Guavas, amrood, or guayabas are tropical fruits that are native to many parts of South America, Africa, and Asia. Popularly called “the poor man’s apple”, these fruits come in several varieties. Guavas are enjoyed raw, cooked in sauces, or added to pickles and preserves.They are a delicious food source and guava benefits pack a huge nutritional punch.
Guavas belong to the Myrtle family of plants. The guava fruit has a skin which is usually thick and green, but as the fruit ripens, it becomes yellow, maroon, or green. Guavas carry a fragrance similar to lemons, but their taste is a cross between that of strawberries and pears. To add to it all, guava benefits are also plenty.
The Peruvians and the Indians of the Amazon used guavas and their leaves for their medicinal properties. They treated conditions like diarrhea, vertigo, and nausea, with this fruit.
Six Primary Benefits Of Guava
There are many health benefits of guava. A guava is known to :
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Regulate Blood Pressure
Guavas are a rich source of potassium. Just 100 grams of guava contain 417 mg of potassium. This mineral plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure levels, by reversing the effect of sodium.
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Balance Blood Sugar Levels
These tropical fruits are high in fiber (about 5.4g/100g), so they’re highly beneficial to individuals with diabetes, as fiber slows down sugar absorption into the blood.
A 2010 study conducted at the Yakult Central Institute of Microbial Research found that consuming guava leaf extracts suppresses high blood sugar levels and may prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
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Promote Eye Health
Guavas contain high amounts of vitamin A, about 31 micro grams per 100 grams of fruit. This ensures great eye health as vitamin A is known to improve eyesight.
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Enhance Skin Health
Improved skin health is also one of the guava benefits. As guavas are rich in Vitamin C and E, they help nourish the skin and protect it from the sun’s UV rays. The antioxidant properties of both vitamins makes guavas a good astringent.
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Boosts Brain Function
Guavas are also packed with B vitamins. Vitamin B3 (niacin) promotes blood flow in the brain, while vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is necessary for nerve function.
Get the benefits of guava by adding this fruit to tasty foods like cakes and souffles. -
Reduces Cancer Risk
The guava fruits have a higher content of vitamin C than oranges. They contain 228.3mg of this vitamin per 100g of fruit. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which is responsible for protecting the body from free radicals that cause cancer.
A 2006 study by Manosroi found that the essential oils present in guava leaves show anti-cancer activity.
These guava benefits are just some of many. Experience all of them by including this fruit in your diet in some form. Prepare guava-based soups, salads, and souffles to get all the nutritional content of this tasty tropical fruit.