Guava is believed to have originated from Central America where it is being called sand plum. The fruit is round or oval in shape; the epicarp is light green or light yellow in colour and the flesh varies from white to pink. This fruit contains seeds that are edible.
Find below some of the health benefits of guava:
1. Helps relieve stress
Guava contains magnesium which helps to relax the tensed muscles and nerves in the body. This fruit helps relieve stress and also doubles as an energy booster.
2. Important in pregnancy
The folic acid contained in guava is usually recommended for pregnant women as it helps in the development of the baby’s nervous system. Folic acid which is also known as vitamin B9 is good for the unborn child and mother as it protects the baby from neurological disorders.
3. Aids digestion
Guava contains an appreciable amount of dietary fibre when compared to other fruits. Taking one guava is equivalent to about twelve percent of the recommended daily intake of fibre.
This assists in digestion as it would prevent constipation by aiding bowel movements. The seeds also double as laxatives when it is being chewed or swallowed.
4. It boosts immunity
Vitamin C helps to improve the immune system and protect the body against infections. Guava is very high in vitamin C as it contains four times the amount of vitamin C found in oranges.
5. Healthy for diabetic patients
Since guava contains high fibre content and low glycaemic index, it could be eaten to inhibit the development of diabetes and to regulate the sugar levels. The low glycaemic index prevents the increase in sugar levels in the body.
6. Assists in weight loss
For those who are interested in shedding weight, guava is the right fruit to be eaten. This fruit helps in losing weight by regulating the metabolism of the body system. It could also make a filling snack as it satisfies the appetite easily.
7. A remedy for cold and cough
As a result of the high amounts of vitamin C and iron contained in guavas and fruits generally, they could be taken to prevent cold and viral infections.
The juice obtained from the raw and immature guava helps in relieving cold and cough. It also helps in keeping the respiratory tract, lungs and throat clean by disinfecting it and eliminating mucus.
8. Enhances freshness of the skin
Guavas contain vitamin K which helps to remove dark circles and promote an even tone. Guava helps in making the skin glow; it helps the skin to regain its freshness and radiance. It also helps to tighten the facial muscles.
Mixing guava flesh with egg yolk would result into a scrub that could be applied on the face. This would help get rid of the dead cells in the skin and lighten the complexion at the same time.
9. Prevention of wrinkles
Guavas contain vitamins A and C; it also contains antioxidants like lycopene and carotene which helps protect the skin from wrinkles. Thus, taking guava regularly would slow down the ageing process and keep fine lines away.
10. It promotes good vision
As a result of the vitamin A contained in guavas, it is able to improve eyesight. In addition to this, it can prevent you from going blind as it prevents the degradation of eyesight. Even though the vitamin A content in guavas may not be as high as that of carrots, it can, however, help slow down the appearance of cataracts.
11. A home remedy for a toothache
The juice extracted from guava leaves could be used to treat toothaches, swollen gums and oral ulcers. Guava leaves are effective as they have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help fight infection and kill germs at the same time.
