Guanabana: health benefits and harms

Guanabana is one of the popular exotic plants with juicy and aromatic fruits. It is common in the wild, but has not been cultivated for more than a century in countries with a suitable climate. Of particular culinary value are the fruits of guanabana - they are distinguished by a pronounced aroma and taste. But these are not all the advantages of the plant, because guanabana is a storehouse of valuable minerals, vitamins and biologically active substances that can restore the body and help with various diseases. To use the healing power of guanabana fruits, you need to know its beneficial properties, contraindications and features.

What is guanabana?

Guanabana is a plant that is better known as Sausep. Also, this plant is called "sour cream". Guanabana is one of the most popular representatives of the Annon clan. The scientific name for this evergreen tree is the prickly Annona. This plant is considered the largest among all members of the genus.

Guanabana is of interest not only to gardeners who are engaged in its cultivation. For many decades, pharmacists have been studying it, since the composition of fruits and leaves contains unique components that can affect biochemistry in the body. Today, sausep is also interested in geneticists - this is a prolific plant studied by breeders, more productive, early ripening hybrids are regularly produced.

The most valuable thing in this plant is the fruit. They are rich in minerals and vitamins, have a sweet and sour taste and a bright fruity-berry aroma. Desserts, cocktails, wine, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are prepared from the pulp. A significant minus is that due to the large amount of sugar, the fruits of guanabana spoil too quickly, so they will never be transported in ripe form. Harvested before the fruits ripen, so that during transportation they do not have time to rot.

How it looks and where it grows

Prickly Annona is a tropical plant that is distributed on almost all continents. It grows in China, Sri Lanka, grown in Australia, India. The tree is quite thermophilic, and also can not bear fruit when there is a shortage of sunlight, therefore, it cannot be grown under artificial conditions.

Botanical characteristics:

1. The height of the tree is about 6–9 m.
2. The leaves are large, wide, leathery and dark green on the outside, on the inside - light green.
3. Fruits - many-leafed, large, pear-shaped with spines on the surface.

The fruits of this tree are quite large, they can grow the size of a large melon and weigh more than 6-7 kg. The peculiarity of the plant is that the fruits can ripen both on the branches and on the trunk. Guanabana after planting bears fruit for 3-4 years.

Composition and calorie content

Guanabana is not the most dietary product. The pulp of this fruit contains many carbohydrates of various types, so do not abuse it in the afternoon. 100 g of the product contains 94 kcal, but if the pulp is cooked, the calorie content of the product decreases from 94 kcal to 56 kcal per 100 g. 100 g of the product contains up to 10 g of carbohydrates (sucrose, fructose, polysaccharides). Also, fats and vegetable proteins are present in the pulp - up to 1 g per 100 g.

The composition of the plant includes a full range of minerals, as well as a mass of vitamins that are well absorbed by the body. Here is a complete list of the active substances that make up the annonas:

1. Iron - participates in hematopoiesis, prevents the development of anemia.
2. Sodium and potassium - maintain water-salt balance, protect the heart, normalize blood pressure.
3. Zinc - participates in the regeneration of skin cells, improves the condition of hair and nails, strengthens the nervous system.
4. Magnesium - relieves nervous tension, activates brain activity, is necessary for insomnia and increased irritability.
5. Vitamin PP - is responsible for the strength and elasticity of blood vessels, prevents reproductive system problems.
6. B vitamins - are responsible for immunity, nervous system, internal organs health, skin condition.
7. Antioxidants - protect against cancer, premature aging, infections.
8. Vitamin C - activates protective mechanisms, helps to cope with infections, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and thins the blood.

In addition, the fruit pulp contains organic acids, as well as fats in a small concentration. They help accelerate metabolic processes in the body, cleanse blood vessels and liver. With regular use of guanabana, it rejuvenates, strengthens the immune system, improves the condition of hair and skin, and also significantly increases the productivity of the brain.

The healing properties of guanabana fruit

Even in ancient times, the indigenous inhabitants of the warm countries where guanabana was grown knew how useful its fruits were. Therefore, they actively used sour cream for medicinal purposes. But recent studies of fruit composition have also provided scientific evidence that sausep is a truly therapeutically valuable product. Scientists identify at least 10 of the most useful properties of fruits for the human body.

1. Guanabana is useful for cancer. It contains plant components that inhibit cancer cells and inhibit their division. In addition, the fruit is rich in antioxidants, which neutralize the action of free radicals and stop the growth of tumors.
2. The fetus is useful in inflammatory processes of any localization, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also associated with the abundance of antioxidants that are in the pulp.
3. Guanabana fruits contain large amounts of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Thanks to this, it improves immunity and helps the body cope with viruses and bacterial infections.
4. Guanabana is effective in preventing heart attacks and strokes. The active components of the fetus break down cholesterol, remove it from the body.
5. Guanabana also normalizes blood pressure.
6. A full range of minerals, as well as B vitamins, restore the nervous system after stress, help improve brain function, and also stabilize the emotional state.
7. Annona has a pronounced laxative effect, as it contains a large amount of fiber. The fetus normalizes the functioning of the intestine, restores the microflora, improves the digestibility of food.
8. Guanabana prevents premature aging, and also protects cells and cellular structures from damage.
9. Due to the presence of special mineral compounds, the pulp of the fetus has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and protects the heart muscle from premature wear.
10. The pulp of the fetus is incredibly valuable for the health, beauty and youth of the skin. It activates cell regeneration, stimulates the production of collagen necessary for skin elasticity.

The antitumor properties of guanabana are especially relevant. Scientists have noticed that the use of this fetus significantly reduces the risk of developing tumors, and also increases the chances of recovery with existing oncology. Contrary to popular myth, guanabana cannot replace chemotherapy or radiation, since it does not have the ability to destroy cancer cells that have already developed. But the use of this product significantly helps to fight and recover the body.The main therapy for guanaban cancer does not cancel, so it can only be considered as an additive. But there are several nuances that you need to know for those who plan to use guanabana during the fight against cancer.

1. To date, there are no clinical studies that truly confirm the anticancer efficacy of the fetus.
2. There are no hoods and dietary supplements based on guanabana that can cure cancer without traditional treatment.
3. Scientists were able to study only some of the properties of these fruits. They concluded that eating an antioxidant-rich fruit can stop the growth of tumors, but this effect is only achieved in 60% of cases.
4. It is not recommended to use guanabana as a therapeutic agent, it can be used only as one of the components of the diet.
5. It is strictly forbidden to eat the annona fruit daily for longer than a month. It contains toxic components for the brain and liver, which, when accumulated in the body, can lead to severe intoxication.
6. In order to get the maximum antioxidants when eating fruit, you can not subject it to heat treatment.
7. It is imperative to consult a doctor and clarify the possibility of introducing an exotic product into the diet.
8. It is strictly forbidden to use the product with bleeding or severe deterioration due to the progression of the disease.

It should be noted that not only the fruits of the plant possess healing properties. Prickly annona leaves are also used for medicinal purposes, contain essential oils, volatile and flavonoids. Dry leaf tea helps with overwork, insomnia, stress, and chronic fatigue. The leaves are also used for the preparation of infusions for the purpose of external use - with them you can take a bath, make compresses and rubbing with muscle pain and joint diseases.

Cooking Application

The main area of ​​use of guanabana is cooking. In Asian, Javanese and Australian cuisine, desserts with this fruit are as popular as apple pies in our latitudes. The most common way to consume is raw. So the taste qualities of these exotic fruits are completely preserved, and the concentration of valuable components is not lost.

Raw guanabana is not only eaten pure. It is used in many dishes and drinks.

1. Guanabana cocktails are prepared with the addition of fruits, berries, milk.
2. From fresh fruits, plants make tasty juices with pulp, adding other ingredients, such as pineapple and orange.
3. Raw guanabana is used to make ice cream.
4. From the pulp make the basis for mousses.
5. Sliced ​​flesh is suitable for fruit slices, canapes.

In its raw form, guanabana has a tart sweet and sour taste and a pronounced aroma. This must be taken into account when choosing products that will be combined with this fruit. But you can also cook many other many delicious dishes with the fruits of Annona.

Annona Pudding

To prepare pudding, you can take a ready-made dry mixture, as well as combine the fruit with other exotics. You can prepare milk-based pudding - then it will have a delicate taste, and correctly selected proportions of the ingredients will maximize the notes of the taste of each of them.

Ingredients:

• 500 ml of milk or 1 packet of dry concentrated powder for making pudding;
• 400 grams of pulp of annona seedless fruit;
• ½ cup sugar;
• vanilla;
• 2.5 tablespoons of corn starch.

You need to bring the milk to a boil and add sugar, starch and vanillin. Stir and boil for 2 minutes. Add the pulp grated into the gruel gradually and boil for no more than 2 minutes. Pour the pudding into silicone molds, let it cool and then refrigerate for 3 hours. After a while, remove the forms, put the pudding on plates and decorate. For decoration, you can use fresh berries or fruits. You can also complement the taste of the pudding with grated chocolate, cocoa-based topping or raspberry syrup.

Marshmallows

Guanabana marshmallows are incredibly light and tender, and acid balances the taste.You can cook marshmallows as a basis for cakes and pastries, or use it as a separate treat or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 sachet of gelatin or agar;
• 400 grams of pulp of the fetus;
• 3 egg whites
• 250 grams of powdered sugar.

It is necessary to fill the gelatin with a small amount of water so that it can be dissolved. Beat the whites in the foam, gradually adding icing sugar and pulp from the pulp of the fruit. Pour dissolved gelatin there, but do not remove the mixer, but continue whisking the mixture. Cool the resulting marshmallow mass, and then put in a pastry bag. Lay a sheet of parchment paper on the spacing and make a marshmallow of the preferred shape from the mass with a pastry syringe. Refrigerate to solidification and sprinkle with icing sugar before serving.

Guanabana Ice Cream

Fragrant ice cream with a delicate sweet and sour taste is an excellent delicacy that will refresh at any time of the year. You can cook an exotic dish even at home.

Ingredients:

• 200 ml cream;
• 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar;
• 500 grams of fresh guanabana pulp;
• thickener (at the tip of the knife).

To make ice cream quickly, you must first cool the food well. Grind the pulp into a homogeneous slurry using a blender. Add cream, icing sugar and a thickener there. Beat everything well until foam is obtained, and then place in a closed container in the freezer. After 2 hours, the ice cream will be ready - you can serve it in waffle cups or in a bowl. Tasty combination of ice cream with vanilla or chocolate syrup. You can pour caramel - it will complement the sweet and sour taste of the pulp of Annona.

Harm and contraindications

Guanabana is extremely dangerous for those who are allergic to the fruits of this plant. This phenomenon is rare, but in the case of a tendency to allergic reactions, it is better not to risk it. In addition, there are other contraindications that make it impossible to eat fruits:

• diabetes mellitus (there is a lot of sugar in the fruits);
• acute pancreatitis;
• diarrhea.

During pregnancy, you can eat this fetus, but only in moderation. When breastfeeding, it is not recommended to introduce guanabana into the diet earlier than 6 months. Before introduction it is necessary to consult with the doctor.

Guanabana seeds are a particular danger to human health. The fact is that they contain toxic substances. Also, the pulp of the fetus contains toxins, but in a small concentration. It is important to know - daily use for more than 4 weeks can lead to such side effects:

• headaches;
• loss of consciousness;
• sleep disturbance;
• memory impairment;
• increased irritability;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• nausea;
• vomiting
• speech impairment.

Most often, the toxins contained in Annona fruits affect the nervous system, so do not abuse this product. But also these substances can lead to liver and kidney dysfunction - the body’s natural filters. This phenomenon is possible only if the accumulation of toxins in high concentration with daily use.

How to choose and store

It is almost impossible to buy ripe guanabana fruit in regions where it is not grown due to inappropriate climate. Since in the process of transportation literally three days later, the ripe fruits begin to rot, they are brought to stores in an unripe state. But this is not a problem, since in just a few days the skin of the fetus will turn yellow, after which it will be possible to fully enjoy its taste. In addition, there are five rules that will help you choose the most delicious and healthy fruits.

1. It is necessary to pay attention to the smell. Do not be afraid of the aroma - the ripening fruits of the annonas smell of turpentine.If some extraneous aroma is present, it means that the fetus was treated with toxic chemicals.
2. It is important to pay attention to the size and weight of the fetus. The larger the fruit, the juicier the pulp in it, and it will also be sweeter and tastier.
3. The skin of a high-quality and well-preserved fruit should be whole and uniform, without cracks, spots, splashes.
4. The ripe annona fruit has a slightly yellowish, yellow-green hue. Juicy green unripe fruits, to begin to use them, you will have to wait 2-3 days.
5. You should choose only those fruits that have the same in shape and size spines and a mesh pattern on the surface of the green peel.

Annonas can be stored at room temperature or on the bottom shelf in the refrigerator. If you need to wait until the fruit ripens, it is better to leave it on the windowsill. If you leave guanabana in the refrigerator, it will ripen for a long time. A sliced ​​or peeled fruit should be consumed within a few hours, since when it comes in contact with oxygen, the flesh begins to deteriorate 2-3 times faster. If the flesh of a product has darkened or has begun to exude an unpleasant odor, eating it is not worth it - this indicates that the fermentation process has already begun.

How to eat guanabana fruit

Annona fruits can be eaten fresh or various desserts can be prepared from them. The easiest way:

• cut the fruit into slices;
• completely remove the seeds from the pulp;
• eat with a spoon.

You can choose the pulp from the fruit, mix with other fruits and prepare a fragrant cocktail that will saturate the body with a full complex of minerals and vitamins.

Interesting Facts

Guanabana has long been considered an ornamental plant, and few have been interested in it. The thing is that in ancient times people did not know the cause of poisoning with this fruit, and only after a while the presence of toxins in the seeds of annonas was revealed. But these are not all interesting facts from the history of the plant.

1. More recently, they began to grow annona in modern greenhouses, where it is possible to create conditions as close as possible to natural ones.
2. Annona can be used as a houseplant. If you provide proper care, you can even get the fruit three years after planting.
3. Annona contains an acid complex that is used by manufacturers of expensive Israeli cosmetics for whitening creams and masks that can eliminate hyperpigmentation in several applications.

As you can see, guanabana is an extremely useful product, which also has a mouth-watering appearance, strong aroma and pronounced taste. Knowing its healing properties and basic rules of use, you can use the full potential of the fruits to improve health, restore the functioning of the body and fight various diseases.

Guanabana Fruit Photo