Soursop, also known as graviola, is a tropical fruit rich in essential nutrients. Packed with vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and various antioxidants, it offers numerous benefits for digestive, immune, and cardiovascular health when consumed regularly.

Soursop is rich in dietary fiber, which improves digestion and prevents constipation. Fiber helps lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, promotes satiety, and supports weight management. Adults need about 25-38 g of fiber daily.

Soursop provides antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage. Excessive free radical accumulation leads to oxidative stress, increasing the risk of premature aging, illness, and damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA.

100 g of soursop pulp contains about 91 mg of vitamin C. This vitamin C content strengthens the immune system, enhancing the body's ability to fight pathogens. The recommended daily vitamin C intake for adults is 75-90 mg.

100 g of soursop contains about 53 mg of magnesium. This mineral maintains water balance, helps excrete acids from joints, reducing arthritis and rheumatism symptoms.

Potassium and magnesium in soursop are vital for cardiovascular function. Potassium regulates blood pressure by limiting sodium's effects. Magnesium helps stabilize heart rhythm and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Essential fatty acids, such as linoleic and oleic acids, regulate blood lipids, limiting atherosclerosis risk.

Soursop's antioxidants neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, a factor linked to chronic inflammation.

Prolonged high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and heart attack. Soursop's potassium helps excrete sodium, reducing pressure on blood vessel walls and stabilizing blood pressure.

How to choose soursop: Select fruits with large, soft, widely spaced spines. The skin should be bright green or pale yellow, taut, and slightly soft when pressed.

Le Nguyen (Source: WebMD)