Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is responsible for 9.6 million deaths in 2018 alone.
The good news is that there are several natural remedies that can help in the prevention and treatment of cancer. One of these remedies is a fruit that fights cancer.
What is the Fruit That Fights Cancer?
The fruit that fights cancer is called soursop. Soursop is a delicious tropical fruit that grows in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. The fruit is also known as graviola, guanabana, and custard apple.
Soursop has a prickly green exterior and a soft white pulp that is sweet and tangy. The fruit is consumed in juice, ice cream, and other desserts.
What Makes Soursop a Fruit That Fights Cancer?
Soursop has several natural compounds that make it a powerful fruit that fights cancer. These compounds include:.
1. Acetogenins
Acetogenins are natural compounds found in soursop that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. These compounds have been found to target cancer cells specifically and leave healthy cells unharmed.
Acetogenins work by inhibiting the production of ATP in cancer cells, which causes the cells to die off.
2. Annonaceous Acetogenins
Annonaceous acetogenins are a specific type of acetogenins found in soursop. These compounds have been found to have potent anti-tumor activity in several types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancer.
Annonaceous acetogenins are known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
3. Vitamin C
Soursop is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and contribute to the development of cancer.
Vitamin C is also known to boost the immune system, which can help the body fight off cancer cells.
4. Fiber
Soursop is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to prevent cancer in several ways. Fiber helps to bulk up the stool and promote regular bowel movements, which can prevent colon cancer.
Fiber also helps to bind to toxins in the body and remove them from the system, which can prevent liver and other types of cancer.
5. Quercetin
Soursop contains quercetin, a natural compound that has been found to have anti-cancer properties. Quercetin works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in some types of cancer cells.
Quercetin also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to prevent cancer by reducing chronic inflammation in the body.
How to Consume Soursop as a Fruit That Fights Cancer
Soursop can be consumed in several ways to reap its anti-cancer benefits. Here are some ways to consume soursop:.
1. Soursop Juice
Soursop juice is a delicious and refreshing way to consume soursop. To make soursop juice, blend the pulp of one soursop fruit with water and strain. You can sweeten the juice with honey or sugar if desired.
2. Soursop Smoothie
Soursop can also be added to smoothies for a nutritious and delicious drink. Blend the soursop pulp with other fruits and vegetables such as bananas, berries, and spinach for a healthy and refreshing smoothie.
3. Soursop Ice Cream
Soursop ice cream is a popular treat in several countries where soursop grows. Simply blend the soursop pulp with cream, sugar, and milk and freeze for a delicious dessert.
4. Soursop Tea
Soursop leaves can be brewed into a tea for a warm and comforting drink. Simply steep the leaves in boiling water for several minutes and strain. You can sweeten the tea with honey or sugar if desired.
Conclusion
Soursop is a delicious and nutritious fruit that fights cancer. It contains several natural compounds such as acetogenins, annonaceous acetogenins, vitamin C, fiber, and quercetin that have been found to have anti-cancer properties.
Soursop can be consumed in several ways, including juice, smoothies, ice cream, and tea. Including soursop in your diet can help to prevent and treat cancer and promote overall health and wellness.