Commonly known as soursop or Lakshman Phal in India, this fruit is a native of Brazil. Known to be god’s gift to humanity, it is a miracle food for cancer patients. It is a rich antioxidant and has a very high nutritional value. Clinically, it is known to have helped patients with TB, Cancer, AIDS, etc.

A bushy tree that stands at about 6 meters in height, can be distinguished by its broad, oblong leaves and its heart-shaped green fruit which has thorns on its outer skin. It is often said to resemble a custard apple as it creamy pulp fruit inside with blackish-brown seeds. Also, many say that it tastes like a combination of pineapple and strawberry. Apart from the fruit, the tree itself – its leaves, stem, flowers, etc. have amazing natural compounds and medicinal benefits to cure many diseases. People claim it helps kill cancerous cells better than chemotherapy and has no side effects.

From what I have seen, lakshman phal extract may show strong effectiveness against both bacteria and fungi. This suggests that lakshman phal extract may have antimicrobial and antifungal properties when used against oral microorganisms. In simple terms, it might help fight harmful bacteria and fungi in the mouth.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Health Benefits of Lakshman Phal

Adding to this, Here are some significant benefits of Lakshman phal, the miracle fruit:

I may have noticed something interesting about the unripe fruit of lakshman phal. In traditional African medicine, it’s used to manage disorders like neuralgia, rheumatism, and arthritic pain. So, researchers decided to investigate its effects on rats, and guess what they found? It may actually have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it might help with different types of pain and inflammation.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

1. Cancer killer

The Lakshman phal leaves are known to help in killing at least 12 types of cancer cells. It helps to prevent colon, breast, prostate, lung and even pancreatic cancer. Unlike a chemotherapy session where a patient suffers nausea, hair loss and weight loss, eating Lakshman phal kills cancer cells in the body without any of these side effects. Unlike allopathy, it slows down cancer growth in the body.

2. Prevents Breast Cancer

This fruit is known to have annonaceous acetogenins which don’t let the damaged cells in the body become cancerous. This is true, especially in the case of breast cancer. Its leaves help cells grow naturally while stopping cancerous growths.

3. Prevents UTI or Urinary Tract Infection

Commonly known as UTI, urinary tract infection is excruciating. Eating soursop or Lakshman Phal helps to counter the disease and keep it under control. The fruit is very rich in Vitamin C and when consumed by patients having UTI, it helps to maintain the acidic levels in urine. When the acidic levels rise, the bacteria in the tract decrease, ending the infection. You may also consider these home remedies for UTI!

4. Prevents Osteoporosis

I recently came across a study that revealed another power of lakshman phal. The study found that it might be effective in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. This suggests that lakshman phal may have anti-hyperglycaemic properties.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

The Lakshman Phal is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which helps in strengthening bones and hence, helps keep osteoporosis.

5. Prevents Constipation

The Lakshman phal is known to have soluble or insoluble fibre content and helps to fight constipation.

6. Prevents Leg Cramps

Leg cramps can be severe and painful. This happens due to low potassium levels in the body. Lakshman Phal is rich in potassium with calcium, magnesium and sodium in small amounts. When consumed, it helps to overcome weak muscles and prevents cramps.

7. Prevents Water Retention

From what I have seen, traditionally it is believed that consuming lakshman phal may have a positive impact on lactation. In South America, one interesting potential use of lakshman phal is to help increase a mother’s milk production after childbirth. So, for all the new moms out there, lakshman phal might be a tasty and natural way to support milk production.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Feel bloated before your menses? This is because of water retention. Eating Lakshman Phal helps to keep the body hydrated and stops water retention. The high amounts of magnesium in the fruit don’t allow bloating.

8. Increases stamina and energy

Feel tired or dizzy? Eat a Lakshman phal to retain energy levels and build strength. It contains Vitamin B and thiamin, which help to increase the production of energy in the body. It is also an excellent source of natural carbs. It also contains vitamin C. Also read about energy-giving foods that help you stay active.

9. Keeps Bones Healthy

Bone health depends on calcium and small amounts of magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc. Zinc and copper also help to absorb vitamin D, which helps to retain calcium in the body. Lakshman Phal is known to have high amounts of copper and hence, it aids healthy bones.

10. Improves Sleep

Lakshman Phal contains tryptophan, a chemical that relaxes one and helps them sleep. For those who have insomnia, this fruit is a must. Also, the leaves of this fruit can be used in aromatherapy. It also helps to control blood pressure and hypertension. Also, read the side effects of less sleep.

11. Maintains Good Cholesterol

People who have cholesterol problems must have Lakshman Phal. This fruit has niacin which helps to keep the good cholesterol in the body.

12. Cures Mouth ulcers

Leaves of the Lakshman Phal should be blended with water to create a paste. This paste should be applied to mouth ulcers.

13. Cures Anaemia and Migraines

Those suffering from Anaemia should add soursop or Lakshman phal to their diet. This fruit also contains riboflavin which helps in preventing migraines.

Also Read: Ber Fruit: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

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