Benefits of the guanabana as tropical fruit

The soursop It is a tree that belongs to the family Annonaceae, which is grown in many tropical countries for its edible fruits (which are also known by the same name as the tree itself), not only for its delicate and delicious taste, but for the very large number of preventive, protective, curative and medicinal offers. From a scientific point of view it is known by the name of Annona muricata.

With regard to the tree, it can reach up to 10 meters in height, with rough bark and characteristic greenish leaves. We find it especially in Mexico, the Caribbean, Polynesia, Central and South America, China and Austria, although it is true that today it is possible to find it cultivated in practically any place in the world. While its fruit has an ovoid shape (egg shape), which is curved at its lower end and irregularly shaped. It is very important that the fruit is cut when it has reached maturity, otherwise it will not ripen well and its flavor will be somewhat bitter.

The fruit of the soursop It is actually very easy to distinguish and quite characteristic, since it has small spines that are not pointed, so that when cutting the fruit or removing its skin they do not cause pain or discomfort. In its interior presents some seeds that are covered by the pulp.

Nutritional properties of guanábana fruit

From a nutritional point of view the guanabana is extremely rich in carbohydrates, especially in sugars. It also provides interesting amounts of fiber, protein and also stands out for being extremely low in fat. In fact 100 grams of guanábana contribute only 0.3 grams of fats.

It is a fruit very rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient essential for the proper functioning of our body. It also provides other vitamins, especially of group B (as for example is the case of vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B7).

It also provides minerals and amino acids, among which we can mention potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron and zinc.

100 grams of soursop as tropical fruit provides the following essential nutrients:

  • Carbohydrates: 16.84 gr.
  • Fiber: 3.3 gr.
  • Proteins: 1 gr.
  • Fat: 0.3 gr.
  • Vitamins: B1 (0.07 mg), B2 (0.05 mg), B3 (0.9 mg), B5 (0.25 mg), B6 ​​(0.05 mg), B9 (14 μg), and vitamin C (20.6 mg).
  • Minerals: potassium (278 mg), phosphorus (27 mg), magnesium (21 mg), sodium (14 mg), calcium (14 mg), iron (0.6 mg) and zinc (0.1 mg).

Benefits of guanábana fruit

When the tropical fruit of the guanabana is consumed regularly it contributes a series of benefits and properties extremely interesting for health, thanks to its richness in essential nutrients and other equally beneficial compounds, as for example is the case of anonacina.

Good for the liver

The guanabana consumed regularly is interesting in case of jaundice, affection of the liver that appears as a yellowish coloration of the skin, mucous membranes and ocular conjunctiva. In addition, it is very interesting and useful when it comes to purifying the liver.

In fact, helping the liver to perform its functions better helps eliminate toxins and metabolize fats, so it becomes an excellent natural option also in case of fatty liver.

To enjoy this quality, the entire soursop can be consumed, or cut into pieces, remove its seeds and liquefy it.

Help reinforce the defenses

Soursop is extremely rich in vitamin C, an indispensable essential nutrient for our defenses, so a regular consumption of this fruit helps in a very positive way when it comes to strengthening our immune system and increasing defenses.

In addition, we must not forget that vitamin C is very antioxidant, so it helps reduce the negative effects of free radicals, increases our natural resistance and delays the aging process.

Good for cardiovascular health

Soursop is beneficial for maintaining good cardiovascular health, Given the helps fight high blood pressure, especially when our blood pressure is too high. Remember that hypertension is diagnosed when our blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher.

In addition, regular consumption of this fruit is very interesting in case of high cholesterol and also when you have high triglycerides, because it helps to lower high levels of fats in the blood.

Wonderful digestive

Thanks to its richness in fiber it is a fruit that helps regulate intestinal function, helping in turn very positively when regulating intestinal transit and combat the discomfort associated with constipation. In addition, it is capable of strengthen the intestinal flora.

To enjoy these digestive and intestinal qualities, it is necessary to consume the fruit regularly, which will help to optimize and take care of our digestive system.

Help prevent and fight cancer

According to a scientific study carried out by the National University of San Marcos and the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, the guanabana would help prevent and fight cancer.

This quality is found in the leaves, whose ethanolic extract exerts a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells, especially in the gastric and pulmonary mucosa.

In fact, the guanábana contributes acetogeninas, which we find both in its fruit and especially in its leaves, which exert an action on cancer cells that destroy selectively, but are damaging other healthy cells or tissues.

How to consume guanabana as fruit

When consuming guanabana, to enjoy its benefits and both curative and medicinal properties, it is possible to consume it whole or prepare its juice.

If you want to consume it whole, simply remove its skin and its seeds. But if you want to prepare it in the form of juice, it is best to cut it into pieces, place them in the glass of the blender or the blender and beat or blend well.

Images | Serge Melki / Malcolm Manners / The LEAF Project This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesFruits

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