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                      Soursop: The Ugliest Fruit You’ll Ever Love

                      Published by Grace O

                      I have to admit that a fruit known as ‘soursop’ does not sound very appetizing. Plus, its spiky green skin makes it appear slightly dangerous. But an important part of writing this blog is to introduce you to new and interesting foods that help promote health and well-being. I have (and probably will again) written blogs about ‘Ten Top Foods for Reducing Inflammation’ or ‘The Nutritional Benefits of Citrus Fruit’. These are important and useful topics. But I am always on the lookout for unique foods, topics and trends that you won’t find just anywhere.

                      Soursop, also known as guanabana, graviola or paw-paw (those are better names, aren’t they?) comes from a broadleaf, flowering, evergreen tree native to Mexico, Cuba, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. The rind is bitter but the flesh is creamy white, soft, smooth, sweet and studded with purplish-black seeds, similar to cherimoya, another tropical fruit.

                      When it comes to flavor, fresh guanabana has been described as a combination of strawberry and pineapple, with some sour citrus notes and an underlying creamy flavor reminiscent of coconut or banana. The smooth, creamy pulp is used to make fruit nectar, smoothies, fruit juice drinks, as well as candies, sorbets, and ice cream flavorings. Look for fresh guanabana (or by any of it other names) in ethnic, especially Latino markets. You can purchase fresh guanabanas, packaged or frozen pulp and dried graviola leaves on Amazon.

                      The pulp of one seven-inch guanabana is high in carbohydrates, containing about 412 calories. But it also contains 214% of the RDA for vitamin C, 49% for potassium, 84% dietary fiber and  32% magnesium among other nutrients including significant amounts of iron, vitamin B-6 and even some protein.

                      A number of years ago, I did some research into guanabana because I had heard that it had antioxidant properties and may be helpful for fighting diseases such as cancer. There is some evidence that guanabana contains a number of natural substances that have biological activity. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the fruit contains fatty compounds called acetogenins, especially one called annonacin, which has been studied for its potential to prevent or slow the growth of cancer. The Cancer Center also suggested that some compounds in guanabana may be naturally antiviral and anti-parasitic, and may also suppress inflammation.

                      Herbal medicine practitioners use guanabana fruit and graviola tree leaves to treat stomach ailments, fever, parasitic infections, hypertension and rheumatism. It’s also used as a sedative. All of these medical uses for guanabana are anecdotal. There have been no clinical trials, therefore no hard data to support the claims.

                      However, what can’t be disputed is the nutritional value of guanabana with its generous amounts of infection-fighting vitamin C, potassium to help regulate blood pressure and fiber for aiding digestive tract health. The dried graviola tree leaves contain essential vitamins and minerals, which are also antioxidant rich and boost the immune system.

                      In my first book, The Age GRACEFULLY Cookbook, there is an easy and delicious beverage featuring guanabana. Called, Soursop Lassi, it’s essentially a lassi drink from India made with yogurt and a pinch of salt. Mango lassi is very popular in Indian restaurants. I put a South American spin on the healthful drink by using guanabana in place of the mango. Guanabana provides antioxidants, vitamin C and riboflavin. Yogurt has beneficial probiotics that aid digestion and gut health.

                      soursop lassi (004)Soursop (Guanabana) Lassi

                      2 cups plain non-fat yogurt
                      ½ tsp. salt
                      4 Tbs. honey (optional)
                      2 cups Soursop (guanabana) pulp
                      Mint leaves for garnish

                      Combine the yogurt, salt, honey and Soursop in a blender and mix at low speed until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Garnish with the mint leaves if desired.

                      Read more about anti-aging, beauty, food, and health in FoodTrients’ Health and Wells News!

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                      Delicious foods and rejuvenating nutrients combine to create The Age GRACEfully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, a collection of enticing and nourishing recipes that promote health and well-being for a joyful and sustainable life. FoodTrients are essential ingredients found in specific foods, herbs and spices, that help promote longevity, prevent the diseases of aging, and increase energy and vitality.

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                      Grace O
                      Grace O
                      GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of three award-winning cookbooks – The Age Gracefully Cookbook, The Age Beautifully Cookbook, and Anti-Aging Dishes From Around the World. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 30 years in the healthcare industry.

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                      This website is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. FoodTrients – A Recipe for Aging Beautifully Grace O, author and creator of FoodTrients® -- a philosophy, a cookbook and a resource -- has a new cookbook dedicated to age-defying and delicious recipes, The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World, which provides one hundred-plus recipes that promote health and well-being. The recipes are built on foundations of modern scientific research and ancient knowledge of medicinal herbs and natural ingredients from around the world. Since the publication of her first anti-aging book, The Age GRACEfully Cookbook, Grace O has identified eight categories of FoodTrients benefits (Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Immune Booster, Disease Prevention, Beauty, Strength, Mind, and Weight Loss) that are essential to fighting aging, which show how specific foods, herbs, and spices in the recipes help keep skin looking younger, prevent the diseases of aging, and increase energy and vitality. Grace O combines more exotic ingredients that add age-fighting benefits to familiar recipe favorites.

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