Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a native fruit of the American tropics valued for its taste and flavor. It is a tropical fruit with yellowish-green skin, and grow on trees belonging to the family Myrtaceae. Guava tree thrives well in a variety of soils, propagate easily and bear fruits quickly. The fruit can be consumed raw or used in making jams, pastes, jellies and juice. Psidium guajava L. are free from fat, cholesterol and excellent source of fiber, potassium and vitamin A.
Guava Nutrition Facts
Guava is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is a rich source of energy, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Guava fruit contains vitamin A, B, C, E, as well as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and sodium
Health Benefits of Guava
1. Antioxidant Properties
The naturally high content of vitamin C in guavas, four times higher than that found in oranges, helps boost the immune system. According to studies, the antioxidants in the fruit help defend the body against the proliferation of free radicals in the body, which are one of the main causes of serious conditions like cancer and heart diseases.
2. Controls Diabetes
Guava contains a high level of dietary fiber, which has a beneficial effect on lowering blood glucose levels in the body. Intake of guava can also help patients suffering from diabetes. However, more research is ongoing to confirm the entire scope of its benefits.
3. Regulates Blood Pressure
Guava is very rich in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature which makes it beneficial to reduce blood pressure and LDL cholesterol in the body.
4. Improves Thyroid Health
Thyroid hormones play a significant role in energy regulation and metabolism in the body. Guava is a good source of copper, a mineral important for regulating metabolism by helping to control hormone production and absorption.
5. Treats Scurvy
Scurvy is a disease resulting from a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Guavas contain 4 times more vitamin C than oranges. The only known remedy for this dangerous disease is adequate intake of vitamin C.
6. Eliminates Diarrhea and Dysentery
Guava has properties that help treat a number of digestive disorders like diarrhea and dysentery. Astringent qualities of guava add substance to lose bowels and reduce the symptoms of diarrhea. The astringents are alkaline in nature with disinfectant and anti-bacterial properties. They help to cure dysentery by inhibiting microbial growth and removing extra mucus from the intestines.
7. Relieves Constipation
Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber amongst fruits, and its seeds serve as excellent laxatives. These two properties help the formation of healthy bowel movements, aid in retaining water in the body and keep your intestinal tract in top-notch health.
8. Improves Brain Health
Another tremendous benefit of guava is the presence of vitamins B3 and B6. Vitamin B3 (also Known as niacin) can increase blood flow and stimulates cognitive function, whereas vitamin B6 is a nutrient correlated with brain and nerve function.
9. Treats Cough and Cold
Guava is one of the richest sources of vitamin C and iron among fruits both of which are nutrients effective in preventing or lessening colds and viral infections. The ripe fruit should be avoided by people who are suffering from cough and cold,
as it can exacerbate the problem. Also, avoid drinking water immediately after eating the fruit as it can lead to a sore throat.
10. Aids weight loss Guavas are a weight-loss-friendly food. With only 37 calories in one fruit and 12% of your recommended daily fiber intake, they are a filling, low-calorie snack. Unlike some other low-calorie snacks, they are packed with vitamins and minerals — so you aren’t losing out on important nutrients.
Source: AgroNigeria
