guava cidium guajava It is a tropical fruit with a yellow-green peel that is native to Central America. guava First sold on the Florida market in 1847 and between 1948 and 1969. This fruit is believed to have been introduced to India by the Portuguese in the early 17th century. The fruit is considered a powerhouse of health, being a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, manganese, and antioxidants. Guavas are low in calories and rich in protein and fiber. It also contains small amounts of minerals such as zinc, calcium and iron. The seed and peel of the fruit should be as nutritious as the pulp of the fruit.
One of the major threats to the growth of this fruit is that a sudden drop in temperature could kill the guava tree.
Guava Nutrition Facts
Guava is said to be great for boosting immunity in general. Apart from that, it helps manage diabetes and promote heart health. It is also said that there is Guava is also said to help with various types of cancer.
Guava is called the Queen of Fruits because of its medicinal properties and abilities. Guava is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, which act as antioxidants. These antioxidants are very helpful in reducing or stopping the harmful effects associated with oxidation.
Below are some nutritional facts about guava.
- Guava contains 21% vitamin A, which brightens the skin and helps maintain mucous membranes.
- It contains 20% folic acid, which is effective for pregnant women and prevents neural tube damage.
- The lycopene in pink guava protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays and may help prevent prostate cancer.
- Guavas have a higher potassium content than bananas, which helps regulate high blood pressure.
- Guava also contains vitamin B5, which makes up 9% of the recommended daily intake, and enough vitamin B6 for 8% of the recommended daily intake.
According to the USDA, 100 grams of raw guava fruit contains:
- 68 calories
- Carbs 14.32g
- Sugar 8.92g
- 18g of calcium
- 0.95 g fat
- 2.55g of protein
- Dietary fiber 5.4g
- 22 g Magnesium (6% DV)
- Phosphorus 40 g (6% of the recommended daily value)
- 417 mg of potassium (9% of the recommended daily intake)
- 228.3 mg of Vitamin C (275% of the recommended daily value)
- 624 international units of vitamin A
Guavas are generally eaten fresh. They can be consumed raw or made into a drink.
Guava has great medicinal benefits, but should be consumed within limits. Guava contains fructose, which can be detrimental to your health in large amounts. Consuming large amounts of guava has also been associated with coughs and colds, which can cause a sour taste.
Guava Health Benefits
- Helps manage blood sugar levels: Guava is rich in dietary fiber and helps prevent diabetes. Fiber content regulates blood sugar spikes, but a high glycemic index also limits blood sugar spikes. Guava leaf extract has properties that improve blood sugar levels and aid in long-term blood sugar control.It may also help manage insulin resistance. Drinking guava tea after meals has been shown to suppress the absorption of glucose and prevent rapid rises in blood sugar levels. The leaves also inhibit several enzymes that convert carbohydrates to glucose during digestion. This helps people with type 2 diabetes.
- Helps regulate blood pressure: Consuming guava leaf extract may help lower high blood pressure. A 2016 test-tube study found that the extract had antihypertensive effects in rat tissue. This means it may lower blood pressure. This effect may be due to the antioxidant properties of the leaf extract. Antioxidants may lower blood pressure by helping dilate blood vessels.
The magnesium in the fruit helps relax the muscles and nerves, as well as the blood vessels of the body. - boost immunity: Guava is one of the richest food sources of vitamin C. In fact, one guava provides about twice the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin C. That’s almost double the amount you get from eating an orange. This is one of the major health benefits of guava. Vitamin C levels in the body are inversely related to infection and disease risk. It is also said to have antibacterial effects, helping to kill harmful microbes in the body.
- lower the risk of cancer: Guava leaf extract has been proven to have anti-cancer effects. Test-tube and animal studies have shown that guava extract can prevent and even stop the growth of cancer cells. It is thought to be due to the high levels of powerful antioxidants that protect cells from radical damage. In one of his test-tube studies published by the NIH, he found that guava leaf oil was four times more effective than certain cancer drugs in stopping cancer cell growth.
- good for skin: The antioxidants contained in guava protect the skin from damage, slow down the aging process and prevent the formation of wrinkles.Applying guava leaf extract directly to the skin also helps treat acne. In a tube study, guava leaf extract was found to be effective in killing acne-causing bacteria – likely due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Helps with digestive health: Guavas are a great source of dietary fiber, so eating more guava can help with healthy bowel movements and prevent constipation. % can be taken.In addition, guava leaf extract may help with digestive health.Studies suggest that it may reduce the intensity and duration of diarrhea. Leaf extracts have also been shown to be antibacterial, meaning that they can neutralize harmful microbes in the gut that can cause diarrhea.
- Helps with heart health: Many scientists believe that the high levels of antioxidants and vitamins in guava leaves help protect the heart from free radical damage. Levels of Potassium and Soluble Fiber in Guavas Its high cholesterol is also believed to contribute to improved heart health. increase. High blood pressure and high levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with increased risk of heart disease and stroke, so consuming guava leaf extract may provide valuable benefits.
- helps with weight loss: With just 37 calories per fruit and 12% of your recommended daily fiber intake, guavas are a filling, low-calorie snack. Unlike other low-calorie snacks, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals so your body doesn’t lose out on important nutrients. Guava leaf extract also has the ability to inhibit various enzymes that convert carbohydrates to glucose, thereby promoting weight loss.
- Helps manage menstrual symptoms: Many women experience dysmenorrhea. This is a painful symptom of menstruation, such as stomach cramps. However, there is some evidence that guava leaf extract may reduce the pain intensity of menstrual cramps. A study conducted by the NIH of 197 women who experienced painful symptoms found that taking 6 mg of guava leaf extract daily reduced pain intensity. It seems more potent than some pain relievers. This is a very useful health benefit of guava.
Guava tea recipe
As explained in the article above, guava leaves have many health benefits, so it is recommended to consume the extract several times a week. In case you don’t have one, here is a simple recipe for making tea from guava leaves.
- Wash 4 large fresh guava leaves well.
- Heat 1 cup of water in a pan and add guava leaves.
- Boil for 5-8 minutes.
- Strain the leaves and squeeze half a lemon into the water.
- Add honey if desired.
- Mix well.
- fun!