Have you been curious about adding soursop to your diet? Have you been frightened away by all the strange myths being spread about this fruit?
It’s time to clear up the many misconceptions people have about it.
Read on to learn about the truth behind five of the most common myths.
What is Soursop?
Soursop is a fruit that is typically found in South America.
This fruit is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C. It also contains significant amounts of B vitamins, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
Many people view this fruit as a superfood that offers a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of eye disease, treating infections, and even fighting cancer. You can click here to learn more about its benefits.
Common Soursop Myths, Debunked
The following myths have been perpetuated for quite a while. Some people tout it as a panacea that will take care of any and all health problems, while others argue that it’s dangerous and should never be used.
Let’s clear things up once and for all.
Myth #1: It Causes Parkinson’s Disease
A couple of small studies have reported a connection between the consumption of soursop and the development of Parkinson’s disease.
Despite having small sample sizes and looking at people who already had Parkinson’s disease, some people have used these studies to argue that no one should be consuming the fruit.
There simply isn’t enough evidence to say that the fruit actually causes Parkinson’s disease. People must conduct a lot more research before that claim can be validated.
Myth #2: It Causes Insomnia
Some people do feel more energized when they consume this fruit. This is because it contains an energizing compound known as thiamine.
But, the leaves of the fruit also have stress and anxiety relieving properties and can function similar to products like CBD oil.
The leaves of the fruit contain tryptophan, which helps promote sleep. Drinking tea made with these leaves before bed can help you relax and get better sleep.
Myth #3: It is Inherently Unhealthy
There are very few foods out there that are good for every single person to consume. Everybody is different, and some people do best consuming or abstaining from certain foods or food groups. Soursop is no different.
However, it is not inherently unhealthy. Some people argue that it is because of limited data that loosely connect it to certain diseases. But, many more people thrive when they consume it regularly.
Myth #4: It is an Alternative to Chemotherapy
On the other end of the spectrum, some people claim that the fruit is so powerful that it can stand in for major treatments like chemotherapy. This simply is not the case.
It may be a great complementary therapy for some people who are undergoing cancer treatment. But, it is definitely not a replacement for chemotherapy.
Myth #5: It Can Kill all Forms of Cancer Cells
There has been some research that shows compounds in the fruit can attack cancer cells.
Not all types of cancer cells can be eradicated with the help of this fruit. Much more research is required, too, before it can be deemed a viable cancer treatment option.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, soursop definitely comes with some important health benefits, but it’s also not a cure-all for every disease. If you’re interested in trying it, you can now move forward with confidence knowing what it is and isn’t good for.
If you want to learn more about nutritional supplements and ways to enhance your overall health, be sure to check out our health and wellness archives today.
