Benefits of Hanuman Phal (Soursop), Uses And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Dec 13, 2022
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
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Hanuman Phal (Soursop)
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.
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)
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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:
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