BY
Dr.Anand Buchake
MavCure
Guanabana,
better known as Soursop is known to be effective in treating cancer,
improves respiratory illness, reduce inflammation, relieves pain, heals
wounds and many more.
The
English name Soursop is not much appealing to the ear but its nutrients
are very much efficient to the human body. Offlate, the fruit has
gained much fame due to its amazing cancer-fighting property.
You
can enjoy a lot of health benefits and keep a variety of chronic health
conditions at bay if you consume guanabana in your daily diet. So,
let’s learn about the health benefits of Guanabana.
What Is Guanabana?
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Guanabana
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Guanabana
or Soursop is the fruit of Annona muricata, an evergreen tree. It is
typically found in the tropical regions of America.
It
widely grows in high humid and warm winter season. The fruit can’t
survive temperature below 5 degrees. In extremely low temperatures, it
becomes dry.
The flavor of it is a combination of tomatoes and
lettuce. It’s a citrus flavor fruit with a creamy banana texture.
Nowadays, it is promoted as an alternative cancer treatment. The size of
the fruit is long around 2 feet with an oval shape.
The fruit is
rich in Vitamin C, fiber content, and antioxidants. Due to it’s
antioxidant it is said to be a major cancer-fighting fruit. However, the
pharmaceutical industry has not yet taken it as a medicine for cancer.
How Was Guanabana Discovered?
It
was in the year 1996 when a study was published in the Journal of
Natural Products. The studies suggest the compound extracted from
Guanabana seed are effective in fighting colon cancer. The cytotoxicity
of the fruit fights well with the affected cells.
Later in another
study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry in 1997, it was
suggested that the soursop contains compounds that fight against breast
cancer cells are more effective than the chemotherapy.
The compounds
of the fruit destroy the cancer cells in a speedy manner without any
side-effects. However, the study was not done on a human there were no
clinical trials done for the same.
Moreoff,
even a major cancer-fighting drug Adriamycin is around thousand times
less efficient than the Guanabana. With this, you can measure the
efficacy of fruit.
It fights well with breast, liver, and prostate
cancer. Not only this, Guanabana when consumed even cut the negative
side-effects of the chemotherapy-related drugs.
Health Benefits Of Guanabana
From
centuries in South America and Southeast Asia, the tree is used for its
medicinal properties. Almost all the parts of the tree the bark, the
root, the leaves, the seeds, and the fruit have some or other medicinal
property.
Our ancestors are using it from the time when there was
no pharmaceutical industry. The tree was used to fight against
cardiovascular diseases, liver issues, respiratory diseases, arthritis,
fever, sleep disorders, cough, and a few more diseases.
For few
decades, the Guanabana fruit is used to fight cancer. It is a popular
natural therapy to attack cancer safely and effectively. Some of the
major benefits of the fruit are discussed below:
1. Guanabana A Natural Remedy For Cancer
It
attacks the cancer cells safely and effectively. Not only this, the
fruit also diminishes the symptoms of cancer like hair fall, nausea,
weight loss etc. The fruit comes without any side-effect. So, you can
consume it along with your medical treatment too.
Not
only the fruit but also the stems and roots of the Guanabana tree can
destroy the cancer cells. The same was investigated in 1970 by the
National Cancer Institute. The research of this institute, however, was
never published due to unknown political reasons in the medicinal
industry.
But later in 1976, Guanabana was proved to be a potent
cancer killer by around 20 famous laboratory tests. Another study states
a compound in the leaves of Guanabana is selectively cytotoxic for the
pancreas, colon, and lungs cancer cell lines.
Thus,
the fruit can efficiently kill and target the malignant cancer cells.
it can treat around 12 kinds of cancer like colon, breast, lung,
pancreatic, and prostate cancer.
2. Protects Immune System
It
protects and strengthens the immune system. A strong immune system
fights better with diseases. It works by increasing the levels of immune
cells.
3. Gives A Boost Of Energy
The fruit is also
effective in giving you a surge of energy. With an energetic body, you
can have a better outlook on life. It is efficient in abolishing
fatigue, weakness, and is also a mood-enhancer.
4. Is A Powerful Anti-oxidant
Oxidative
stress is the major cause of an array of health issues. The human body
gets loaded with the free radicals with time and thus suffer from
oxidative stress.
A study done showed the high concentration of
antioxidants in guanabana leaves, fruits, and the peel can eliminate the
free radicals and reduce the reactive oxygen species. Thier production
can cause DNA damage and cell death which eventually is harmful to
health.
The Antioxidant activity in guanabana are brought about by
the presence of polyphenol, carotenoid, tannin, and anthocyanin
content.
5. Respiratory Health Benefits Of Guanabana
If
you are suffering from cold, cough, or any other respiratory ailment.
You can enjoy the benefits of guanabana to cure these issues.
The
fruit works as it has natural anti-inflammatory properties. This can
help to clear the airways, relieve the chest congestion, and soothe the
irritated throat. Moreover, it is more off an expectorant that can give
you a speedy recovery against these ailments by clearing up your nasal
cavity and respiratory tract.
6. Can Relieve Stress
The
tea prepared from Graviola fruit can help you relieve your stress
significantly. It is used for ages for the same. The benefits of
guanabana are brought about by the presence of mind-soothing and
anti-inflammatory properties.
The
guanabana works by reducing the stress hormone in the body and thereby
maintaining the natural metabolic cycle of your body. Not only this, it
will also help you to get a good quality sleep.
7. Guanabana An Excellent Pain Reliever
The
fruit also has analgesic properties. It can help you get rid of any
kind of pain in your body be it internal or external as a result of
injury or wound.
In addition o this the sedative action act as anti-pain signals to help you get rid of the pain feeling.
8. Gastrointestinal Benefits Of Guanabana
Guanabana
fruit or Graviola has lots of Vitamin C which can be effective to cure a
variety of gastrointestinal issues. You suffer from gastric issues when
your body has lots of toxins and salts in your body.
The
Guanabana aids in removing these toxins from your body. In addition to
it, it also has the ability to remove the parasites and the harmful
bacteria’s from the gut that cause itching, irritation, and swelling of
the colon.
9. Skin Benefits Of Guanabana
For skin
benefits, you can utilize the seed from the Gravilo fruit. Make a powder
from the seeds and use it as an astringent. This will not only reduce
your fine line, wrinkles, and blemished but also slow down the
progression of the skin-aging process.
However,
you need to apply it in a paste form over the affected areas to
maintain the healthy glow and charm on your face. It does so as it has
anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that fight against
skin-infecting microorganisms.
10. Can heal Wounds
The
stem and bark extract of guanabana can have the ability to heal any sort
of wound. The application of the leaf extracts of guanabana is even
effective against rat wounds.
It works as it has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing agent.
11. Can Cure Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
The
fruit and the leaf extracts have shown anti-depressive effects in rats.
However, the human intervention studies about the same are still
on-going.
It is seen that the phytochemicals present in the
guanabana fruit and stem have the power to bind to the receptors of the
brain responsible for mood, behavior, thinking, and memory. Moreover, it
also stimulates the secretion of brain functioning enzymes.
A
study done using guanabana stem bark extract on a rat gave positive
outcomes against depression. Even the Guanabana leaf extracts
had sedative and antidepressant properties.
12. Health Benefits Of Guanabana To Control Parasites
The fruit is anti-parasitic in nature. It is commonly used in America to prevent parasitic infections.
Mostly
the tea made from Guanabana plant is used to clean the gut and the
intestine and thereby prevent any sort of parasitic infections.
13. Guanabana Can Reduce Inflammation
The
pulp and skin of the guanabana is highly effective in reducing
inflammation. In a study done on mice it was found that it acts on
inflammation by reducing the chemical mediators of inflammation that are
COX and nitric oxide.
In another study done using Guanabana leaf
extracts and tea it was found that it can reduce short-term and chronic
inflammation in mouse cells. This was brought about by altering the
nitric oxide, TNF-α and IL-1β receptors responsible for inflammation.
14. Can Help Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
A
study was done on the rat to find out the effect of guanabana on the
blood sugar levels. It was found that the guanabana leaf extract can
decrease the blood glucose levels by increasing the functioning of
insulin.
Further, the anti-diabetic effect increases the
anti-oxidation levels in the liver which reduces the oxidation of fat
and protect the pancreatic cells.
All these properties were seen
to maintain weight too. It was also seen that these properties were
brought about by the phenols in the guanabana leaf extract.
So, to
protect your blood sugar levels consider consuming a tea prepared using
guanabana leaf extracts. However, never replace or substitute your
medication with this.
Mechanism Of Action Of Guanabana
Guanabana
has a powerful agent called Annonaceous acetogenins. They are
phytochemical with anti-tumor and pesticidal agents. These
phytochemicals are present in the bark, twigs, leaves, and fruit.
When
tested on animal models, the fruit showed anti-diabetic effects as it
has antioxidants, and protective pancreatic beta cells to improve the
glucose metabolism.
Additionally, the fruit act as an
anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent by inhibiting the
cyclogenesis(harmful cells) and opioid receptors.
Guanabana is proven in several studies for its benefits against a number of viruses, parasites, and bacteria in test tubes.
However,
there is no human study done as of now to prove its efficiency. Several
studies on rodents have shown positive results of Guanabana.
Laboratory
studies suggest the effect of the fruit on several types of cancer
cells. The fruit has a powerful chemical called acetogenins which the is
active ingredient that fights against cancer cells.
However, when
taken in excessive amounts substances from the fruit can damage the
nerve cells and can even cause some neurological effects resembling
Parkinson’s disease. Although, it’s a very rare condition.
How To Get The Benefits From Guanabana
Guanabana
is a fruit from an evergreen tree. It’s not only the fruit that can be
consumed for health benefits but also the leaves, the barks, and the
roots. If you really want to enjoy its benefits, you should try to
consume all the parts of the tree in different forms.
To start
with you can consume the fruit. Guanabana has a good delicious taste.
You can consume it as it is or you can even sprinkle some black salt to
enhance the taste.
Next, important part are the leaves. Try making
a tea from the leaves of the tree. The tea is a powerhouse of
antioxidants. For this, select a few dried or fresh leaves. Slice the
leaves into small pieces.
Next, in a pan take one and a half cup
of water. Put the leaves in the water and keep it for boiling for good
15 minutes. After boiling cover and steep for 30-45 minutes.
At
last, strain the water and drink it like a tea. You can even add local
honey to enhance the taste. Avoid adding white sugar as it will diminish
the effect.
In the same manner, you can consume the bark of the
tree. The bark of the tree has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and
anti-malarial properties.
For this remedy, scoop it around a 2-4
inch bark from the tree. Boil the bark in a glass of water. Cover and
let it steep for good 40 minutes. Strain the mixture and consume it as
it is. Add honey or stevia for taste.
When consuming in any form on a regular basis try consulting your doctor. It is just a precautionary step.
Safety And Considerations When Taking Guanabana
Guanabana
is said to have no side-effects. Nevertheless, it’s dependent on the
body. It can show a different response to different people. However,
till now no negative response or side-effect is reported with Guanabana
consumption.
If you suffer from low blood pressure issues, severe
cardiac issues, or you are pregnant you should avoid it. Alternatively,
you can eve ask your doctor before consumption. If you are someone who
takes high medicine dose regularly consider consulting a doctor first as
it might react with the medicines.
Guanabana is a nutrient-rich
food. An overdose of any food item may prove harmful same is with
Guanabana. Guanabana if taken in large amounts can cause nausea and
vomiting.
Try to consume low to the moderate amount when taking it
as a supplement. Moreoff, if you develop an allergic reaction to
consumption immediately stop the use and consult a doctor.
Till
now, no cases have been reported which show ill effects of the fruit.
Rarely people develop mild symptoms only when taken in an inappropriate
manner.
When Should You Not Take Guanabana?
You should not consume Guanabana if you suffer or are on the following things:
- You are on blood pressure medications. The consumption might increase the effects.
- You are on diabetic medicines. The consumption might increase the effect.
- You suffer from liver or kidney disease. This is because the fruit can cause toxicity in the kidney and liver with regular use.
- You
are on nuclear imaging. The fruit can reduce the tissue uptake of
radiopharmaceuticals used for diagnosis or treatment. This will not harm
your body but might disrupt the results of nuclear imaging.
- You have low platelet count. The fruit can further reduce your platelet count.
Nature
has the cure for everything. It has a variety of healing substances to
maintain healthily and reverse the array of diseases. However, now we
are too much dependent on the modern medicine and have totally forgotten
the old age remedies.
The modern science is providing all the
luxurious ways of treating a disease or a disorder. Along with the
luxuries, comes an array of side-effects too. We are so engrossed in the
modern medicines that we don’t care about its side-effects in the
longer run.
Perhaps, now it’s the time to be less dependent on the
modern world instead go to our roots. Here going to our root means
trying the holistic ways of treating and calming our body. Nature is the
best method for preventing and curing diseases.
Guanabana may not
be suitable for everyone as everybody react differently to different
things. But, it certainly can’t be bad for the individual who suffers
from life-threatening diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s
disease.
Guanabana is a proven fruit to fight all these fatal
diseases. If you wish for good health than you should surely give a try
to this fruit. Till now, it is the best natural medicine for cancer.
