MARCEL MBAMALUSoursop, 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 communication scholar, journalist and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and is the Chief Executive Officer Newstide Publications, the publishers of Prime Business Africa.
A seasoned journalist, he horned his journalism skills at The Guardian Newspaper, rising to the position of News Editor at the flagship of the Nigerian press. He has garnered multidisciplinary experience in marketing communication, public relations and media research, helping clients to deliver bespoke campaigns within Nigeria and across Africa.
He has built an expansive network in the media and has served as a media trainer for World Health Organisation (WHO) at various times in Northeast Nigeria. He has attended numerous media trainings, including the Bloomberg Financial Journalism Training and Reuters/AfDB training on Effective Coverage of Infrastructural Development of Africa.
A versatile media expert, he won the Jefferson Fellowship in 2023 as the sole Africa representative on the program. Dr Mbamalu was part of a global media team that covered the 2020 United State’s Presidential election. As Africa's sole representative in the 2023 Jefferson Fellowships, Dr Mbamalu was selected to tour the United States and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong) as part of a 12-man global team of journalists on a travel grant to report on inclusion, income gaps and migration issues between the US and Asia.
