Guava are plants of the genus Psidium of the family of arrayanes (Myrtaceae). The health benefits of guava include eye care, brain health, immunity boosting, cancer cure aid, skin care and many more. The term “guava” seems to derive from the “guava tree” of the Arawak guava (indigenous peoples of the Caribbean), through the Spanish guava. Another term for guavas is pear, derived from Spanish or Portuguese pear common to regions around the western Indian Ocean. Amrood is another term used in the Indian subcontinent and in the Middle East, possibly derived from armoot which means “pear” in Arabic and Turkish. In Egypt, it is called gawafa.
Classified as a berry by most botanists, each guava berry is covered by a rough green bark that turns yellow when ripe. The inner pulp comes in white, pink or red colors with numerous tiny and semi-edible edible seeds, especially concentrated in its center. The fruit is soft when ripe, with a sweet musky aroma and creamy texture. Ripe fruits have a rich and sweet and sour taste. The first Spanish explorers of the 16th century found Guayaba Fresa; ‘ Acca sellowiana O. ‘, growing as a native tree in America, where they settled firmly from Mexico south to Peru. They are native to Mexico, Central America and northern South America. Guavas are grown and naturalized in the tropics and subtropics of Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean, the subtropical regions of North America, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia and Spain.
The 20 Main Health Benefits of Guava:
1. Relieves Diarrhea and Dysentery:
The astringents, in guava, are alkaline by nature and have disinfectant and antibacterial properties, inhibit microbial growth and eliminate extra mucus from the intestines. Other nutrients such as vitamin C, carotenoids and potassium, strengthen and tone the digestive system.
2. Eye Care:
The vitamin A or retinol delays the onset of cataracts, macular degeneration, and prevents decay of vision and night blindness.
3. Brain Health:
Guavas contain vitamin B3 and vitamin B6 (niacin and pyridoxine).
“It helps improve blood circulation to the brain, relaxing nerves and stimulating cognitive function”.
4. Regulates the Thyroid:
Guavas contain the trace element Copper that regulates thyroid metabolism, helping to control the production and absorption of hormones.
5. Cure for Diabetics:
Rich in fiber and with a low glycemic index, guavas help regulate the absorption of sugar by the body and can be consumed to prevent and cure type 2 diabetes.
6. Effective Laxative:
Constipation is caused when food is stuck in our colon. Guava, super rich in fiber, helps the body retain water and thoroughly clean the intestines and excretory system.
7. Relaxing Nervous:
Guava is a food rich in magnesium that acts as a nervous relaxant. It helps relax the muscles and nerves of the body.
8. For Pregnant Women:
Guavas contain folic acid, or vitamin B9, which is recommended for pregnant women, as it can help in the development of the fetus’s nervous system and protect the newborn from neurological disorders.
9. For Fertility:
Guavas contain a good amount of folate that helps increase fertility in humans.
10. Accelerates Absorption:
Being rich in manganese, Guavas help the body in the rapid absorption of key nutrients such as biotin, vitamins, and minerals from the food we eat.
11. Strengthening Immunity:
The vitamin C provides a boost in antioxidants, which are the main lines of defense against the proliferation of free radicals in the body.
12. Infection Control:
Relieves coughs and colds by reducing mucus, disinfecting the respiratory tract, throat and lungs, and inhibiting microbial activity with its astringent properties.
13. Help to Lose Weight:
Guava is very rich in vitamins, proteins, fiber and minerals and has no cholesterol and a very low number of digestible carbohydrates.
14. Help with Cancer Cure:
Being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants such as lycopene , eating guavas can protect your cells from damage and reduce the chances of prostate, breast and oral cancer.
15. Skin Care:
Vitamins, minerals and nutrients, along with the astringent property of Guava, help keep skin toned, hydrated, improves elasticity, removes spots, acne, dark spots, blackheads, wrinkles and pimples.
16. Scurvy Jacket:
A deficiency of vitamin C can cause scurvy, and adequate intake of guavas rich in vitamin C is the best remedy for this dangerous disease.
17. Anti-age:
Guavas are rich in vitamin A, B, C and potassium, which are good antioxidants and detoxifiers. The lycopene and carotene protect healthy cells from toxins and UV, which softens the skin wrinkles.
18. Blood Pressure Stabilizer:
The potassium in guava helps reduce blood cholesterol and prevents it from getting fat, thus maintaining blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
19. Fights Hair Loss:
Rich in vitamin C, guava helps promote healthy hair growth. It also helps fight hair loss problems.
20. Oral Care:
It is known that the juice of guava leaves cure toothaches, inflamed gums and oral ulcers, and that it accelerates the healing power of wounds when applied externally.
Side Effects and Precautions:
No side effects have been reported due to excessive consumption of guava.But herbal supplements derived from the plant and fruits need to be taken under medical supervision.
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