Introduction
Creamy, spiky, and packed with nutritional potential—Lakshman Phal is not your average fruit.
Also known as soursop or Annona muricata, this tropical fruit is native to the Caribbean and Central America and is now found in parts of India, especially in warmer regions. Beneath its green, thorny exterior lies a soft, white pulp that tastes like a blend of pineapple and strawberry, making it a popular ingredient in juices, smoothies, and desserts.
But Lakshman Phal isn’t just delicious. It’s been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. From supporting digestion to helping manage certain chronic conditions, this fruit has earned its place on the list of potential superfoods.In this blog, we’ll dive into the science-backed benefits, nutritional value, safe uses, and precautions related to Lakshman Phal—so you can enjoy it both wisely and deliciously.
| Nutritional value of Lakshman Phal | 100 gms |
| Water | 81.2 g |
| Energy | 66 kcal |
| Sugar | 13.5 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 16.8 g |
| Fibre | 3.3 g |
| Calcium | 14 mg |
| Iron | 0.6 mg |
| Magnesium | 21 mg |
| Phosphorus | 27 mg |
| Potassium | 278 mg |
| Sodium | 14 mg |
| Vitamin C | 20.6 mg |
4 Different Ways to Consume Lakshman Phal
- Fresh Fruit: The most common way to consume Lakshman phal is as fresh fruit. The ripe fruit can be cut in half and the creamy white pulp can be scooped out and eaten directly. Remove the black seeds before eating the fruit.
- Juice or Smoothie: The pulp of the fruit can be blended with water, milk, or yoghurt to make a refreshing juice or smoothie. You can also add other fruits or honey to enhance the flavour.
- Desserts: The fruit pulp can be used to make ice cream, sorbet, or other frozen desserts. It can also be used in pies, tarts, or as a topping for cakes and pastries.
- Tea: The leaves of the Lakshman phal tree are sometimes boiled to make tea. The tea is believed to have medicinal benefits.
Top 10 Evidence-Informed Benefits of Lakshman Phal (Soursop)
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Contains vitamin C, flavonoids, and acetogenins that help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
2. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties (In Lab Studies)
Compounds such as annonacin and acetogenins have demonstrated the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro. These findings are promising but not yet proven in human trials.
3. May Support Immune Function
With 20.6 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, Lakshman Phal can contribute to your daily immune-support needs.
4. Aids Digestion & Eases Constipation
Its fibre content (3.3 g per 100 g) supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
5. Supports Urinary Health
The mildly acidic nature of the fruit may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections by discouraging bacterial growth in the urinary tract.
6. Promotes Bone Health
Contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus—all essential for maintaining bone density.
7. May Help Regulate Blood Pressure
Its potassium content (278 mg per 100 g) helps balance sodium levels, potentially supporting blood pressure regulation.
8. Soothes Mouth Ulcers
Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help relieve oral discomfort.
9. May Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Soluble fibre in the fruit may help manage LDL (bad cholesterol) and boost HDL (good cholesterol).
10. Mild Sedative Properties (Anecdotal)
Some traditional systems use soursop leaf tea to support relaxation. More clinical research is needed.
6 Precautions to Keep in Mind
Lakshman Phal, like any other food, should be consumed responsibly. Here are some precautions to keep in mind when consuming Lakshman Phal.
- Avoid Seeds & Unripe Fruit: Unripe soursop and its seeds contain high levels of annonacin, a neurotoxin linked to atypical Parkinson’s disease in some regions.
- Limit Leaf Tea Use: Chronic or high-dose use of soursop tea may pose neurotoxic risks. Not advised for long-term consumption.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid during pregnancy and lactation due to potential uterine and neurological effects.
- Drug Interactions: May interact with medications for blood pressure, diabetes, or depression. Always consult your doctor.
- Not a Cancer Cure: Soursop is not a replacement for chemotherapy or clinical treatment.
- Allergy Risk: Rare but possible. Watch for itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Takeaway
Lakshman Phal, or soursop, is a tropical fruit with a unique taste and a promising nutritional profile. Rich in antioxidants, fibre, and minerals, it supports digestion, bone health, and immunity. Lab studies even suggest potential cancer-fighting properties, but clinical research is still ongoing, and caution is advised.
If you’re looking to explore new fruits in your wellness journey, Lakshman Phal can be a nutrient-dense choice, as long as it’s eaten ripe and in moderation. Avoid leaf or seed-based preparations unless under the guidance of a professional, and always consult your doctor before using them in conjunction with any medical treatments.
FAQs
It’s safe to eat ripe soursop in moderate amounts a few times a week. Avoid daily consumption of leaf tea or supplements unless supervised by a doctor.
The whole fruit provides more fibre and is less likely to spike blood sugar than juice. Juice may also concentrate certain compounds like annonacin if seeds are processed.
Some traditional users report mild sedative effects from the leaves, but this has not been confirmed in controlled clinical studies.
Ripe pulp is generally safe in small amounts for children above 2 years. Avoid giving them seeds or leaf-based preparations.
References
- Soursop – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Www.sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/soursop