Understanding Soursop: How Many Times Should I Drink Soursop in a Day?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Soursop, a tropical fruit known for its creamy texture and tangy-sweet flavor, is also highly valued for its potential health benefits, which include being rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. However, its powerful properties also require a careful approach to consumption. So, how many times should I drink soursop in a day? The answer depends heavily on the form of consumption and the key principle of moderation.

Quick Summary

This guide provides information on safe consumption of soursop fruit, juice, and tea. It explains the potential neurotoxic risks associated with the compound annonacin if consumed excessively, highlights who should avoid soursop, and outlines the general benefits of moderate intake.

Key Points

Moderate Intake: Consuming soursop in moderation is crucial, especially concentrated forms like tea or juice, to minimize health risks.
Watch Annonacin: Excessive, long-term intake of soursop can lead to neurotoxicity due to the compound annonacin, with symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease.
Avoid Seeds: Soursop seeds are toxic and should never be consumed under any circumstances.
Limit Frequency: For concentrated products like juice or tea, consider limiting consumption to a few times per week or discussing a cyclical schedule with a healthcare provider.
Consult a Doctor: Individuals with neurological conditions, low blood pressure, liver/kidney issues, or those on certain medications should seek medical advice before consuming soursop.

Soursop Forms and Considerations for Daily Intake

Soursop can be consumed in several ways, each with different considerations for safe and effective intake. The most common forms are the fresh fruit pulp, juice, and tea made from the leaves. Due to the presence of the compound annonacin, which can be neurotoxic in high doses, it is vital to practice moderation.

Fresh Fruit or Pulp

Consuming the fresh fruit is a popular and delicious way to enjoy soursop. Experts generally recommend moderation, as even the pulp contains some level of annonacin.

General Considerations: While some sources suggest an amount, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Crucial Precaution: Always remove and discard the seeds, which are highly toxic.

Soursop Juice

Soursop juice offers a concentrated way to consume the fruit's nutrients. However, concentration also means more potent compounds, including annonacin.

General Considerations: Similar to the pulp, restricting juice intake to a few times per week is a common recommendation. Diluting the juice can also reduce its potency.
Daily vs. Occasional: While some commercial products suggest daily use, reputable sources stress limiting consumption to a few days per week to minimize long-term risk.

Soursop Tea (from Leaves)

Tea brewed from soursop leaves is used in traditional medicine for various ailments, but it can contain high concentrations of annonacin.

General Considerations: While some suggestions exist regarding frequency, due to higher annonacin levels in the leaves, frequent, long-term consumption of soursop tea carries a higher risk of neurotoxicity. It is advisable to discuss intake with a healthcare provider.

The Critical Importance of Moderation

The primary reason for careful consumption is a naturally occurring compound called annonacin. Here’s why moderation is not just a recommendation but a necessity:

Neurotoxicity: Annonacin has been linked to atypical parkinsonism, a neurodegenerative disorder that can cause movement issues and other neurological symptoms. Research has connected high and prolonged consumption of soursop, particularly concentrated products like teas and extracts, with a higher incidence of this condition in regions where it is a dietary staple.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Effects: While occasional or moderate consumption is not typically a concern for most people, the risk increases with chronic, high-dose intake. The accumulation of annonacin over time is what poses a danger.
Avoiding Overconsumption: The takeaway is to treat soursop like a potent herbal supplement rather than a standard fruit. A balanced diet incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables is always the healthiest approach.

Who Should Be Cautious with Soursop?

Certain groups of people should avoid or be extra cautious with soursop, especially in concentrated forms.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Individuals: The safety of soursop supplements and teas has not been established for this group, so it is best to avoid them.
Neurological Conditions: Individuals with Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders should completely avoid soursop, as it may worsen symptoms.
Medication Interactions: Soursop can interfere with medications for high blood pressure and diabetes, potentially causing dangerously low levels. Consult a doctor if you are on any such medication.
Blood Pressure Issues: Those with naturally low blood pressure should be cautious, as soursop can lower blood pressure further.

Potential Health Benefits of Moderate Soursop Intake

When consumed in moderation, soursop offers a range of nutritional advantages:

High in Antioxidants: Soursop is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage.
Supports Digestive Health: A high fiber content aids in digestion and helps promote healthy bowel movements.
Rich in Nutrients: Besides vitamin C, soursop is a good source of potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Soursop Products: A Comparison Table


Product Type	Recommended Frequency (General Guidance)	Pros	Cons
Fresh Fruit / Pulp	Moderate, a few times per week	Natural form, good source of fiber, easy to prepare.	Seeds are toxic; requires fresh or frozen fruit.
Juice	Limited to a few times per week	Convenient, readily available, concentrated nutrients.	Potentially higher annonacin concentration; may have added sugars.
Tea (from leaves)	Requires careful consideration and potential breaks	Potent source of compounds for traditional use.	Higher annonacin risk; requires careful approach.

How to Consume Soursop Safely

If you choose to incorporate soursop into your diet, follow these safety tips:

Prioritize Fresh Fruit: If available, eat the fresh pulp. It is less concentrated than extracts and allows for easier portion control.
Remove All Seeds: Whether consuming fresh fruit or making juice at home, meticulously remove every seed, as they are toxic.
Consider Breaks: When drinking soursop tea, especially regularly, consider incorporating breaks to prevent potential build-up of annonacin. A cyclical approach can be a smart strategy.
Listen to Your Body: Start with a small amount and monitor how your body reacts. If you notice any unusual symptoms, stop consuming it immediately.
Consult a Professional: For regular or medicinal use, or if you have pre-existing health conditions or are on medication, consult a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

While soursop offers impressive nutritional value, especially in its fresh form, the question of how many times you should drink soursop in a day is best answered with caution and moderation. Due to the potential neurotoxic effects of annonacin in concentrated or excessive amounts, the safest approach is to enjoy soursop as an occasional, nutritious treat rather than a daily staple. For those seeking daily health boosts, a diverse diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables remains the most recommended strategy. Always listen to your body and consult with a medical professional if you have any health concerns before incorporating soursop into your routine.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating soursop into your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is not generally recommended to drink soursop juice every day. Due to the potential neurotoxic effects of the compound annonacin in higher concentrations, it is often suggested to consume soursop juice in moderation, typically a few times a week, rather than daily. Discuss your intake with a healthcare professional.

For soursop tea made from the leaves, some sources suggest a limited number of cups per day. However, it is strongly advised to follow a consumption schedule that includes breaks, such as alternating periods of consumption and non-consumption, to prevent the build-up of annonacin. Always consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

No, soursop seeds contain high levels of annonacin and other toxic compounds and should never be consumed. They must be carefully removed before eating the fruit or making juice.

People with Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders, individuals with low blood pressure or liver/kidney disease, and those on blood pressure or diabetes medication should avoid soursop. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider.

While individual needs vary, consuming up to a certain amount of fresh soursop fruit pulp per day is sometimes mentioned. However, some experts suggest limiting this to a few times a week to be extra cautious. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Moderation is critical because soursop contains the neurotoxic compound annonacin. Excessive, long-term exposure to this compound has been linked to neurological problems, including a disorder similar to Parkinson's disease.

While soursop tea is sometimes promoted for weight loss, it should not be considered a miracle cure. It can support weight management due to its fiber content and potential to stabilize blood sugar, but a balanced diet and exercise are key. Consult a healthcare professional for weight loss strategies.