Guava being a tropical fruit belongs to myrtle family. It is believed to be originated from Central America and Mexico. In tropical and sub-tropical region Guava has around 150 species like Strawberry guava and apple guava. The Jamaican guava species is already extinct and several are endangered. It may be oval round or in pear shape.
Guava is rich source of vitamin A, C, E and vitamin B group. It is very rich source of dietary fiber and contains various minerals such as potassium, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus. It contains beneficial phyto chemicals. It is considered super fruit as it has vitamin C 4 times more than orange. It contains 3 times proteins and 4 times more fiber as compared to pineapple, 2 times lycopene than tomato and potassium more than banana.
It can be consumed raw or in various other forms as such as jellies, guava jams, guava ice-creams, syrups as well as in form of smoothies. It is sometimes also used in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage. Guava leaves are useful as well; it is used as black pigment in textile industry.
Guava is often used in the treatment of high blood pressure, in constipation and respiratory problems. The guava leaves tea is used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and in fever. Wood obtained from guava tree is often used for smoking of the meat.
Scientific name of guava is Psidium guajava t is ever-green tropical shrub that usually lives around 40 years and has high profile nutrients. The red varieties of this fruit are rich in carotenes and lycopene.
Health benefits of Guava
- Used as immunity booster: Being the richest source of vitamin C helps to improve the immunity and protects us from infections and pathogens.
- It lowers the risk of cancer: Lycopene, quercetin and vitamin C present in guava act as antioxidants. This antioxidant neutralizes the free radicals developed in the body; thus preventing the cancer cells to develop and proliferate. It reduces the risk of prostate cancer and lycopene present in guava helps to inhibit the growth of breast cancer.
- It is diabetes inhibitor as well: Due to the presence of fiber and low glycaemic, guava is diabetes friendly fruit. The glycaemic present in guava inhibits the increase if sugar level in the blood and the fiber ensures to regulate the sugar level.
- Healthy for the heart: Due to the presence of potassium in guava, it improves the potassium and sodium balance in the body and therefore regulates the hyper-tensed people’s blood pressure. It lowers the level of LDL and triglycerides which are the causes of heart disease and improves HDL levels.
- Used in the treatment of Constipation: 1 guava fulfils the daily recommended unit intake of fiber. So this dietary rich fiber fruit us beneficial for the digestive system and helps in the formation of bowel.
- It is used to improve eyesight: The presence of Vitamin A in guava acts as the booster for vision. It not only improves eyesight but also prevents from degradation. It slows down the development of cataract and macular degeneration. It is a good source of nutrients.
- Eating guava during pregnancy: As guava contains folic acid (vitamin B-9) which helps in the development of baby’s nervous system and protects them from any neurological disorders; thus it is highly recommended for pregnant women.
- Aids in toothache: Guava leaves acts as an excellent remedy for toothache. The leaves contain anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial property which fights against infections and inhibits the growth of germs. The juice extracted from the guava leaves is known to cure toothaches, swollen gums and mouth ulcers.
- Stress manager: Due to the presence of magnesium it helps to relax and sooth the muscles and nerves of the body. It helps to combat the stress and is a great energy booster.
- Good for brain health: Consuming guava in a day helps to improve the blood circulation in the brain, relax the nerves by stimulating cognitive function. This is due to the presence of Vitamin B3 and B6, known as niacin and pyridoxine.
- Helps in weight loss: Guava being an excellent energy booster helps to shed weight by regulating metabolism of your body. It contains low sugar and high fiber content that is highly recommended for weight loss.
- Treatment of cough and cold: The presence of Vitamin C and iron helps to fight against cough, cold and viral infections. Raw guava juice or decoction of leaves helps to fight and provide relief against any disinfects and getting rid of mucus.
- Anti-ageing: Guavas are rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants which helps to prevent the skin from wrinkles and fine lines thus providing a youthful look.
- It helps to improve complexion: Guava helps to regain the radiance and freshness of the skin. Mash some fresh flesh of guava, mix it with egg yolk and apply it on the face. Let it stay for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Using it weekly or twice a week removes the dead skin cells and lightens the complexion. Guavas are good source of Vitamin K that helps to overcome discoloration and helps to get rid of acne and redness.
- Fights against the problem of scurvy: Due to the presence of vitamin C it is highly beneficial to consume guava on a regular basis to prevent the problem of scurvy.
- It improves texture of the skin: the astringent property of guava helps to tighten the facial muscles and tone up the skin. Apply the decoction of the guava leaves.
- It helps to keep you hydrated: It is a juicy summer fruit and helps to keep you hydrated. Either munch the guavas directly or add little chilly and salt to it to get the complete benefit of the fruit.
Guava is an amazing and highly beneficial fruit to have during summers as it helps to boost the metabolism and has positive effects from improving the immunity to providing instant energy as well as keeping oneself hydrated and helps to lose weight.
What is the best time to eat guava
The best time to eat any fruit at any given time of the day is on an empty stomach.