Besides its unique flavour and fragrance, guava has been hailed as one of the
super fruits due to the numerous health benefits it offers. It indeed is a powerhouse of nutrients. “This humble fruit is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants that are beneficial for skin.
Guavas are also rich in manganese which helps the body to absorb other key nutrients from the food that we eat. Guavas contain folate, a mineral which helps promote fertility. The potassium in guavas helps
normalise blood pressure levels as well. In fact, a banana and a guava contain almost the same amount of potassium. Since it contains about 80% of water
it helps keep your skin hydrated”, says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Sukhda
Hospital.
1. Improve Immunity
Did you know: Guavas are one of the richest sources of vitamin C? It’s true. Guavas contain 4 times the vitamin C content present in oranges. Vitamin C helps improve immunity and protects you against common infections and pathogens.
2. Lowers Risk of Cancer
“Lycopene, quercetin, vitamin C and other polyphenols act as potent
antioxidants which neutralise free radicals generated in the body, preventing the growth of cancer cells.
Guavas have shown to be widely successful in reducing prostate cancer
risk and also inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells since it is rich
in lycopene”, says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.
3. Diabetes-Friendly
Due to the rich fibre content and low glycaemic index, guavas prevent the development of diabetes. While the low glycemic index inhibits a sudden spike in sugar levels, the fibre content ensures the sugar levels are well regulated.
4. Heart Healthy
Guavas improve the sodium and potassium balance of the body, thereby regulating blood pressure
in patients with hypertension. Guavas also help lower the levels of
triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL), which contribute to the
development of heart disease. This magical fruit improves levels of the
good cholesterol (HDL).
5. Treats Constipation
It is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber in comparison to other
fruits and just 1 guava fulfills about 12% of your daily recommended
intake of fibre, which makes it extremely beneficial for your digestive
health. Guava seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent
laxatives too, helping the formation of healthy bowel movements.
6. Improves Eyesight
Due to the presence of Vitamin A, guava is well known as a booster for vision health. It can not only prevent degradation of eyesight,
but even improve eyesight. It can help slow down the appearance of
cataracts and macular degeneration. Even though guavas are not as rich
in Vitamin A as carrots, they are still a very good source of the
nutrient.
7. Guava During Pregnancy
Guavas contain folic acid, or vitamin B-9, which is recommended for
pregnant women since it can help in developing the baby’s nervous system
and protect the newborn from neurological disorders.
8. Beats Toothache
Guava leaves have a potent anti-inflammatory action and a powerful
antibacterial ability which fights infection and kills germs. Thus,
consuming guava leaves works as a fantastic home remedy for toothache.
The juice of guava leaves has also been known to cure toothaches,
swollen gums and oral ulcers.
9. Stress-Buster
The magnesium present in guavas helps to relax the muscles and nerves
of the body. So after a hard workout or a long day at the office, a
guava is certainly what you need to relax your muscles, combat stress
and give your system a good energy boost.
10. Good for Your Brain
“Guavas contain vitamin B3 and vitamin B6, also known as niacin and
pyridoxine respectively, which help in improving blood circulation to
the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves”, remarks Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.
11. Weight Loss
Want to shed a few pounds? Guava is just the ticket. Without compromising your intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber,
guava helps you lose weight by regulating your metabolism. It’s a
win-win! Guava makes for a very filling snack and satisfies the appetite
very easily. Guava, especially raw guava, also has far less sugar as compared to apples, oranges, grapes, and other fruits.
12. Cough and Cold
Guava has one of the highest quantities of vitamin-C and iron among
fruits, and both are proven to be preventive against cold and viral
infections. The juice of raw and immature guavas or a decoction of
guava-leaves is very helpful in relieving cough and cold since it helps get rid of mucus and disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.
13. Anti-Ageing Properties
Guavas are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants like carotene
and lycopene which help protect the skin from wrinkles. A guava a day,
keeps fine lines away!
14. Improves Complexion
Guava helps regain the skin’s radiance and freshness.
Reap the benefits by preparing a DIY scrub at home: All you have to do
is mash some guava flesh with an egg yolk and apply it on your face.
Rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water. When used once or twice a
week, this scrub will remove dead cells from your skin and lighten your
complexion. Guavas are also a great source of Vitamin K, which helps get
rid of skin discoloration, dark circles, redness and acne irritation.
15. Improves Texture
Guavas rank high in astringent properties, guava leaves and unripe guavas even higher. Guava helps tone up and tighten the facial muscles, so apply a decoction of the leaves and fruit on your skin and voila!
