Guava health benefits includes cancer prevention, managing diabetes, supporting healthy eyes, managing blood pressure, supporting healthy digestion, improving immunity system, supporting thyroid health, treating scurvy, slowing down aging process, supporting healthy metabolism, treating diarrhea and supporting weight loss.
What is Guava?
Guava is one of the most delicious and nutritious fruits available to humankind. It is the kind of fruit you can eat for a snack and not feel guilty about. It is an exceptionally nutrient-dense fruit with various varieties.
Guavas have sweet or tangy flavor depending on what ripening stage they are at. Its flesh is white, pink or maroon depending on which variety it is. The seeds are hard and placed in the center of the fruit. Guavas resemble pears closely but have completely different in taste and texture. Guavas are eaten raw but may be cooked to be turned into jams.
Guavas are native to Mexico and South America. Asian countries joined in on the cultivation later on and became one of the largest producers. Guava is not only delicious an healthy but it is also one of the least chemically treated fruits and is as close to organically grown as a non organically grown fruit can be.
Guavas are very susceptible to weather conditions and cannot bear high temperatures. Its chemical composition makes it highly beneficial in treating and preventing various diseases, especially skin related ones. Guavas are rich in minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants which can benefit the body in more ways than one.
Guava is a tropical fruit, the calorie count is low, and the nutritional value is high. Here is a list of 12 impressive benefits that eating guava can add to your health.
12 Impressive Health Benefits of Guava
1. Cancer Prevention
Guavas are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as Vitamin C, riboflavin and thiamin. Guavas can be very useful in inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells and also prevents tumor growth. Recent studies have shown that eating guava regularly negatively affects breast, prostate and oral cancer. Guava leaves contain oil that acts as an antiproliferative and it is tested to target cancerous growths and to prevent the spread of cancerous cells. Guavas also contain lycopene which targets prostate cancer and prevents it from taking roots.
2. Manage Diabetes
Fruits are often confused as blood-sugar level spiking agents, but, guava is one of the most beneficial fruits that help keep the blood sugar levels in check. The high amounts of dietary fiber in guavas can positively affect the glucose blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in diabetes patients. Research conducted on type II diabetes suggests that regularly eating guava made a big difference in their blood sugar levels.
3. Healthy Eyes
Eating the right diet can make a huge difference in the health of your eyes. Guavas are extremely rich in vitamins and vitamin A in particular which is known to prevent macular degeneration and protect the retina from being damaged by the effects of free radicals. Vitamin A keeps the oxidative stress at bay and also prevents eye diseases such as cataracts and vision loss. The recommended serving is to eat three guavas a day during the season to reap maximum benefits.
4. Blood Pressure Management
Guavas are rich in dietary fiber which is very beneficial to keep the arteries and blood vessels clean. This helps promote a moderate blood flow which is necessary for preventing excessive blood flow to the heart. Guavas are hypoglycemic and can be very helpful in regulating adequate blood flow throughout the body.
5. Healthy Digestion
The digestive system facilitates the whole body is functioning properly. The adequate absorption of nutrients and the regular excretion of toxins and waste are necessary for the body to stay healthy. This fruit heals diarrhea and keeps the intestinal lining stays healthy, and the nutrients are being absorbed well.
6. Immunity
Immunity is the body’s barrier to diseases and infections. When the immune system f the body weakens it is far easier for chronic diseases and infections to take root in the body. Guavas are a rich source of vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. Regular consumption of guavas can ensure that the body stays clear of disease and recovers quickly. The longer you stay sick especially during bouts of common cold and flu the weaker you immunity gets.
7. Thyroid Health
Guavas have been studied to keep the health of the thyroid gland in check and also target the excessive production of the TSH hormone. As Guavas help the body maintain a healthy metabolic rate, it also affects the overall thyroid health positively. It is a good source of copper which when deficient in the body can be the cause of thyroid hyperfunctions. This can develop into chronic illness and poses severe health risks. Better to eat right than suffer.
8. Scurvy Treatment
Scurvy is a severe health condition that can lead to other health problems. The main identified reason for scurvy is the deficiency of vitamin C. Guavas are a rich source of vitamin C, so much so that they are four times more potent than citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. Guava is deemed to be the best source of vitamin C in fruits.
9. Anti-Aging
As time passes the body ages both internally and externally, as much as we would like it not to be, aging is irreversible. However, eating a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamin C can protect the body and skin from oxidative damage and also from the effects of aging. Vitamin C is said to aid the production of collagen, especially in the skin cells. Guava face masks can also give the face a tightening and firming effect.
10. Healthy Metabolism
To keep the body healthy and promote oxygenation the metabolic rate needs to maintained and fruits such as guavas are rich in dietary fibers as well as antioxidants which are useful in muscle regeneration and also keep the brain functioning properly. The dietary fiber is also useful in helping the body break down complex proteins and completely, which besides all its benefits, also reduces bloating.
11. Diarrhea Treatment
Diseases like diarrhea can strip the body of essential nutrient and also weaken the immune system. Eating something which helps bulk up the stool and also help retain nutrients in the body is necessary and guava fits the bill. The dietary fiber can help rid the body of this disease as it will bulk up the stool.
12. Weight Loss
Healing snacking between meals is necessary for active weight loss. Eating less and foods that spike energy levels without actually providing any nutrients can be more damaging to the results we require rather than beneficial. Guavas are rich in vitamins and minerals which provide the right energy boost, and the dietary fiber keeps the stomach full for a long time.
Bottom Line
Guavas are nutritionally rich with multiple benefits for people suffering from various diseases. The regular consumption of this fruit can prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes; the best way is to eat one with every meal and keep the body healthy.