood pressure: As soursop naturally lowers blood pressure levels, those with low blood pressure may experience further drops, resulting in dizziness, fainting, or other complications.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: There is limited research on the safety of soursop extracts and tea for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is generally recommended to not drink soursop tea while pregnant.

• People taking medications: Soursop may interact with certain medications, especially those for high blood pressure, diabetes, and liver or kidney conditions. It may also interfere with the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Individuals with gastrointestinal sensitivity: Some people may experience mild digestive side effects from drinking soursop tea, such as nausea, an upset stomach, or vomiting when consuming soursop tea in large amounts. Individuals with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may want to avoid this tea or start with very small amounts.

Where Can I Learn More About My Health?

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At LifeMD, a healthcare provider can offer expert health advice, treatment options, and prescriptions for medications. 

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