Graviola (soursop / guanabana) FruitKosherFreeze dried powder Also known as soursop, (Annona muricata) is a large prickly, heart shaped green colored fruit growing in tropical regions of Brazil. It is covered with ridges on the outside and has a soft juicy flesh inside. It resembles a custard apple and is dark green when raw. As it ripens, it becomes slightly soft and light green externally. Thus, this fruit is closely related to custard apple and cherimoyas in terms of appearance and flavor. Its white pulpy flesh contains small shiny black inedible seeds and has a sweet, acidic taste. Due to its creamy texture, it is often used in beverages, ice creams, and other sweet foods. The skin of the fruit is inedible, but the white fleshy part is quite nutritious. The tips of the prickles of ripe soursop fruit break off easily. Under-ripe fruits can be stored in the dark until they ripen fully. The soursop fruit is known for its medicinal value. It contains certain natural compounds with medicinal benefits which make it beneficial for the treatment of various ailments. In addition to the fruit, the leaves, root, bark and seeds have been incorporated in traditional remedy for centuries. Soursop extracts have therapeutic value and are available in health stores. Being abundant in vitamins and minerals, soursop offers several health benefits. It is often recommended by the practitioners of herbal medicine to cure various ailments ranging from stomach ailments to intestinal worms.1. Prevents Osteoporosis Soursop fruit contains calcium and phosphorus which are beneficial for strong bones and help to prevent osteoporosis.2. Increases Energy and Endurance Soursop has a high content of fructose, a simple sugar (monosachharide). Being a good natural source of carbohydrates, it can keep you fresh and drain energy. This fruit also increases endurance because of its high vitamin C content.3. Beneficial For Heart and Prevents Nerve Damage Vitamin B1 in soursop accelerates metabolism, blood circulation and prevents nervous disorders. It also contains vitamin B2, which is vital for the body’s energy production, fat storage, the functioning of nervous system and maintenance of heart muscle.4. Relieves Constipation Since the fruit is rich in soluble and insoluble fibers, it relieves constipation by adding bulk to stool and facilitating its easy elimination from the body.5. Promotes Sleep Soursop fruit contains a chemical called tryptophan which promotes sleepiness and relaxation. It is, thus, beneficial for insomniacs. Soursop leaves are often used in aromatherapy and infusions for sleep. Soursop fruit helps in controlling blood pressure and hypertension.6. Kills Parasites Inside The Body Soursop is loaded with nutrients which are vital for the overall development of the body. The nutrients like amino acids, ascorbic acid, calcium, carbohydrates, iron, phosphorus, thiamine, fibers, and riboflavin can inhibit parasites inside the body.7. Benefits Of Vitamin C Soursop fruit has a high content of vitamin C, which is an excellent antioxidant. It increases endurance and slows down the aging process.8. Fights Free Radicals The ascorbic acid in soursop fruit increases the amount of antioxidants in the body which play an important role in fighting the free radicals, thereby keeping a number of infections and disorders at bay.9. Treatment Of Fever Tea made from soursop helps to lower the body temperature. In Africa, children were often bathed in soursop leaves to cure fever.10. Strengthens The Immune System Soursop fruit contains substances like acetogenins, anncatacin, annocatalin, annonacin, annohexocin, annomuricin, anomurine, anonol, gentistic acid, linoleic acid, and muricarpentocin which enable our body to stay fit and improve immunity against various diseases. WARNING: Because Graviola can effectively lower blood pressure, it is recommended that it should NOT be taken by anyone with hypotension. It should NOT be combined with any other drugs used for treating low blood pressure. Disclaimer: The information contained in this listing is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to prescribe, or treat. It is not intended to be a substitute for a health care provider’s consultation. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.