Dr. Shilpy Kumari, Dr. Akash Sharma
Guava is one of the most important fruits and it is considered as apple of the tropics. Guava, known as amrood in Hindi. In India, it’s position is fourth after mango, banana, and citrus so far as area and production of major fruits are considered.
One of the most gregarious of fruit trees, the guava, Psidium guajava L., belongs to Myrtaceae family. There are around 150 species of guava that can be found in tropical and sub-tropical areas around the world. People cultivate guava as a source of food (fruit) and in decorative purposes.
Nutrition facts
Guava is termed as super fruits because of being rich in many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Guava contains an antioxidant-vitamin E which helps to prevent tissue damage from free radicals and protects your body by releasing toxins. It is packed with nutrients such as calcium, potassium, vitamins C, A, and B, folic acid, fiber, beta carotene, lycopene, phosphorous, iron, folate, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, polyphenols, etc. One guava contains 169 mg of vitamin C while an orange has only 69 mg. A test has confirmed that guava has the highest concentration of antioxidants than apples, pomegranates, Indian plums, mangoes, custard apples, bananas, and grapes.
Immunity Booster
Immunity is very much dependent upon the levels of Vitamin C in the body. The guava fruit is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C which protects the body from common infections and pathogens. The tannins present in guava leaves exert powerful antimicrobial action against certain bacteria and fungi.
Helps in Weight Loss
The most fruitful way to treat obesity is to eat healthy for weight loss- low fat, high fiber and high protein content. Guava meets this criteria satisfactorily and the person ought to eat guava. This fruit not only curbs your hunger, but also boosts your metabolism. When compared to other healthy fruits, such as apple and oranges, guava has relatively less sugar content too.
Guava for skincare and beauty
Guava enhances skin texture, tightening the loosening skin, and far better options than the nourishing lotions available in the market. The higher concentration of minerals and nutrients present in guava makes the skin toned, fresh, and wrinkle free. Guavas also help to revive the lost elasticity of the skin. The astringents present in guavas keep the skin away from blemishes, acne, wrinkles, and pimples. Guava, being anti blemishes in nature, also known for anti-aging properties. For skin beauty, you may also wash your face with the decoction of immature guava fruits and its leaves.
Fights Cold & Cough
Guava leaves contain a high content of vitamin C and iron. However, guava is proven to be very helpful in relieving a bad cold, cough or any viral infection. The juice from raw guavas is very helpful in healing cough and cold. It also disinfect the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.
Brain Health
Another wonderful benefit of consuming guava comes from the presence of vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in it which helps in improving blood circulation to the brain, and stimulating cognitive function. On the other hand, vitamin B6 is a great nutrient that helps improve brain and nerve function. Hence, eating guava improves your brain functions and also boosts attention span.
Keeps Heart Healthy
Guava contains high content of sodium and potassium that assists the body with adjusting and managing blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Guavas also help lower the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL), which contribute to the development of heart disease. This magical fruit improves levels of the good cholesterol (HDL).
Improves Digestion
Guavas contain high amount of good dietary fiber when compared to that of other fruits. A 100 gram of guava contains about 36% of the recommended daily intake of fiber. Guava seeds are powerful laxatives, help in chronic constipation and cleansing the digestive system. Dietary fiber helps in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food substances. Guavas contain a higher amount of insoluble fiber that facilitates the movement of wastes from the colon; cleans the intestines and excretory system and helps in the treatment of constipation. Since guavas cleanse the intestine, so it is also an effective remedy for intestinal laziness.
Helps in Better Eyesight
Guava fruit contains vitamin A that helps support a person’s vision. It prevents cataract formation, night blindness and macular degeneration, and improves the overall eye health. Vitamin C present in guava helps in maintaining healthy capillaries and in the proper functioning of the retinal cells.
Stress-Buster
Guava fruit contains magnesium that loosens up your muscles and nerves. So, this means that after a hard workout or a long day at office, you need just one guava to get you relaxed. This fruit assists you with combatting stress and gives a decent jolt of energy to your framework.
Guava Helps Women During Pregnancy
Guavas advantage pregnant ladies with the end goal that it contains folic acid and vitamin B-9 which is prescribed to be given for ladies since it helps in development of your baby’s nervous system and shields the infant from any neurological problems. So, keep guava handy when pregnant.
Helps to Cure Cancer
Guava is one of the important fruits which are abundant with cancer-fighting antioxidants-Lycopene. The phytochemical-lycopene is good for the treatment and combating of cancers such as prostate and breast cancer. The higher concentration of Lycopene fights with free radicals and prevents the risk of cancer and heart diseases. For cancer diseases, one should prefer red-fleshed guava over other varieties of guavas. Their antioxidant also prevents the formation of cancer growing cells and protect body cell damage. The other nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, flavonoids, beta-carotene, lutein, and cryptoxanthin along with antioxidants also help to fight free radical cells which credit to cause cancer.
Helps to Manage Diabetes
Guava has a high substance of fiber and glycaemic index that preclude the development of diabetes. Fiber content controls glucose levels from spiking, while glycemic index likewise confines blood sugar to raise at a short.
Beats Toothaches
Guava leaves have a potent anti-inflammatory action and a powerful antibacterial ability which fights infection and kills germs. Thus, consuming guava leaves works as a fantastic home remedy for toothache. The juice from the guava leaves is likewise said to fix swollen gums and oral ulcers.
Eating guava has no major side effects. However, just like any other food, it is always good to consume it in moderation. An overdose of guava can cause gas, bloating and diarrhoea as a result of its high fibre content. Guava is truly a wonder fruit with such an abundance of health benefits. It’s also easily available and affordable. Make guava a regular part of your family’s diet, and help your children enjoy its distinct taste and unlimited goodness.
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