Made with the leaves of soursop plants, soursop tea has become widely known for its possibly rich antioxidants. It can also help in healthy weight loss, boosting immunity, and skincare. It can lower LDL or bad cholesterol, regulate your blood sugar levels, and lower high blood pressure.
So What is Soursop Tea?
Soursop tea is prepared from the leaves of the soursop plant. It is also known as graviola tea or pawpaw tea. Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, the fruit of this plant can weigh more than five pounds, but to prepare the tea, only the leaves are required. [1]
Soursop has received attention in recent years due to its effects on chronic diseases, but research is still ongoing for the safety and efficacy of this tea. The beneficial effects of soursop are attributed to the presence of alkaloids, acetogenins, antioxidants, vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, iron, potassium, gentisic acid, and anonol in it.
Here are 7 amazing benefits of this tea
1. May Aid in Weight Loss
A 2019 study published in the Nutrients journal has tried to analyze if soursop leaf tea can help in weight loss. The extracts of the leaves were given to obese mice for 12 weeks. Results showed that soursop tea can help in reducing body weight.
Start small by having one small cup a day and see how effective it is for you.
2. May Protect Heart Health
Multiple studies show that the leaves of soursop may help in lowering triglycerides and LDL or bad cholesterol levels. They also help in reducing the accumulation of fat in your body and therefore, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. [5]
3. May Improve Stomach Health
Soursop leaves may help maintain good gastrointestinal health.
Evidence suggests that excessive alcohol consumption may lead to gastritis, gastric ulcer, and even gastric carcinoma. Research shows that graviola leaf extracts may help in fighting these conditions as they exert gastroprotective activity.
4. May Boost The Immune System
A healthy immune system is important to fight infections and chronic diseases.
A study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal suggests that soursop leaves and stems may help boost your immunity. It is possibly rich in antioxidants that can seek out free radicals and reduce the chances of oxidative stress in the body.
So, if you are looking for a natural immune system booster, you can include soursop leaf tea in your diet.
5. May Help Manage Diabetes
Although more research on humans is needed, these findings suggest that soursop could be beneficial for those with diabetes when paired with a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Some animal studies have found that soursop extract could significantly reduce blood sugar levels.
6. May Help Improve Skin
The leaves of soursop have been used in folk medicine for the possible treatment of various skin conditions like abscesses. Studies also show that it has anti-inflammatory properties that help to keep your skin healthy.
Furthermore, there is some evidence demonstrating that wounds treated with soursop showed decreased inflammation around the wound area and an organized generation of collagen fibers.[
7. May Improve Overall Health
Soursop tea may also be helpful in fighting many other diseases including cough, nausea, and parasitic infections. However, if you are suffering from any medical conditions, or taking any medications, do consult with your doctor before including this tea in your diet.
