The Magic of Guava

Have you ever thought guava can be more salubrious than orange or apple? Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, folic acid, potassium (contains more potassium than banana per 100 g of fruit weight), copper, magnesium, and manganese, guava is a unique tropical fruit that contains about four times the amount of vitamin C that an orange normally contains. Guava is a storehouse of a number of nutrients, low in calories and fats, but contains several vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant poly-phenolic and flavonoid compounds that play important role in prevention of cancers, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Fresh guava is an natural source of antioxidants and vitamin C. The outer thick layer contains higher levels of vitamin C than the pulp stored in the pith. With high vitamin A content and flavonoids like beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and cryptoxanthin, guava possesses excellent antioxidant properties, which are essential for good health. Moreover, vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes, good eyesight and skin. Since guava is rich in carotene, it helps prevent lung and oral cavity cancers. A specific study on the lycopene content in pink guava suggest that taking a fresh pink guava everyday can prevent skin damage from UV rays and also protect from prostate cancer.

Major Health Benefits

Lowers the Risk of Cancer: Rich in vitamin C content, which is approximately 400% more than oranges, guava protects cells from free radical damage.

Prevents Diabetes: Rich in fiber, guava helps prevent diabetes by decelerating the assimilation of sugar in the body.

Regulates High Blood Pressure: Guava reduces cholesterol in blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure.

Improves Good Eyesight: A rich source of vitamin A, guava promotes better eyesight.

Promotes Healthy Thyroid Gland: The absence of iodine and good sources of copper in combination play a crucial role in controlling thyroid.

Provides Healthy Skin: It can improve skin texture because of the abundance of astringents in the raw guavas. In addition to the astringents, guava is also rich in vitamin-A, B, C and potassium which are very good source of antioxidants and detoxifiers that keep skin glowing and free from aging, wrinkles and many other skin disorders.

Promotes Fertility: With a substantial amount of folate content, guava bears fertility-promoting properties. So try this out as a passion fruit!

Relaxes Nerves and Muscles: Having guavas can relax nerves and muscles as it's a good source of magnesium.

Keeps Brain Healthy: The vitamin B group plays a major role in the functioning of brain. Rich in vitamin B3, a component that stimulates brain function, and vitamin B6 that acts as an important vitamin for brain and nerve function, guava certainly can be a radical agent in keeping your brain healthy and powerful as well.

Cures Diarrhea and Dysentery: The rich astringents in raw guava which are alkaline in nature and have disinfectant and anti-bacterial properties help cure diarrhea and dysentery by inhibiting microbial growth and removing extra mucus from the intestines.

Ameliorates Constipation: One of the richest sources of dietary fiber, guava seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives.

Cures Cough and Cold: Since guava is rich in vitamin-C and iron which are proven to be preventive against cold and viral infections, juice of raw guavas or guava-leaves provides relief in cough and cold.

Promotes Weight Loss: Being very high in roughage and very rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, but with no cholesterol and less digestible carbohydrates, guava is very filling and satisfies appetite very easily.

Cures Scurvy: As a rich source of vitamin-C, guava can help cure scurvy.

So next time you go for shopping fruits, don't ignore guava!