Soursop, a tropical fruit native to South and Central America, has been gaining popularity in the Western wellness community for its potential anticancer properties and other health benefits. But what exactly is soursop, and does it live up to its hype?
Also known as graviola, soursop has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, including bacterial infections, diabetes, and cancer. The fruit, bark, and leaves of the soursop tree are rich in bioactive compounds, including acetogenins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and vitamins.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWhile some studies suggest that soursop extracts have anticancer, antiparasitic, and insecticidal properties, the science world remains divided on its benefits. More research is needed to fully understand the potential of soursop and its compounds.
READ ALSO: Discover The Hidden Gem of Custard Apples (Soursop): Why You Should Grow Them In Your Garden
One thing is certain: soursop is a nutrient-rich fruit that can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet. With its creamy white flesh and unique flavor, soursop is a tropical treat worth trying. However, it’s essential to approach claims about its medicinal properties with a critical eye and wait for more robust scientific evidence to emerge.
Dr Mbamalu, a Jefferson Journalism Fellow, Member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Media/Communications Consultant, is the Publisher of Prime Business Africa (PBA).
Dr. Marcel Mbamalu is a distinguished communication scholar, journalist, and entrepreneur with three decades of experience in the media industry. He holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and serves as the publisher of Prime Business Africa, a renowned multimedia news platform catering to Nigeria and Africa's socio-economic needs.
Dr. Mbamalu's journalism career spans over two decades, during which he honed his skills at The Guardian Newspaper, rising to the position of senior editor. Notably, between 2018 and 2023, he collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Northeast Nigeria, training senior journalists on conflict reporting and health journalism.
Dr. Mbamalu's expertise has earned him international recognition. He was the sole African representative at the 2023 Jefferson Fellowship program, participating in a study tour of the United States and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong) on inclusion, income gaps, and migration issues.
In 2020, he was part of a global media team that covered the United States presidential election.
Dr. Mbamalu has attended prestigious media trainings, including the Bloomberg Financial Journalism Training and the Reuters/AfDB Training on "Effective Coverage of Infrastructural Development in Africa."
As a columnist for The Punch Newspaper, with insightful articles published in other prominent Nigerian dailies, including ThisDay, Leadership, The Sun, and The Guardian, Dr. Mbamalu regularly provides in-depth analysis on socio-political and economic issues.