There is a small green tree found in the rain forests of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This tree produces an edible heart-shaped fruit, also used in desserts and juices, which is the graviola fruit.

What is graviola fruit?

People often confuse graviola with cream fruit, although there are differences between them in appearance as well as in taste. Graviola has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Some scientists have discovered that it may be a treatment option for a range of serious diseases, including cancer. In this article, we will explain to you the many benefits of graviola and their relationship to the treatment of serious diseases. Continue reading.

Nutritional value

One cup of graviola (about 225g) contains:

• Calories: 149.
• Fat: 0.7 grams.
• Sodium: 31.5 milligrams.
• Carbohydrates: 37.9 grams.
• Sugars: 30.5 grams.
• Fiber: 7.4 grams.
• Protein: 2.3 grams.
• Vitamin C: 46.4 milligrams.
• Potassium: 626 milligrams.

Graviola fruit benefits

Research indicates that graviola is rich in many health benefits, such as:

1. It has antioxidant properties

Antioxidants keep cells healthy by scavenging and destroying disease-causing free radicals in the body. According to a 2014 study, graviola extracts contain several antioxidant compounds, including:

• tannins;
• saponins.
• Phytosterols.
• flavonoids.
• anthraquinones;

2. It fights infections

Graviola is a good source of antioxidants that help the body repair cell damage and fight infections. A 2010 study in mice found that graviola blocks pain receptors and reduces inflammation. At the same time, the researchers cautioned that more research is needed to determine if it is completely safe in humans.

3. Helps lower blood pressure

A 2008 study in rats found that graviola may help people regulate their blood sugar. As the results revealed that this fruit significantly reduced blood glucose levels in laboratory rats with diabetes.

4. Helps treat herpes virus

Herpes is a viral infection in the form of sores that may appear on the genitals or mouth.

Graviola is an alternative treatment for herpes. A 1999 study showed that graviola extract may have antiviral effects against the herpes simplex virus HSV-2, which is responsible for outbreaks of genital herpes.

Graviola fruit and cancer

Various studies have shown that graviola seeds have an effect on the cell lines of a variety of cancers. The fruits, leaves, seeds, and roots of the graviola tree contain more than 100 aceto-anionic embryos. These natural compounds have anti-tumor properties. Research proves the relationship of graviola with cancer as follows:

• Graviola and breast cancer

Graviola is one of the fruits that prevent breast cancer. Laboratory studies suggest that Graviola extracts can destroy some breast cancer cells that are resistant to some chemotherapy drugs, with some researchers calling them a “promising candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.”

Research also indicates that the potency and anti-cancer activity of graviola may vary depending on where it was grown.

• Graviola and pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer. Researchers used cancer cell lines in a 2012 study of graviola fruit extract, and found that it inhibited the tumor growth of pancreatic cancer cells.

• Graviola and prostate cancer

Two studies have been done on this type of cancer in mice. The first found that water extracted from graviola leaves reduced the size of the prostate in mice. The second one found that ethyl acetate extract from Graviola leaves had the ability to suppress prostate cancer cells in mice.

• Graviola and liver cancer

A lab study was done that indicated that graviola extracts could kill some types of liver cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapy.

Graviola fruit for pregnant women

Like all fruits, graviola has its risks when taken in large doses. Research has found that it is not safe for pregnant women. This is because when consuming large amounts of it, it may cause neurotoxicity and movement disorders similar to Parkinson’s disease.

Graviola fruit side effects

Eating graviola may pose some health risks. This fruit may cause nerve damage and movement problems, especially from long-term use. They can cause serious neuropathy, leading to symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors and muscle stiffness. If a person has this disease, eating graviola may exacerbate the symptoms.

Graviola may also be toxic to the kidneys or liver with frequent use. If you have any of the following diseases or health conditions, you should talk to your doctor before taking or not taking them:

• You have kidney or liver problems.
• You have low blood pressure or are taking blood pressure medication.
• You are taking medication for diabetes.
• pregnant
• You are breastfeeding.