Willynur Spices soursoap leaves powder 50grams

1. May reduce inflammation

The antioxidants found in soursop — phytosterols, tannins and flavonoids — may help fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which, in turn, can cause inflammation.

“While we know antioxidants help keep our cells healthy, more research is needed to understand what amount of antioxidants would be viewed as beneficial,” says Supan.

2. May kill bacteria

Soursop has antibacterial properties. Lab studies show that it may help kill bacteria that contribute to tooth decay, gingivitis and yeast infections.

“While this research is promising, further research is needed before we can assume the benefit of soursop in this area,” says Supan.

3. May help manage blood pressure

Soursop may help manage high blood pressure. One study shows that people who drank 7 ounces of soursop juice each day over a three-month period had lower blood pressure than a control group.

“This study is very promising, as it shows the properties of soursop could potentially help to treat high blood pressure, which is something nearly half of adults in the U.S. currently face,” explains Supan.

4. May lower blood sugar levels

Researchers are looking into whether soursop may potentially help with diabetes management. The thought? Certain enzymes in soursop may break down carbohydrates to slow how quickly your body absorbs glucose.

But more research, especially in people, is needed to fully understand the role soursop may play.

5. May improve digestive health

Getting enough fiber each day is key to your digestive health — and soursop contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.

“Fiber not only helps with our digestive system, but it also helps regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol,” states Supan. “Having a cup of soursop a day can greatly help you reach your fiber needs.”

6. May prevent cancer

There’s some evidence that the extracts from the plant’s leaves could kill cancer cells. But slow your roll: Those findings came from lab studies, which often involved huge doses of extracts from soursop leaves.

“Keep in mind that there haven’t been any human studies, so it’s too soon to tell if there are any benefits,” Supan clarifies.

Risks and side effects

You can find soursop teas and extracts for sale, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate those products. And there are reasons to be wary, Supan warns.

Soursop can be toxic in large doses, causing symptoms that resemble those of Parkinson’s disease, including:

• Rigid muscles
• Personality changes
• Slowness of movement
• Problems with eye movement
• Problems with gait and balance

The compounds found in extracts and teas can also interfere with medications used for high blood pressure and diabetes treatments.