Guava: Tree, Leaves and Fruits Health Benefits
The guava fruit also known as Amrood aur Amrud(अमरूद) in Hindi. Its tree is usually 6-25ft high with strong bark. The guava trees are widely grown in Asian region and also gaining in popularity in Western world because of its very high nutritional value. It can be considered as a super fruit because of its umpteen nutritional values and health promoting qualities. Along with the fruit, the bark as well as leaves of the guava tree have immense health benefits. You will be excited to know that guava is one of the least chemically treated and sprayed fruits and doesn’t require much use of pesticides.
Health benefits of Guava Tree
This nutrition packed fruit has immense health benefits from a baby in the womb to an octogenarian. Some of the prominent ones are listed below:
Guava helps in controlling diabetes
This fruit is rich in fiber and very low in glycemic index which is very beneficial for diabetic people. Fiber helps regulating sugar level. Chinese have used guava to treat diabetes patients for ages. Low glycemic index of the guava fruit prevent sudden sugar spikes in blood. Eating 1-2 guava everyday can be helpful in maintaining sugar level in blood.
Boosts Immunity
Guava fruits are packed with Vitamin C, which helps in increasing immunity. The molecules Prostaglandins in Guava has anti inflammatory properties that help keeping us disease free. Cough, Cold and Flu can be easily kept away with regular consumption of Guava. One can enjoy guava also with smoothies and salads.
Boon for heart health
High potassium content in guava along with Vitamin C and soluble fibers help in controlling Blood Pressure and lipids in blood. Potassium is extremely helpful in maintaining steady heart beat and Vitamin C keeps the small blood vessels healthy. Pink fleshy Guava is rich in Lycopene, which helps in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Helps to lose weight
Unlike apples, oranges, grapes or other exotic fruits, Guava has very less sugar content. One can add guava to lunch, which will keep you filled till evening. The manganese in guava help in absorption of nutrients from food that we eat. Guava regulates metabolic rate, helping in reducing overall body weight.
Improves eyesight
One average size ripped guava contains about 1030 IU of Vitamin A, 21% of daily requirements. Vitamin A is well known for the positive effects on eyes. It can delay the appearance of cataract macular significantly. Even once the vision is degraded, with regular consumption of Guava, it can be improved.
Great for oral health
The guava leaves are full of anti plaque properties and hence are effective in preventing and treating oral problems. Many people use guava leaves as paste to maintain oral hygiene. Guava leaves can also help in reducing inflammation of gums due to its Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial properties. The leaves makes breath fresh and clean.
Lower risk of cancer
Guava is full of compounds like, Lycopene , Quercetin, vitamin c and various polyphenols have anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties. These compounds have potent antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals damage in the body, which can cause cancer. Consuming guava regularly mareduces the risk of prostrate cancer in men.
Has anti-aging properties for your skin
Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin A and antioxidants like lycopene and carotene protect skin from wrinkles and fine lines making one look younger. Prolong the process of aging.
Helps treat constipation
Constipation is caused when food is stuck in our colon. Guava is rich in fiber, which helps in cleaning the blocked pathaway. One guava contains 12% of your daily fiber requirements.
Good for pregnant mothers
Pregnant mothers are often prescribed with Folic acid supplements as folic acid is necessary for the development of nervous system of babies. The guava is packed with folic acid and hence it is very beneficial to consume it during pregnancy.
Help you relax
In this fast pace life if you get a solution to get away from your tensions you will grab that immediately. Do not look for complicated solutions to get rid of your stress. Just devour a guava or two and feel relaxed. The high Magnesium present in guavas helps in relaxing your nerves and muscles.
Good for brain
Often, we wonder if there could be a drug or remedy to enhance cerebral capacity. You don’t have to wait for this any longer. Your guava has the capability to make your brain
work faster. Guava contains B3-Niacin and B6-Pyridoxine. These two vitamins helps in increasing blood circulation to the brain and relaxing nerves.
Guava Nutrition Facts
%DV
| Calories | 112 | 6% |
| Total Carbs | 23.6 | 8% |
| Sugars | 14.7g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9 | 36% |
| Total Fat | 1.6g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Poly Unsaturated Fats | 0.7g | |
| Total Omega 3 Fatty Acids | 185 mg | |
| Total Omega 6 Fatty Acids | 475 mg | |
| Protein | 4.2g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1030IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 377mg | 628% |
| Vitamin E | 1.2mg | 6% |
| Vitamin K | 4.3mcg | 5% |
| Riboflavin | 0.1mg | 4% |
| Niacin | 1.8mg | 9% |
| Folate | 80.8 mcg | 20% |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.7mg | 7% |
| Choline | 12.5mg | |
| Calcium | 29.7mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | |
| Magnesium | 36.3 | 9% |
| Phosporous | 66 mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 3.3 mg | 0% |
| Zinc | 0.4mg | 3% |
| Copper | 0.4 | 19% |
| Manganese | 0.2mg | 12% |
| Selenium | 1.0mcg | 1% |
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