Guava is an incredibly healthy tropical fruit, full of vitamins. The fruits are round, oval, or pear-shaped, with edible seeds and rind. They can be of different varieties, in white, pink, yellow and even red color.
These amazing fruits have been known for their sweet and tangy flavor for centuries, but they can also be used in numerous different ways, and are even considered “magical”, due to the array of nutrients and medicinal uses.
The guava fruit is incredibly rich in vitamin C, and it contains four times more vitamin C than an average-sized orange; and ten times more vitamin A than a lemon. The high vitamin C content destroys free radicals and prevents oxidation, lowering the risk of degenerative diseases.
Moreover, guava is also rich in magnesium, potassium, folate, iron, vitamins B2 and E, calcium, copper, manganese, phosphorus and has almost 70 times more fiber than an orange.
According to Dr.Axe, “100 grams of guava fruit contains the following:
- 68 calories
- 14.3 grams carbohydrate
- 2.6 grams protein
- 228.3 milligrams vitamin C (381 percent DV)
- 5.2 milligrams lycopene ( 52 percent DV)
- 5.4 grams fiber (21.6 percent DV)
- 624 IU vitamin A (12.5 percent DV)
- 49 microgram folate (12.3 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligram copper (11.5 percent DV)
- 417 milligrams potassium (8.8 percent DV)
- 22 milligrams magnesium (5.5 percent DV)
- 40 milligrams phosphorus (4 percent DV)
Impressive, isn’t it?
Here are some of its health benefits:
Immune system: The incredibly high levels of vitamin C strengthen the immune system, protect the body cells from damage, and fight disease-causing pathogens.
Cholesterol: The vitamin C helps the absorption of vitamin E, and thus lowers LDL cholesterol and increased the (good) HDL cholesterol.
Anemia: The high vitamin C content helps the absorption of iron and thus prevents anemia.
Digestive health: The high fiber content helps digestion, and treats digestive infections, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
Heart disease: Guava is abundant in potassium and dietary fiber that lower bad cholesterol and improve heart health.
Bone health: The high sodium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus content strengthen the bones.
Skin health: Guava prevents skin damage and delays premature aging. Moreover, the vitamins C and A boost the elasticity and firmness of the skin.
Eye health: The carotenoids and antioxidants in guava improve eye health, and prevent the development of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Ripe guava fruits are softer and better for consumption. You can eat them raw, dip them in prune powder, juice them, or add them to smoothies. Despite being a delicious and healthy snack, guava flesh can also be used as a cooking and baking ingredient and used medicinally.
Yet, note that you should consume guava fruits regularly in order to reap all these benefits!
