Almost 2 billion people use Instagram regularly worldwide. There are almost 3 billion on Facebook. And if misinformation is one enduring danger that haunts users of social media, it is it.
Social media has become a major source of information for many of us over time, especially when it comes to health-related issues and recommendations about what we should and shouldn’t eat. The spiky, dark green fruit known as soursop (Graviola), which is often found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, has recently gained popularity on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram due to its alleged anti-cancer qualities.
A close relative of the well-known custard apple, soursop is becoming more and more popular on social media due to its potential to prevent cancer. As a result, there are now many more goods on the market, ranging from vitamins to juices to protein powders, with soursop as the main ingredient.
The market expansion for the fruit has also been partly impacted by this trend. According to data, the soursop market was valued at $150 million worldwide in 2021. By 2027, the output volume is predicted to surpass 455,600 tonnes, with a valuation of $350 million.
The fruit’s reputation as a cancer-killing agent began to gain traction in the West because it is mainly grown in tropical regions. With a number of influential doctors endorsing the fruit as being just as successful as chemotherapy, it appears that this false information has now spread to India as well.
Here’s what experts have to say
Despite the fruit’s high antioxidant content, no research has shown that it can cure cancer, according to the experts interviewed by Ultimate News.
“No clear evidence to suggest that it is effective and safe for treatment of cancer in humans,” says Chintamani, chairman and head of the surgical oncology department at Sir Gangaram Hospital in New Delhi.
He points out that although soursop contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, these advantages have not been well evaluated in human clinical trials.
He said, “This product has a doubtful role as an anticancer agent and its safety is not established in humans.”
While laboratory studies on animal tissue and cancer cells have shown some anti-cancer activity in prostate, lung, colon, and breast cancer cells, “these studies are not in humans,” according to Dr. Suman S. Karanth, senior consultant in medical oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.
She cautions that in the absence of clinical trials, there is no hard proof that soursop is effective in curing cancer in people. The harmful effects of soursop’s acetogenin chemicals, which might result in immunological suppression and neurotoxicity, are another issue that Dr. Karanth brings out.
Even while soursop contains acetogenins, which can have cytotoxic effects (destructive effects on cell function) on cancer cells by blocking certain molecules found in cancer cell membranes, Dr. Pooja Babbar, a medical oncology consultant at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, goes on to say.
The consensus among experts is clear: Preclinical research (on animals) has demonstrated soursop’s promise as a cancer-fighting agent, but there isn’t enough solid human data to justify its usage as a cancer treatment.
But does it mean that the fruit has no benefits? Well, no.
Does it have any benefits?
Because of its high nutritional value, soursop may provide a number of health advantages. Essential vitamins (such as C, B1, and B2), minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium), antioxidants, and dietary fibre can all be found in the fruit.
Dr. Shilpa M R, a dietician and consultant at the Kshemavana Yoga and Naturopathy Centre in Bengaluru, claims that the Fruit.
- Boosts immunity: Soursop can “boost immunity” through its high Vitamin C content, which promotes the generation of white blood cells.
- Rich in antioxidants: Soursop’s “antioxidant property prevents cancer” by combating oxidative stress in the body.
- Promotes digestive health: Soursop’s high fibre content helps maintain gut health and prevent constipation.
- Regulates blood pressure: Dr Shilpa M R notes that its potassium content helps control blood pressure by balancing sodium levels and relaxing blood vessels.
- Reduces inflammation: Soursop has anti-inflammatory properties, which may offer relief for joint pain and other inflammatory conditions.
- Promotes skin and hair health: The antioxidants and Vitamin C in soursop support collagen production and fight signs of ageing.
- May help stabilise blood sugar levels: Dr Babbar notes that soursop may help stabilise blood sugar levels, which could benefit those managing diabetes.
Since most individuals may safely consume soursop in its natural form as a fruit, experts advise doing so. They do, however, advise utilising soursop pills and other goods with caution because the Food and Drug Administration has not yet given them official approval.
Potential side effects
Even while soursop has many health advantages, there are also possible drawbacks. The usage of soursop excessively or without supervision might have negative repercussions, especially for people who already have health issues, according to experts.
- Neurotoxicity: Prof Chintamani warns that soursop “is not very safe for those on treatment for neurological disorders like Parkinson disease”, as it may worsen symptoms and interfere with neurological treatments.
- Toxic effects: Dr Karanth highlights that soursop’s fatty acid derivatives, called acetogenins, are “toxic” and linked to neurotoxicity, which can cause hair loss and immune system suppression.
- Interference with cardiovascular treatments: Soursop could interfere with cardiovascular treatments and metabolic activities, urging caution and the supervision of a medical expert or nutritionist.
- Nausea and vomiting: Dr Babbar mentions that soursop consumption can cause “nausea, vomiting” and a drop in blood pressure.
- Allergic reactions: Dr Shilpa points out that some individuals may experience allergic responses like rashes or itching after consuming soursop.
The sour truth
Anecdotal evidence and preclinical research have strengthened Soursop’s standing as a fruit that may be able to prevent cancer. Experts concur, meanwhile, that there is insufficient human data to substantiate its application as an anti-cancer therapy. Because of its high nutritional content, it provides a number of health benefits, yet its potential side effects cannot be overlooked.