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Healthy Diet Plans >>  Health Food >>  Guava

Guava Health Benefits


The guava plant belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is cultivated in a number of sub-tropical and tropical countries for its fruit. You can eat it raw or even use it in cooking. It is a very popular fruit used for making a variety of juices, jams, and jellies. Some of the other common names for guava are red guava, guayabo, guyava, and kuawa. Some of the interesting nutritional information and facts about guava are as follows:
  • Guavas are very high in water content and comparatively lower in proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
  • They are a rich source of vitamin A, C B2, E, iron, riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, copper, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, and manganese. Guavas are richer in vitamin A and C as compared to oranges and lemons.
  • These fruits contain carbonyl compounds that give it its odor.
  • Unripe guavas are higher in tannin content as compared to ripe guavas.
  • The skin of the guava fruit is a rich source of ascorbic acid that is very beneficial in fighting a number of degenerative diseases.
  • Guavas are also a rich source of dietary fiber.

Guava and Health Problems


Apart from being a tasty treat, there are a number of health benefits of guava. Experts often recommend using this nutritious fruit in the treatment of problems like diabetes, acne, piles, weight loss, hair problems, and a number of infertility issues. Enlisted below are some of the detailed health benefits of guava for the treatment of specific disorders.
  • Acne: Guavas not only help improve the texture of the skin, they also help prevent a number of skin problems like acne, boils, and pimples. Guavas are rich in astringents that help in tightening both the muscles and skin in the facial region. They even help tighten and tone loose skin. Being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, guavas contain powerful detoxifiers and antioxidants that help guard against acne, wrinkles, boils, and various other skin related disorders.
  • Diabetes: Guavas not only help lower the risk of diabetes, they are also good for people suffering from diabetes. Guavas help slow down the sugar absorption in the body and are therefore highly beneficial to diabetic patients. Being a rich source of fiber, guavas lower the risk of developing type-II diabetes.
  • Weight loss: Guavas are a great remedy for weight loss as they are free of cholesterol and contain a very low percentage of digestible carbohydrates. On the other hand, they are a rich source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals and assist in weight loss without having to compromise on the required essential nutrients. Furthermore, they boost digestion and metabolism that helps in achieving effective weight loss.
  • Piles: Experts believe that eating guavas everyday helps cure piles. The high fiber content in guavas helps in softening stools and boosting metabolism, which in turn helps in treating as well as preventing piles.
  • Sore throat: Guava tea is commonly used as a gargle for sore throat while cool guava juice also helps ease throat soreness. Guava contains pectin that is an effective cure for sore throat.  
  • Fertility: Regular consumption of guava promotes better fertility because of its high folate content that is a fertility booster.
  • Hair: Guava is one of the fruits that promote healthy hair growth because of its rich vitamin C content. It is also good for combating hair loss problems.
Stomach Problems:

Regular consumption of guavas is also good for treating a number of digestive disorders like diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, and acidity. Some of the benefits of guava concerning these problems are as follows:
  • Constipation: The seeds of guava not only are the richest source of fiber, they also contain powerful laxative properties that help treat problems like constipation. Experts therefore recommend eating guavas regularly to assist in the formation of bowels, retention of water, and cleansing of the excretory system.
  • Diarrhea: Similarly, guavas are also good for curing diarrhea. Their powerful astringent properties help in binding loose bowels and eliminate bacterial growth from the intestinal tract. Being a rich source of potassium, vitamin C, and carotenoids, guavas disinfect and tone up the digestive system.
  • Digestion: Guavas contain pectin that helps in promoting digestion and improving appetite. Their fiber content is also helpful in preventing indigestion problems.
  • Acidity: Guavas are a natural cure for problems like acidity and heartburn. Being high in potassium content, guavas help neutralize stomach acids, ease related symptoms, and strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.
  • Stomach ache: Guava is a great remedy for easing stomach ache including menstrual stomach pain. Experts recommend combining guava pulp with honey and milk for easing stomach pains. Similarly, guavas are also beneficial in eliminating intestinal worms that may sometimes cause stomach pain and other problems.
  • Kidney stones: Regular intake of guava helps treat and prevent the formation of kidney stones. The rich vitamin C content in guavas helps in absorbing extra calcium in the body that can result in the formation of kidney stones.
Women:

Guavas are beneficial for women especially during pregnancy. Loaded with vitamins, folic acid, and calcium, guavas are extremely beneficial to pregnant women. Experts believe that guavas are also a good natural cure for morning sickness in pregnancy. However, in pregnancy avoid overeating high fiber fruits like guava as it may result in diarrhea. In menstruating women, regular intake of guavas helps reduce menstrual cramps. Furthermore, a solution of boiled guava leaves is an effective remedy for treating vaginal discharge problems.

Side Effects Of Guava


Although the guava fruit has a multitude of health benefits, it is also important to keep in mind its side effects on health. Even though guavas are a safe fruit to eat, there is not enough medical evidence to support their effectiveness or safety when used in medicines. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers in particular must avoid overuse of guava through various herbal and alternative medications. It is better to stick to eating guavas in their natural form as far as possible.
Submitted on January 16, 2014