Guava

The guava fruit is widely grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is an evergreen, tropical shrub or low-growing small tree probably originated in the central Americas. Guavas actually thrive well under both humid and dry climates and can tolerate brief periods of cold spells, but can only withstand a few degrees of frost. It can be round to pear-shaped with a thin skin that is green and turns yellow as it ripens. The flesh can be white or even pink, and the seeds can be eaten. The guava fruit contains lots of beta-carotene (which forms vitamin A in the body) and vitamin C. A single, medium-sized guava offers two times the daily requirement of vitamin C, a vitamin that is closely associated with improved immunity and protecting you against common infections and pathogens. It is also a moderate source of B-complex vitamins as well as minerals like magnesium, copper, and manganese.  Magnesium present in guavas helps in relaxing your nerves and muscles therefore consuming a guava to combat stress and relax is certainly a good idea. Copper is required for the production of red blood cells. Guavas are a good source of copper, which is an important part of regulating thyroid metabolism by helping to control hormone production and absorption. The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body for regulating hormones and organ system function, so guava can help balance your health in many ways.

This popular fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients. If the traditional adage says that “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” in Europe and Americas, the phrase is probably changed to “A few guavas in the season keeps the doctor away for the whole year” in the Indian Subcontinent and places where guavas typically grow. It is eaten raw (ripe or semi-ripe) or in the form of jams and jellies. My grandmom use to make jam and jellies of guavas and everyone use to love it. There is strong evidence demonstrating the potential of guava extract in preventing cancer of the prostate, breast, skin, colon and lungs. Apart from the insulin-like activity that guavas possess, their rich fibre content and low glycaemic index makes them extremely good for diabetic patients as well. While fibre content ensures the sugar levels are well regulated, low glycemic index inhibits a sudden spike in sugar levels . 

In the tropical region, guavas can be readily available year around. Red flesh variety such as "Thai maroon" flesh guavas are rich in nutrition than green-apple guavas. Oftentimes, the fruits are left to ripen on the tree to experience their intense, natural flavor. If you chew guava leaves, or eat a raw guava, your mouth feels healthier, and the astringent qualities also add substance to loose bowels and reduce symptoms of diarrhea . These astringents are alkaline in nature and have disinfectant and anti-bacterial properties, thus helping to cure dysentery by inhibiting microbial growth and removing extra mucus from the intestines. Guava leaves can be consumed as an excellent home remedy for toothache. They have a potent anti-inflammatory action and a powerful healing and antibacterial ability that fights infection and kills germs. Juice of raw and immature guavas or a decoction of guava-leaves is very helpful in relieving coughs and colds.

Guava is very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising their intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber. Guava is very high in roughage and rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, but it has no cholesterol and a low number of digestible carbohydrates. One guava fulfils about 12% of your daily recommended intake of fibre, making it extremely beneficial for your digestive health. Eating guavas daily helps in clearing the blocked pathway and thus relieving constipation because of their fibre content .Adding a medium-sized guava to your lunch and you will not feel hungry again until the evening. They have far less sugar as compared to apples, oranges, grapes. 

Guavas are well known as a booster for vision health. It can help slow down the appearance of cataracts, macular degeneration, and general health of the eyes. It can not only prevent degradation of eyesight, but even an improvement in eyesight once it has begun to degrade. Guavas also help lower the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol, which contribute to development of heart disease. They also improve the levels the good cholesterol (HDL)

(all the pictures are sourced from google)