Graviola

What is Graviola?

Graviola refers to a green, heart shaped fruit of a tree found in South America. It is also known as Brazilian pawpaw, or guanaba. The pulp of the fruit is popular in juices, sherbets, and smoothies, and exhibits notes of tangy and sweet. It can also be peeled and eaten, though some find the taste alone too sour.

In ancient traditions, the leaves of the graviola were used for tea to reduce swelling of the mucus membranes or to treat liver disease. The black seeds were often crushed and used as a vermifuge. All parts of the tree might be ground and used as a sedative. The fruit was used to reduce joint pain, to treat heart conditions, as a sedative, to induce labour, or to reduce coughing or flu symptoms.

Modern use of Graviola has shown that it contains chemicals that tend to attack cancer cells. It also contains properties of acting as an insecticide. Most of the dietary supplements in the market claim that Graviola is the main natural ingredient in fighting off cancer. However, there is no definite research to prove these clams.

Side Effects and Warnings of Graviola

Like any other supplement, there may be some side effects when one is using Graviola. A large dose of graviola juice may make some people throw up, which makes it not that much different than standard chemotherapy.

Graviola has a known depressant effect on the cardiovascular system and should be avoided by people with heart conditions or people taking medications for blood pressure or cardiac problems. Graviola can also stimulate uterine contractions and should never be taken by pregnant women.

Graviola may also have antimicrobial properties, which kill off beneficial bacterial on the skin, in the vagina and in the gut. Long-term use can lead to yeast and fungal infections.

Until more scientific research is done on Graviola, it is highly recommended that you follow your doctor’s advice before using this supplement.

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