What is the best time to drink soursop?

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

While traditionally used for its calming properties, the timing of your soursop consumption can significantly influence the benefits you receive. The ideal time depends on whether you seek morning energy, a midday boost, or evening relaxation and better sleep.

Quick Summary

The best time to consume soursop depends on individual goals, with morning consumption supporting energy and digestion, while evening intake promotes relaxation and sleep. Midday can offer a pick-me-up. Dosage and any potential side effects should be considered.

Key Points

Timing depends on goals: Drink soursop in the morning for an energy boost or evening for sleep and relaxation.
Morning for energy: Consumption before breakfast can kickstart metabolism and provide natural energy.
Evening for relaxation: Soursop leaf tea has traditionally been used to promote calm and restful sleep.
Moderation is key: Excessive or long-term use can have neurotoxic effects and should be avoided.
Avoid seeds: The seeds of the soursop fruit contain toxic compounds and must be removed before consumption.
Consult a doctor: Individuals on medication or who are pregnant/breastfeeding should seek medical advice.

Soursop: A Versatile Tropical Fruit and Herbal Remedy

Soursop, also known as graviola or guanabana, is a tropical fruit with a spiky green exterior and a creamy, white interior. Beyond the fruit itself, the leaves are often used to make a herbal tea cherished for centuries for its potential health benefits, ranging from immune support to promoting restful sleep. The best time to consume soursop—whether as a fruit, juice, or tea—is not a one-size-fits-all answer but depends on your specific wellness objectives.

Morning: For an Energetic Start and Digestive Support

Starting your day with a glass of soursop juice or a warm cup of soursop leaf tea can provide a refreshing and energizing boost. The natural vitamins and antioxidants in soursop can help kickstart your metabolism and provide hydration after a night's rest. For those seeking digestive support, enjoying soursop before breakfast or within 30 minutes of a meal can aid in working with your body's natural digestive cycle.

Benefits of Morning Soursop Consumption

Boosts energy: The vitamins and antioxidants can provide a natural, caffeine-free energy lift to start your day.
Enhances digestion: High fiber content, particularly in the fruit, aids digestive health and regularity.
Supports immune system: With a high concentration of vitamin C, soursop helps bolster the immune system.

Afternoon: Combating the Post-Lunch Slump

For many, a midday cup of soursop tea can serve as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks or a caffeine fix to combat the afternoon slump. Soursop's natural compounds can help sustain energy levels and enhance digestion after lunch, helping you stay focused and productive throughout the rest of the day.

Benefits of Afternoon Soursop Consumption

Reduces cravings: Helps curb the desire for unhealthy, high-sugar snacks in the afternoon.
Sustained energy: Provides a steady, natural source of energy to power through the day without the crash associated with caffeine.
Improves digestion: Consuming after lunch can aid in digesting your meal more comfortably.

Evening: Promoting Relaxation and Restful Sleep

For centuries, soursop leaf tea has been traditionally used as a natural sedative to promote calmness and restful sleep. Its calming properties can help you unwind and prepare your body for a peaceful night, potentially reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.

Benefits of Evening Soursop Consumption

Promotes relaxation: May have calming effects that can help ease stress and anxiety.
Enhances sleep quality: Can aid in preparing the body for a more restful and uninterrupted night's sleep.
Supports overnight repair: The body's natural healing and repair processes may be enhanced with evening consumption.

Making the Right Choice: Morning, Afternoon, or Evening?


Timing	Primary Benefits	Best For	Considerations
Morning	Energy boost, digestive kickstart, immune support	People needing a natural energy source and digestive regularity	Can be taken on an empty stomach to maximize benefits
Afternoon	Sustained energy, improved digestion, reduced cravings	Those looking to avoid the post-lunch energy slump	Serves as a great caffeine-free alternative to sugary snacks
Evening	Relaxation, restful sleep, stress reduction	Individuals with trouble sleeping or high stress levels	Best to use soursop tea rather than high-sugar juice

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While soursop is generally safe for most people in moderation, excessive or long-term consumption has been linked to potential side effects. The seeds contain neurotoxic compounds and should never be consumed. Long-term, high-dose consumption may lead to neurological symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. Soursop may also interact with certain medications, including blood pressure and diabetes drugs. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.

How to Drink Soursop

For Juice or Smoothie: Use the fruit pulp, ensuring all seeds are removed. Blend with water or milk for a refreshing beverage. For Tea: Use dried soursop leaves. Steep 2-3 leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and enjoy warm, or chill for iced tea. Starting with one cup and monitoring your body's reaction is advisable.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best time to drink soursop is a personal choice based on your health goals. Whether you want to boost your energy in the morning, manage your afternoon slumps, or unwind for a restful night's sleep, soursop offers distinct benefits at different times of the day. By listening to your body and being mindful of potential side effects and precautions, you can incorporate this versatile tropical remedy into your routine effectively. Always consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying conditions or are taking medication, to ensure safe consumption.

Learn more about the potential health benefits and risks from this detailed resource: Health Benefits of Soursop - WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drinking soursop, especially as tea, on an empty stomach in the morning may help kickstart your metabolism and maximize digestive benefits. However, some prefer drinking it after meals to aid digestion.

Yes, soursop leaf tea is commonly used in traditional medicine as a natural sedative to promote relaxation and help with sleep. Many people find a cup before bed helps them unwind.

It is generally recommended to drink no more than 2 to 3 cups of soursop tea per day. Always start with a small amount to see how your body reacts and cycle consumption (e.g., 30 days on, 10 days off).

Individuals with low blood pressure should be cautious, as soursop can further lower blood pressure. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming soursop if you have this condition.

Potential side effects, particularly with excessive or long-term use, include neurological problems similar to Parkinson's disease, and interference with certain medications for blood pressure and diabetes. The seeds are toxic and should not be eaten.

Soursop tea is high in antioxidants and fiber, which can support weight management, but it is not a direct weight-loss solution. Some studies in mice have shown a reduction in body weight with soursop extract, but more human research is needed.

To prepare soursop tea, steep 2-3 dried soursop leaves in hot (not boiling) water for 10-15 minutes. Strain the leaves before drinking, and you can add honey or lemon for taste.