Guava – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Guavas are light green or yellow oval fruits that are native to Central America. The tropical fruit is characterized by its sweet and musky scent, sweet-tart flavor, and its creamy texture. The flesh of the guava fruit varies in color, which include white, pink, yellow and red.

List of known nutrients

Guavas are considered a superfood in many countries due to their high nutrient content. Nutrition-and-You.com complied a comprehensive list of essential vitamins and minerals found in guavas, which include:

Beta-Carotene
Calcium
Carbohydrates
Copper
Dietary fiber
Folates
Iron
Lyconene
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Pantothenic acid
Phosphorus
Potassium
Protein
Pyridoxine
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamine
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for guava

Guavas are naturally rich in vitamin C, which fortifies the body’s immune system. In fact, guavas has as much as four to five times the vitamin C content found in oranges. The immune-boosting properties of guavas are essential in staving off scurvy, a harmful condition characterized by low vitamin C levels. The high vitamin C levels in guavas are important in keeping common infections and pathogens at bay. Guavas are also an excellent source of antioxidants that inhibit the effects of free radicals. Raw and immature guavas are also found to prevent the onset of common cough and cold.

The tropical fruit is also a rich source of dietary fiber content and carries a low glycemic index level, making it an ideal table fruit for patients with diabetes. The fruit’s high fiber content ensures proper sugar absorption, while its low glycemic index prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. Guavas are also known to prevent insulin depletion in patients. The high fiber content in guavas are also known to accelerate weight loss.

Guavas promote a healthy sodium and potassium balance in the body. The tropical fruit is also notable for its capacity to reduce the body’s triglyceride and bad cholesterol levels. In addition, guavas are known to bolster good cholesterol levels. This means that the fruit prevents the blood from thickening by promoting blood fluidity and regulating high blood pressure. The high antioxidant levels in guavas are also touted to protect the heart from free radical-induced damage.

Guavas are essential in maintaining brain health. The fruit’s vitamin B3 and vitamin B6 content are found to boost blood flow and stimulate cognitive function. Vitamin B6, in particular, is an important nutrient that maintains health brain and nerve function. The superfood is found to greatly benefit the digestive system by preventing constipation. Guavas are known to contain astringent effects that fortify and disinfect the system simultaneously.

The superfood is also a rich source of copper, which promotes thyroid health by regulating the body’s hormone production and absorption. Moreover, the tropical fruit is an excellent source of vitamin A that bolsters eye health and prevents the development of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision-related conditions. Guavas are also beneficial to the skin and teeth.

Body systems supported by guava

Guavas are primarily beneficial to the immune, digestive, heart, and circulatory systems. The superfood also supports thyroid and brain health. The tropical fruit is helpful in maintaining good eyes, skin, and teeth.

Ways to use guava

Guavas can be eaten as a table fruit, or incorporated in a variety of recipes. The tropical fruit can be used in coolers and smoothies, cocktails, and even ice cream. Guavas can also be used in meat and seafood dishes as well as baked products.