Guava is a tropical plant known to be native in the Caribbean, Central, and South America. Guava, also known scientifically as Psidium guajava, has proliferated across temperate Asian countries and regions in Africa.
Guava trees produce round or egg-shaped fruit with a small “crown” that changes color and taste from green to yellowish and tangy and sour to sweet, respectively. Guava fruit usually has white, yellowish, or pinkish flesh with a bulk of seeds in the middle.
Both the fruit and leaves of guava trees provide numerous health benefits. Guava fruit can be eaten as it is, made into a jam, smoothie, combined with yogurt, or juiced. On the other hand, guava leaves are usually boiled for skin wash, extracted, or made into tea.
# Helps Boost Your Immune SystemVitamin C or ascorbic acid is beneficial for the development and repair of body tissues, maintaining healthy skin, aiding wound healing, and boosting the immune system.
Unfortunately, our bodies do not produce vitamin C. Fortunately for us, nature has blessed us with superfruits such as guava, an excellent source of vitamin C along with other nutrients. A 100g serving of guava fruit has 228.3 mg of vitamin C; that’s about four times more than the lemon’s vitamin C content, which is 53 mg/ 100 grams. Daily intake of adequate amounts of vitamin C aids in promoting the immune system in and protecting the body from cold and flu.
# May Reduce Blood Pressure
Consuming guava fruit may be associated with high potassium, and soluble fiber content may aid in lowering blood pressure. Additionally, guava leaves extract may reduce hypertension and improve lipid profiles because of its phytochemicals such as tannins, enzymes, and flavonoids that serve as antioxidants.
# May Help Relieve Menstrual CrampsDysmenorrhea or menstrual pain is a painful symptom experienced by many women. This is conventionally cured with anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
However, in a randomized trial conducted in 197 women, a daily dose of 6 mg of guava folium extract has proven to reduce menstrual pain significantly. The research also revealed that guava leaves extract may be more effective in reducing menstrual cramps compared with over the counter painkillers.
# Promotes Wound HealingOne of the most traditional guavas uses is for healing wounds by boiling, pounding,
or chopping the leaves as an antiseptic to prevent wound infection. Guava leaves are boiled for 20 minutes, cooled, then used as a skin wash to accelerate healing and treat fungal problems.
Several studies support guava leaves extract potentiality against wounds, burns, and soft-tissue infections because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Research in rats further revealed that guava leaf extract might be associated with faster healing than other medicines. Together with its antibacterial properties, guava leaves extracts also have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that may help relieve pain.
# Assists in Lowering Blood Sugar LevelsBoth guava fruit and leaves may help manage blood sugar levels. Peeling your guava fruit is the better way if you aim to control your sugar intake. Guava fruit without peel is more effective in lowering blood sugar and serum total cholesterol and increases HDLc levels. Also, the consumption of guava leaves tea every meal may lower blood sugar levels of pre-diabetic and diabetic patients.
# Excellent Source of FiberFiber-rich foods help lower the risk of metabolic diseases and reduce gut inflammation.
The recommended dietary fiber intake is around 25g-30g. One guava fruit has 5 grams of fiber with relatively low-calorie content and packed with nutrition such as potassium, vitamin c, vitamin a, protein, vitamin B6 and magnesium.
A study suggests that increased consumption of dietary fiber may reduce the risk of developing several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, and have been associated with lower body weights and weight loss.