Health Benefits of the Graviola Leaf

Health benefits that graviola leaves can provide

Graviola, a tropical evergreen tree that bears leaves that can be made into tea, can impart a myriad of health benefits. Here are 15 graviola health benefits you should know about.

Cancer Fighting Tool

A key phytochemical found in graviola leaves has been shown to be toxic to cancer cells. The results come from a famous laboratory study, however many studies since show graviola (also known as soursop and guanabana) may be effective in battling cancer and shrinking tumors. Many cancer patients claim graviola is a cure for cancer. The science establishment will say that these claims need to be substantiated by research studies on humans. Still, the lab studies that have been done show considerable evidence that graviola may be effective against cancer. The human studies are expensive and studying a natural product has no payoff for a funding body, except for the common good. If you have heard, like us, that soursop cures cancer, that is because it has been consumed by generations of people who have access to it in tropical regions of the world. (And we've witnessed that it works.)

Eye health

Graviola byproducts (fruit, leaves, etc) contain antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative load in the body. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and natural carotenoid compounds. These preserve the health of your eyes and help ensure healthy vision. This also helps thwart macular degeneration, cataract development, and promote optimal eye function.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Graviola has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine to treat neuralgia, rheumatism and arthritic pain. In a 2014 study on mice, the active ingredient in graviola leaves (and fruit) showed large effects on reducing inflammation. Graviola leaves contain high quantities of antioxidants, which are used by the body to fight inflammation in the body.

Diabetes management and blood sugar stabilization

Research has shown that mice who consumed graviola had significantly lower blood sugar levels than the control group counterparts in the study. An active ingredient in graviola leaf tea stops the dysfunctional breakdown in the body where carbohydrates are converted to glucose. It has also been demonstrated that graviola tea may reduce the effect of oxidative stress, which is know to cause liver damage in diabetes sufferers. For Type l diabetics, graviola may support the pancreas to produce new insulin producing cells.

Stomach and digestive system health

Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, graviola can decrease oxidative stress and strengthen mucus linings of internal organs. This aids in reducing an inflammatory response by the body. It also reduces the effect of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. People who have digestive disorders, such as Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers can benefit greatly from graviola consumption. It has also long been used to treat dysentery.

Kills intestinal parasites

Graviola has anti-helminthic properties which makes it a potent tool for fighting bacteria, parasites and worms. It works just like many anti-parasitic drugs, though it is 100% all natural. More specifically, graviola has also been shown to be effective in treating leishmaniasis, a disease that is transmitted to humans from sand fleas. It may also by useful to treat viral and bacterial-based infection from the chronic cough, the common cold and even the herpes virus.

Pain Reduction

Graviola has shown analgesic, pain relieving properties, especially when consumed in higher amounts (2-3 cups of tea per day or 1-2 cups of fresh fruit per day). It does this because of an ingredient in the fruit that interacts with the nervous system. Its suggested, however, that when consuming soursop in large quantities, it should be measured against the body's response. Exceeding more than a therapeutic dose may have adverse effects, like nausea, and ALS like symptoms. Pain relief is also a welcome effect from the anti-inflammatory properties that graviola produces.

Sleep aid and insomnia remedy

One cup of graviola tea before bed can be a potent all-natural remedy for a restful night's sleep. Many individuals who suffer from sleep challenges such an insomnia, may benefit from soursop tea. It provides a calming, stress-relieving effect to the body.

Reduces Stress

If you are stressed or anxious, soursop provides a calming relief to the body. This is one major health benefits or soursop. It does this by counteracting the effects of cortisol, a chemical that is released from the body during high states of stress.

Depression and anxiety remedy

Graviola's sedative effects can be used by those who who suffer from anxiety. It is known to lower blood pressure as well. And, it doesn’t have any depressive side effects. Studies show that extracts from graviola leaves may reduce depression. There are three key types of alkaloids in the plant: asimadoline, annonaine, and nornuciferine. These stimulate  serotonin receptors. And serotonin is an essential biochemical found in the brain and gut that promotes feeling good.

Respiratory tract ailment relief

Graviola has anti-microbial properties. So it can be used to cure acute conditions such as sore throat, stuffy nose, or the common cold. Best of all, it can help speed recovery from these ailments. It does this by soothing inflammation and irritation in the throat, as well as, thinning mucus secretions. It also has a high vitamin C content know to boost immunity.

Liver health promotion

Graviola is useful for purifying and cleansing the liver.  This is because it is full of soluble fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and phytochemicals. It may detoxify the liver and support immune function. In addition, it's been shown that soursop returns bilirubin levels to normal levels when they malfunction. This can help reverse and shield the liver from major health issues. This mighty fruit may also counteract the affects of jaundice that can occur from taking certain medications, a result of bilirubin build up.

Hypertension and heart health

Graviola is known to reduce blood pressure naturally, which for cardiovascularly compromised people is ideal. It boosts blood circulation and reduces anxiety. It is also known to lower cholesterol. 

Immunity booster

Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, anti-bacterial agents and phytochemicals, soursop is a incredible for strengthening and boosting the immune system. Among the health benefits of soursop is protection against viral infections and may even help the body fight and suppress the HIV virus and herpes viruses.

Kills ticks 

Soursop's anti-helminthic properties make it a power fruit for fighting ticks and the nervous system issues they cause. It may be useful in treating illnesses such as Lyme disease, though more research is needed to understand it better. Your best body is mainly a result of the foods you consume and the environments you frequent. This makes graviola one of the best preventive health measures to take to ensure you avoid the risk of chronic disease. And if you are currently dealing with a health challenge, the health benefits of graviola may be exactly what you need to get better fast and without any harmful chemical effects.

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