Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Book Appointment
Treatment
Ask a Question
Plan my Surgery
Health Feed
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Health Feed

Benefits of Hanuman Phal (Soursop), Uses And Its Side Effects

Last Updated: Dec 13, 2022

Topic Image

Soursop is a tropical fruit that shows a number of various health benefits when consumed as a part of a healthy balanced diet. Other than being a great source of energy, it also helps improve digestive tract health.

Hanuman Phal has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-parasitic properties. Soursop has widely been considered to be able to prevent the onset of cancer. It helps to combat age related disorders. Hanuman Phal keeps your skin and hair healthy, and keeps you looking and feeling healthy.

Hanuman Phal (Soursop)

Hanuman phal, or soursop, is the fruit of an evergreen tree belonging to the custard apple family, Annonaceae. It is a prickly green fruit growing on a tropical evergreen plant, with an edible white pulp and multiple seeds.

It is used for consumption in a variety of forms worldwide. Hanuman Phal unique flavor has led to it being used to make confectioneries of various kinds. Apart from a number of other uses, this fruit has been one of the contenders in the cancer research worldwide, and has been suggested to be an alternative remedy for the same.

Nutritional Value of Hanuman Phal (Soursop)

Soursop is a moderate to high calorie fruit, producing about 66Kcal per 100gm of fruit, with almost nil fat content, and no cholesterol. It contains a large amount of Vitamin C, along with Vitamins B6, B12, and A.

Hanuman Phal contains essential minerals such as potassium, sodium, iron, magnesium, and calcium. It also contains about 3 to 4gm of dietary fibers per 100gm of fruit.

Summary- Soursop is very rich in nutrient content. It contains ions, vitamins, minerals, fibers with no fats.

Nutritional facts Per 100 grams

66
Calories
0.3 g
Total Fat
14 mg
Sodium
278 mg
Potassium
17 g
Total Carbohydrate
1 g
Protein

Vitamins and Minerals

0.01
Calcium
34 %
Vitamin C
3 %
Iron
5 %
Vitamin B-6
5 %
Magnesium

Health Benefits of Hanuman Phal (Soursop)

Topic Image

After getting nutritional information about soursop, let's check out the best health benefits of eating Hanuman Phal (Soursop). You can easily find this fruit in the local market. We also discuss is there any side of the hanuman phal if you consume in excess. Also read out an origin and cultivation details of soursop.

Energy producing food

Like its close relative custard apple, soursop also contains a large amount of simple sugars. These, combined with abundantly present electrolytes, help to keep you charged up for those long and strenuous activities of daily life. Hanuman Phal contains no harmful fats or cholesterol, so the calories do not cause long term adverse health effects.

Summary- The presence of natural sugars and electrolytes makes Hanuman phal an energy booster. It provides instant energy and freshness.

Hanuman Phal improves eye health

Vitamin A, and other antioxidants present in the fruit contributes to increased formation of visual cells, and provides a solid barrier to the onset of macular degenerative diseases that damages the visual cells slowly over time. It also reduces the risk of developing cataracts.

Summary- Consumption of Hanuman phal prevents cataracts and other eye disorders. It contains Vitamin A, vital for eye health.

Anti inflammatory properties of hanuman phal

Soursop displays anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, and may be used as a home remedy for inflammation of the digestive tract. Hanuman phal may also be used to prevent infections in the root canal as a safe alternative to harmful chemicals.

Summary- Hanuman phal also has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to keep digestive issues away.

Hanuman phal prevents you from germ infection

Soursop can be used to treat a large variety of infections caused by pathogens, one of the most prominent ones documented being leishmaniasis, which is transmitted through sand fleas. You can also apply the extract of leaves for the same purpose for topical application.

Summary- Hanuman phal is excellent in treating pathogenic attacks. It can be eaten and applied topically too.

Hanuman phal improves immunity

Vitamins present in the fruit provides a boost to the immune system to fight against day to day ailments caused by microbial infections, such as common cold, measles, influenza, etc. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of herpes.

Summary- The presence of several vital nutrients makes Hanuman phal power-packed. It helps to prevent ailments and immunizes the body too.

Hanuman phal prevents diabetes

Soursop has been shown to be effective in the prevention & treatment of diabetes by significantly altering the blood sugar and triglyceride content when taken as a part of a healthy balanced diet. Hanuman phal also prevents oxidative damage to liver and kidneys in diabetics because of its antioxidant properties.

Summary- Hanuman phal is beneficial for diabetic patients too. It regulates blood sugar levels thereby preventing damage to vital parts of the body.

Hanuman phal improves gastrointestinal health

Soursop is extremely beneficial against a number of gastrointestinal problems. Other than improving bowel movement, and preventing inflammation of the digestive tract, it is also has potent anthelmintic properties, so it kills intestinal worms and parasites that cause gastrointestinal and other health problems. Hanuman Phal has a significant iron content balanced with other minerals, which helps prevent anemia while preventing iron overdose.

Summary- Hanuman phal is very helpful in fighting digestive disorders. It helps to treat bowel disorders and inflammation of the digestive tract with its potent healing properties.

Hanuman phal leaves for cancer treatment

Soursop is said to be able to target and destroy a number of different types of tumor cells pertaining to different types of cancer. While it cannot be considered a medicine, regular intake of the hanuman phal fruit as a part of a balanced and healthy diet can actually reduce the risk of development of cancer due to the large amount of antioxidants present, which removes harmful free radicals from the body.

Summary- Hanuman phal is very helpful in fighting digestive disorders. It helps to treat bowel disorders and inflammation of the digestive tract with its potent healing properties.

Hanuman phal improves skin and hair

Vitamins and antioxidants present in the soursop helps in improving the texture and tone of skin and hair, leading to healthy looking and bright skin and hair.

Summary- Consumption of Hanuman phal is also very good for skin and hair. It helps to strengthen hair and improve skin texture.

Hanuman Phal combat ageing diseases

Soursop contains a number of alkaloids and phytochemicals that have been shown to be effective to combat age related degenerative diseases. Indeed, traditional medicines in regions of Africa prescribe the consumption of the unripe fruit as a treatment for rheumatism. Hanuman Phal also prevents the onset of degenerative visual diseases, reduces blood pressure, and helps you to maintain a long and healthy life.

Summary- It is advised to include Hanuman phal in everyday meals. It helps to slow down ageing signs and prevents ageing disorders.

Uses of Hanuman Phal (Soursop)

Soursop is a versatile fruit with several uses worldwide. Some of them are-

  • Soursop is used worldwide for consumption, either directly as the fruit, or made into different types of confectionaries.
  • Puddings, ice creams, cakes, etc. are some of the dishes of Hanuman phal.
  • Some rare instances of the fruit being fermented to make alcoholic beverages are documented.
  • Extracts from leaves are used to make various traditional medicines.
  • The tree provides good quality timber.

Summary- Soursop is used in different ways. It can be eaten as a fruit or converted into a dish or into an alcoholic beverage and many more.
pms_banner

Side-Effects & Allergies of Hanuman Phal (Soursop)

Besides several benefits, Hanuman phal also leads to some side effects. These are-

  • Soursop is not recommended for consumption by pregnant or lactating women.
  • People on certain medications should not consume Hanuman phal to avoid complications.
  • The seeds contain irritant alkaloids which can cause irritation in the eyes and digestive tract.
  • Sometimes consumption of hanuman phal causes drastic weight loss.
  • Certain unverified studies have claimed neurodegenerative disorders related to overconsumption.

Summary- Soursop must not be taken by pregnant and lactating women and people suffering from certain disorders. It may lead to irritation and digestive issues.

Cultivation of Hanuman Phal (Soursop)

The origin of the soursop fruit is unclear, but the tree is native to the tropical regions of South America. It grows and is cultivated in hot tropical climates all over the world. Commercial cultivation mostly occurs in the South American states of Venezuela, Costa Rica, Brazil, etc., some local cultivation occurs up as far north as Florida. It is extensively grown in the South Asian countries.

Summary- Actually, the origin of the soursop is not clearly defined. It is generally found in hot tropical places worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you eat soursop everyday?

Yes, we can eat soursop every day but in limited quantities.

What is the best way to consume soursop?

Soursop is advised to be consumed as a fruit but it can also be turned into various recipes.

Can you take soursop on an empty stomach?

Yes, consuming soursop empty stomach is extremely beneficial for hepatic illnesses.

Does soursop raise blood pressure?

No, soursop does not raise blood pressure.

References

  • Moghadamtousi S, Fadaeinasab M, Nikzad S, Mohan G, Ali H, Kadir H. Annona muricata (Annonaceae): a review of its traditional uses, isolated acetogenins and biological activities. International journal of molecular sciences. 2015;16(7):15625-58. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
  • Arthur FK, Woode E, Terlabi EO, Larbie C. Evaluation of acute and subchronic toxicity of Annona muricata (Linn.) aqueous extract in animals. European Journal of Experimental Biology, 2011:1(4); 115-124. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
  • Patel MS, Patel JK. A review on a miracle fruits of Annona muricata. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2016 Jan 1;5(1):137. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:

Popular Questions & Answers

View All

My mom is suffering from idc breast carcinoma h...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Prakhar Singh

General Physician

You should not take anything without doctor's advice as it may be harmful. Let's connect over a c...

Sir my uncle suffering from stomach cancer. Ini...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Jayvirsinh Chauhan

Homeopath

better don't give such treatment... Take homoeopathic treatment which is harmless and gives bette...

Can we give hanuman fruit leaves tea to stomach...

related_content_doctor

Bnchy Wellness Medispa

Ayurveda

Hi Lybrate user, hanuman fruit or soursop fruit is good for 1.giving immunity 2.Improves eye heal...

Whether Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy are succe...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Naga Kishore Maddula

Oncologist

Please specify type & site of cancer. Radiotherapy & chemotherapy & surgery are appropriatly used...

I am suffering with liver cancer and it is in t...

related_content_doctor

Dr. Jawahar Ticku

Oncologist

It may be helpful in preventing the occurrence. Once the disease is already established it will n...

    Delhi
    Mumbai
    Chennai
    Bangalore
    Index

    Table of content

    Content Details
    Profile Image
    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
    Reviewed By
    Profile Image
    Reviewed ByDt. Ms. Shilpa MarwahB.Sc (Home Science), Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health NutritionDietitian/Nutritionist
    chat_icon

    Ask a free question

    Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

    posted anonymously