Soursop Tea (also called graviola, guyabano, and in Hispanic America, guanábana) is the fruit of Annona muricata, a broadleaf, flowering, evergreen tree. The exact origin is unknown; it is native to the tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean and is widely propagated.[rx] It is in the same genus, Annona, as cherimoya and is in the Annonaceae family. The soursop is adapted to areas of high humidity and relatively warm winters; temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F) will cause damage to leaves and small branches, and temperatures below 3 °C (37 °F) can be fatal. The fruit becomes dry and is no longer good for concentrate.
With an aroma similar to pineapple,[rx] the flavor of the fruit has been described as a combination of strawberries and apple with sour citrus flavor notes, contrasting with an underlying thick creamy texture reminiscent of banana. Soursop is widely promoted (sometimes as “Graviola”) as an alternative cancer treatment, but there is no reliable medical evidence it is effective for treating cancer or any disease.[rx]
Made with the leaves of soursop plants, soursop tea has become widely known for its possibly rich antioxidants. It can also help in healthy weight loss, boosting immunity, and skincare. It can lower LDL or bad cholesterol, regulate your blood sugar levels, and lower high blood pressure.
What is Soursop Tea?
Soursop tea is prepared from the leaves of the soursop plant, which is taxonomically known as Annona muricata. It is also known as Graviola tea or pawpaw tea. Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, the fruit of this plant can weigh more than five pounds, but to prepare the tea, only the leaves are required. [rx]
Graviola has received attention in recent years due to its effects on chronic diseases, but research is still ongoing for the safety and efficacy of this tea. The beneficial effects of soursop are attributed to the presence of alkaloids, acetogenins, antioxidants, vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, iron, potassium, gentisic acid, and anonol in it. [rx]
Nutritional Value of Soursop
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 276 kJ (66 kcal) |
Carbohydrates | 16.84 g |
| Sugars | 13.54 g |
| Dietary fiber | 3.3 g |
Fat | 0.3 g |
Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamins | Quantity %DV† |
| Thiamine (B1) | 6% 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 4% 0.05 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6% 0.9 mg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 5% 0.253 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 5% 0.059 mg |
| Folate (B9) | 4% 14 μg |
| Choline | 2% 7.6 mg |
| Vitamin C | 25% 20.6 mg |
| Minerals | Quantity %DV† |
| Calcium | 1% 14 mg |
| Iron | 5% 0.6 mg |
| Magnesium | 6% 21 mg |
| Phosphorus | 4% 27 mg |
| Potassium | 6% 278 mg |
| Sodium | 1% 14 mg |
| Zinc | 1% 0.1 mg |
| Other constituents | Quantity |
| Water | 81 g |
Link to USDA Database entry | |
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| †Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA FoodData Central | |
Benefits of Soursop Tea
The benefits of this tea are listed below in detail.
- May Aid in Weight Loss – Obesity can play a key role in increasing your risk of metabolic diseases. A 2019 study published in the Nutrients journal has tried to analyze if soursop leaf tea can help in weight loss. The extracts of Graviola leaves were given to obese mice for 12 weeks. Results showed that soursop tea can help in reducing body weight. [rx] Start small by having one small cup a day and see how effective it is for you.
- May Protect Heart Health – Soursop tea helps to improve your heart health. Multiple studies show that the leaves of soursop may help in lowering triglycerides and LDL or bad cholesterol levels. They also help in reducing the accumulation of fat in your body and therefore, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. [rx] Research shows that soursop leaf extracts may help in lowering hypertension. These extracts plausibly contain alkaloids like anomurine, reticulin, and certain essential oil constituents that show antihypertensive activity in rats with normal blood pressure. [rx]
- May Improve Stomach Health – Soursop leaves may help maintain good gastrointestinal health. Evidence suggests that excessive alcohol consumption may lead to gastritis, gastric ulcer, and even gastric carcinoma. Research shows that Graviola leaf extracts may help in fighting these conditions as they exert gastroprotective activity.
- May Boost The Immune System – A healthy immune system is important to fight infections and chronic diseases. A study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal suggests that Graviola leaves and stems may help boost your immunity. It is possibly rich in antioxidants that can seek out free radicals and reduce the chances of oxidative stress in the body. [rx] So, if you are looking for a natural immune system booster, you can include soursop leaf tea in your diet.
- May Help Manage Diabetes Graviola leaves and their extracts – may help regulate blood sugar levels. Research published in 2018 mentions that soursop extracts helped to lower blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. [rx] Traditional medicine mentions using medicinal plant products like lettuce, moringa, and soursop leaves for diabetes. A research participant mentioned that soursop drink is effective in lowering blood sugar levels but too much of it can cause your sugar levels to fall drastically. [rx]
- May Help Improve Skin – The leaves of soursop have been used in folk medicine for the possible treatment of various skin conditions like abscesses. Studies also show that it has anti-inflammatory properties that help to keep your skin healthy. [rx] Furthermore, there is some evidence demonstrating that wounds treated with soursop showed decreased inflammation around the wound area and an organized generation of collagen fibers. [rx]
- May Improve Overall Health – Soursop tea may also be helpful in fighting many other diseases including cough, nausea, and parasitic infections. However, if you are suffering from any medical conditions, or taking any medications, do consult with your doctor before including this tea in your diet. [rx] [rx] A cup of soursop tea is enough to drive away dangerous diseases and boost your immunity levels up high.
Immune System Building – The importance of a healthy immune system is not lost on any of us. Graviola leaf, from where soursop tea is derived, is loaded with nutrient content, making it a great way to naturally boost your immune system. These include naturally occurring compounds such as annonacin, annonacin, linoleic acid, acetogenins, and genetic acid.
Good Natural Energizer – Soursop tea is an ample source of carbohydrates that can replenish your low energy without the addiction that comes with caffeine. The leaves contain high fiber which brings additional benefits, including facilitating digestion and detoxification. Not only that, but these nourishing leaves are also a great source of the mineral iron and vitamin C. Iron aids in the pumping of energy-producing oxygen into the bloodstream while vitamin C helps keep your endurance levels at an optimum. For this reason, regularly partaking in soursop tea your body’s systems and processes function as they should: optimally. - Alleviates Tummy Troubles – Soursop leaves have been used traditionally as a source of relief for a range of stomach ailments. The antiviral and anti-parasitic properties of soursop can also deter intestinal worms and other parasites in the GI tract.
- Relaxing Muscle, Bones, and Skin – One of the things that made soursop a favorite among the native tribes of South America is its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Consuming soursop tea can aid in relieving tensions and spasms, not to mention reducing pain from injuries or exercise. What’s more, soursop tea is a powerful natural anti-microbial agent. This is why you will find it being used to treat damaged skin and other conditions like skin irritation, inflammation, and itchiness.
- Easing Back Pain – Another of the many soursop tea benefits is its potential to ease back pain without the adverse effects associated with chemical drugs. Suffice to say drinking soursop tea on a regular can minimize trips to the chemist in search of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. This is thanks to the high nutritional content present in soursop leaves which makes it such potent herbal medicine.
- Mild Sedative – Soursop has long been known to have sedative effects. The leaves and bark of the plant are especially famed for these qualities. Ancient tribes of the South American rainforest used to crush and sprinkle leaves from the soursop plant around sleeping areas in order to induce sleep. Consuming soursop leaves prompts the release of serotonin, a hormone responsible for stabilizing one’s emotional state and calming the body. For this reason, soursop tea can be a great natural supplement to relieve the body of psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, moodiness, sleep disorders, loss of appetite, depression, etc.
- Increased levels of energy – Graviola Leaf tea has energizing properties to keep you going all day. Say goodbye to the afternoon nap.
- Helps maintain a healthy heart and nerves – Graviola leaf tea helps with your body’s blood circulation and gives an extra boost to your metabolism, which could be great for weightlessness. These reasons suggest that your heart and nervous system could also function better.
- Supports the immune system – Graviola leaf tea has all the needed properties to give your immune system that extra kick needed to withstand colds and everyday weakness. What the Graviola leaf tea does is ward off the free radicals that could induce ill health, and instead ensure that you and your immune system stay strong and in great health. So you can worry less about feeling down and more about what to wear on your night out
- Keeps you regular – Graviola leaf tea is high in fiber. This, frankly speaking, when digested frequently will help keep you going to the toilet when you need to and reduce your insides from clogging up. It lets the nasty stuff out.
- It helps maintain healthy joints and nerves – Not only does Graviola leaf tea have all these other great benefits, but it is also wonderfully rich in phosphorous and calcium. These two elements are there to aid your bones in strength and decrease the risk of joint and bone problems.
Other health benefits of soursop include
- Soursop is high in vitamin C – an antioxidant known to boost immune health. The vitamin strengthens your immune system, improving its ability to defend against pathogens. It also promotes the destruction of free radicals, which can help to protect your skin and cells from environmental oxidative damage. One whole soursop fruit contains 215% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Soursop (the fruit and the leaves) contains many other antioxidants, including phytosterols, tannins, and flavonoids. Antioxidants play a role in your overall health and may help to protect against a variety of health conditions.
- Healthy digestion – One whole soursop fruit contains around 83% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber, which is a vital nutrient for your digestive health. Fiber helps to promote regularity and prevent digestive issues such as constipation.
- Potential anti-carcinogenic effects – While most research is limited to test-tube studies, soursop may be beneficial in helping to fight and prevent cancer. One study found that a soursop extract could reduce the size of breast cancer tumors and kill cancer cells. A second study found that an extract could stop the formation of leukemia cells.
- Fights inflammation – Antioxidants fight free radicals, reducing the damage to your cells caused by oxidative stress. One of the side effects of oxidative stress is inflammation. The antioxidants in soursop may, therefore, help to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Stabilizes blood pressure – High blood pressure may lead to serious issues like heart disease and heart attack. A contributing factor to high blood pressure is sodium intake. Potassium helps your body to get rid of sodium and eases the tension in the walls of your blood vessels, both of which can help to lower your blood pressure. A whole soursop fruit offers approximately one-third to one-half of your recommended daily allowance of potassium.
- May fight against bacteria – Soursop may provide antibacterial effects. One study found that an extract may be able to kill many different types of bacteria, including strains that cause gum disease and cavities. Another study found that soursop extracts may help to fight cholera and Staphylococcus bacteria. While these were test-tube studies, the results are promising, and further research is needed.
Nutrition
Soursop contains many essential vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorous
- Zinc
- Copper
One entire soursop fruit provides:
- Calories: 413
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 105 grams
- Fiber: 21 grams
- Sugar: 85 grams
Things to Watch Out For
While soursop can offer significant health benefits, it does have some potential drawbacks. Studies have shown that the fruit and tea made from the leaves may cause symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Studies also indicate that it may interact with high blood pressure medication or medications for diabetes. The compounds in the fruit may strengthen the effects of such medications, causing dangerous drops in your blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
You should also avoid eating soursop seeds. They have toxic compounds and may cause harmful side effects. Be sure to remove them before eating the fruit.
How to Eat Soursop
You’ll likely find fresh and frozen soursop in Brazilian grocery stores. You may also find the fruit in some conventional grocery stores or online.
Most soursop is picked before the fruit is fully ripened. While the unripe fruit is green, it turns to a yellow-green to indicate maturity. It will also give a little when you press on it. Store unripe fruit on the counter. Once mature, you should store it in the refrigerator and use it within a few days.
Soursop is delicious raw. You can also use it in many different ways, such as:
- Homemade popsicles
- Ice cream
- A sweet addition to your favorite smoothie recipe
- Juices
- A topping for to oatmeal, yogurt, or chia pudding
- A zesty addition to a quick bread or cake batter
How to Make Soursop Tea?
Soursop tea is a caffeine-free beverage that can be easily brewed at home, provided you have access to fresh (or dried) soursop leaves. Soursop is locally grown in certain tropical parts of the Americas, so you may find it difficult to purchase the leaves. They are generally available at herbalists, natural health stores, and exotic import stores.
Tea lovers who have tried this tea say that soursop tea has an aroma that resembles freshly cut grass. It tastes like an herbal leaf tea on its own. You can mix the tea with other teas like green tea, matcha tea, or herbal teas for a better flavor.
Soothing Soursop Tea Recipe
- Course: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
- Keyword: soursop tea
- Appliance: Stove
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 cup
Ingredients
- 6 leaves soursop tea fresh or dried
- 4 cups water filtered
- 1 tsp honey or sugar, if desired
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a stainless steel pot.
- Add the leaves and then lower the heat to a simmer.
- Allow the mixture to steep for approximately 15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and strain the mixture into a teacup or teapot.
- Add sweetener to taste and enjoy!
If you are looking for an easier way to make this tea, you can buy soursop tea bags. They are available in many local and online stores.
Soursop Tea Side Effects
The side effects of soursop tea can be intense. They include stomach upset, heart problems, neural issues, and drug interactions. While some of the potential benefits of this tea sound incredible, the risks cannot be ignored.
- Neurotoxic Effects: Research has revealed that there are neurotoxins present in soursop that may be related to Parkinson’s disease symptoms. However, these neurotoxins occur in many foods, typically in minimal amounts, and the direct link between neurotoxic effects and this tea remains unproven. [rx] [rx]
- Drug Interactions: People taking antidepressant medication, sedatives, blood pressure pills, diabetic medications, or drugs for neurodegenerative diseases should speak to a doctor before adding soursop tea to the health regimen, as this could result in drug interactions and complications.
[rx] - Pregnancy: Some research shows that consumption of this tea can impair fetal growth during pregnancy, therefore it is advisable to avoid soursop tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, follow the advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. [rx]
From Where To Buy
- 100% All Natural Soursop Graviola/Guanabana Leaves Tea
- Rich in nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamin B & C
- 25 tea bags in every box
- Cholesterol-Free, Sugar-Free, Fat-Free, Sodium-Free
- Gental Herbal Aroma
References
