Health Benefits of Eating Guava: Guava is a tropical fruit that can thrive in either arid or humid conditions. The guava plant’s fleshy fruit and foliage are both edible, with the fruit typically consumed as a refreshment and the leaves commonly boiled into a botanical beverage.
Guavas have a comparable texture to pears, but with a bit more crispness. They have a delicious, tropical flavour that immediately transports your taste receptors to a tropical island. However, this delectable nibble conceals a number of health benefits.
Guava Health Benefits
Guava is nutritionally dense. In addition to containing more vitamin C than oranges, guava is also abundant in other antioxidants and has been linked to a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of eating guava.
Health Benefits of Eating Guava
Improve digestion
Fibre is one of the primary nutrients present in guava. It has been demonstrated that fibre aids in digestion by both solidifying and softening faeces. This can alleviate both diarrhoea and constipation symptoms.
Additionally, research indicates that guava leaf extract can reduce the severity and duration of diarrhoea. Certain digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, may be improved by consuming guava.
Relieve painful periods
Women who experience severe menstrual cramps may wish to attempt guava leaf. In one study, guava leaf extract was found to be more effective than analgesics in treating menstrual cramping.
Improve your immune system
Guava is loaded with vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. According to studies, vitamin C can shorten the duration of a cold and combat bacteria.
Guava Leaf Tea Benefits
Several laboratory and animal investigations on guava leaf tea have been conducted. This research has revealed a few possible health advantages of guava leaf tea consumption.
Diarrhea treatment
The conventional use of guava leaf tea as a treatment for diarrhoea has been investigated by scientists, who have discovered substantial evidence in its favour.
Lowering blood sugar
It has been shown that the polyphenols in guava leaf tea modulate the absorption of carbohydrates. This effect is notably advantageous for some diabetics. Consuming guava leaf tea after meals can help reduce blood sugar increases and has not been shown to interact negatively with diabetes medications.
Various guava leaf extracts, including guava leaf tea, have demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties in the laboratory. Several compounds in the leaves, including flavonoids, tannins, and acids (gallic and betulinic), may contribute to these properties.
Nutrition
One guava contains more than twice the daily value for vitamin C. In addition to its high vitamin C content, guava is rich in the following nutrients:
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin A
- Potassium
Nutrients per serving
One whole guava contains:
- Calories: 37
- Fat: 0.5 gram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
Portion sizes
One guava counts as one of the 4-5 servings of fruit recommended daily. Similar to many other fruits, guava contains a significant quantity of sugar, and it is essential to limit your sugar consumption. An excessive amount of sugar in the diet can result in weight gain and dental decay.
Also read: Everything you need to know about eggs
How to Eat Guava
To consume raw guava, split it in half. The guava fruit can then either be sliced like an apple, or the fleshy portion can be scooped out with a utensil like an avocado. Guava epidermis is edible, but some individuals dislike its flavour.
In addition to consuming it raw, guava can also be used in cooking.
Fresh guava is an excellent addition to smoothies, salads, beverages, and salsas. Guava can be cooked and is used in a variety of baked products, such as:
- Cookies
- Breads
- Breakfast cakes
- Muffins