On your next trip to one of the Caribbean islands, you might notice a heart-shaped, spiky fruit hanging from the trees. This is soursop, an exotic island fruit with a sweet and delicious creamy pulp.

Native to South America and sub-Saharan parts of Africa, and also cultivated throughout Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Indonesia and many parts of the Caribbean, many people prefer to enjoy its sweet taste in a drink or in a creative dessert recipe such as cheesecake or ice cream. 

10 HEALTHY BENEFITS OF SOURSOP

Packed with B vitamins, vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, and healthy fats and carbohydrates, as well as protein, soursop fruit is also cholesterol free and low in calories, making it an ideal snack. But, be sure not to overdo it—approximately a cup a day is a sufficient amount to obtain the health benefits of this amazing fruit:

1. A leaf decoction, or soursop leaf tea, is effective for head lice and bedbugs and also as remedy for gall bladder trouble, coughs, catarrh, dysentery, fever, and indigestion.
2. The juice of the fruit can be taken orally as a remedy for haematuria and liver ailments.
3. Mashed leaves are used as a poultice to alleviate eczema and other skin problems. These crushed leaves can be applied to skin eruptions and wounds to promote faster healing.
4. The root bark is used as an antidote for poisoning.
5. Decoction of leaves can be used as compresses for inflammation and swollen feet.
6. Due to the levels of potassium the fruit contains, eating soursop can prevent leg cramps.
7. Thiamin, the B vitamin that is needed in aerobic energy production is found in the fruit and helps the body produce energy.
8. This spiky fruit contains folate, a highly-recommended B vitamin for pregnant women to take.
9. The iron found in soursop can help prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells.
10. Soursop can help with migraine headaches due to its riboflavin levels.