Guava is a tropical fruit that grows in dry or humid heat. Both the fleshy fruit of the guava plant and the leaves are edible, with the fruit most often eaten as a snack and the leaves commonly boiled into an herbal tea.
Texture-wise, guavas are similar to pears, but with a little more crunch. They have a sweet, tropical flavor that instantly takes your taste buds on an island vacation. But hidden inside this sweet snack are a number of health benefits.
People use guava leaf tea as a treatment for diarrhea in several countries, including India and China. In other countries, such as Mexico, people have traditionally used the flesh of the fruit to heal wounds.
Guava Nutritional Value
Benefits of guavas are aplenty and now we’re going to talk about guava’s nutritional value. A 100 gm serving of the fruit contains just 68 calories and 8.92 gm sugar, according to the data of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Guavas are also rich in calcium as they contain 18 gm of the mineral per 100 gm of the fruit. It also contains 22 gm of magnesium per 100 gm of the fruit, as well as significant amounts of phosphorus and potassium- 40 and 417 gm per 100 gm, respectively.Benefits
Guava is loaded with nutrients. Not only does it have more Vitamin C than oranges, guava is also rich in other antioxidants, and has been shown to have a number of great health benefits. Here are just a few of the benefits of eating this tropical fruit.Diarrhea
Guava leaf tea is a traditional remedy for diarrhea in many parts of the world.
Evidence from animal studies suggests that the leaf extract may have the potential to treat infectious diarrhea.
A 2015 study ivestigated the use of this extract in mice with infectious diarrhea. The infection cleared more quickly in the mice who consumed guava leaf extract than in those who did not. The researchers noted that guava leaf extract shows promise as a treatment for this illness.
May Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Guava extract may help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes or those at risk.
Some evidence suggests that guava can improve blood sugar control.
Several test-tube and animal studies found that guava leaf extract improved blood sugar levels, long-term blood sugar control, and insulin resistance.
This is good news for people with diabetes or those at risk.
A few studies involving humans have also shown impressive results.
One study in 19 people noted that drinking guava leaf tea lowered blood sugar levels after a meal. The effects lasted up to two hours.
Improve Digestion
One of the key nutrients found in guava is fiber. Fiber has been shown to help with digestion by both solidifying and softening stool. This can ease the symptoms of both diarrhea and constipation.
Studies also show that guava leaf extract can help reduce the intensity and duration of diarrhea. People with certain digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, may benefit from adding guava to their diet.
Flu
Drinking guava leaf tea may help people fight off the flu.
In a 2012 test tube study , guava leaf tea showed promise as an antiviral agent for flu treatment. The researchers found that the tea inhibited the growth of the virus that causes the flu.
The antiviral effect of the tea may result from the leaf’s flavanols, which are a natural antioxidant.
Confirming the effects in humans will require further research.
MIMI (Multi ion mask insert)
- Can be worn with any facemask and provides additional heavy-duty protection.
- Adult & Youth Sizes Available
May Boost Heart Health
Guava fruit or leaf extract may have a positive effect on heart health by lowering blood pressure, decreasing bad cholesterol, and increasing good cholesterol.
Guavas may help boost heart health in a number of ways.
Many scientists believe that the high levels of antioxidants and vitamins in guava leaves may help protect your heart from damage by free radicals.
The higher levels of potassium and soluble fiber in guavas are also thought to contribute to improved heart health.
Additionally, guava leaf extract has been linked to lower blood pressure, a decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol, and a rise in “good” HDL cholesterol.
May Help Relieve Painful Symptoms of Menstruation
Taking guava leaf extract daily may help decrease symptoms of painful menstruation, including cramps.
Many women experience dysmenorrhea — painful symptoms of menstruation, such as stomach cramps.
However, there is some evidence that guava leaf extract may reduce the pain intensity of menstrual cramps.
A study in 197 women who experienced painful symptoms found that taking 6 mg of guava leaf extract daily resulted in reduced pain intensity. It appeared to be even more powerful than some painkillers
May Aid Weight Loss
Guavas are full of fiber and low in calories, meaning that they may help you feel full and aid weight loss.
Guavas are a weight-loss-friendly food.
With only 37 calories in one fruit and 12% of your recommended daily fiber intake, they are a filling, low-calorie snack.
Unlike some other low-calorie snacks, they are packed with vitamins and minerals — so you aren’t losing out on important nutrients.
Eating Guavas May Be Good for Your Skin
The antioxidants and vitamins in guavas can help slow down the aging of your skin, while guava leaf extract may help treat acne.
The wide range of vitamins and antioxidants packed into a guava may work wonders for your skin. Its antioxidants may protect your skin from damage, which can slow down its aging process, helping prevent wrinkles.
What’s more, guava leaf extract may even help treat acne when applied directly to your skin.
One test-tube study found that guava leaf extract was effective at killing acne-causing bacteria — likely due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bottom Line
Guavas are incredibly delicious and packed with nutrients.
This tropical fruit is low in calories, loaded with fiber, and an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Many studies also support the benefits of guava leaf extracts, which are taken as dietary supplements.
Together, guava fruit and leaf extracts may boost your heart health, digestion, and immune system, in addition to other benefits.
