Health Benefits of Guava
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Jul 21, 2022 • 3 min Read
Guava or locally known as bayabas is delicious, rich in essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, low-calorie, and high-fiber. It contains more vitamin C than oranges. Its leaves are packed with medicinal properties and high in anti-viral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
In the Philippines, guava is listed as one of the 10 medicinal herbal medicines approved by the Department of Health (DOH).
The ripe fruit is usually eaten as a dessert. It can be utilized in many ways for making jellies, jam, paste, juice, baby foods, puree, beverage base, syrup, wine, and other processed products. It may be eaten sliced with cream and sugar and as an ingredient in cakes and pies. It’s used in dishes like “sinigang”.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of guava, from Organic Facts:
1. Antioxidant Properties
Guavas are known to be a rich source of vitamin C that helps boost the immune system. Studies denote that antioxidants help defend the body against the proliferation of free radicals, which are one of the main causes of serious health issues. Guavas helps reduce the free radical activity and helps in slowing down oxidative stress in the body.
2. Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Guava may be helpful for people suffering from diabetes. Research found that guava extracts aid in preventing the rise in blood glucose levels. The study suggests that foods and supplements containing guava extracts can have the potential to avert insulin resistance and mentions that guava fruit when consumed without its peel, may help in lowering blood sugar levels. Guava leaf tea is considered useful for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
3. Protects Heart Health
Guavas may protect your heart in different ways. A study suggests that peeled guava helps lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels and increase HDL or good cholesterol levels. A study shows that guava leaves extract can help in regulating blood pressure levels. It has been used by many rural African communities to manage hypertension.
4. Improves Stomach Health
Guavas may help treat digestive problems like diarrhea and dysentery. Whether you chew its leaves or eat the fruit, the astringent qualities treats loose bowel movement and reduces the symptoms of diarrhea.
Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber among fruits. Its seeds are known to serve as excellent laxatives. These two properties may help the formation of healthy bowel movements. aid in retaining water in the body, and keep your intestinal tract in top-notch health.
5. Provides Relief from Cough
Research on anti-cough and antimicrobial activities of guava leaf extract states that it is very helpful in providing relief from cough.
6. Aids in Weight Loss
Guavas are helpful to people wanting to lose weight. Studies suggest that the powder made from its leaves helps prevent obesity. It’s possibly high in roughage (fiber), low in calories, has no cholesterol, and contains a small number of carbohydrates. This combination makes a filling snack that satisfies the appetite very easily.
7. Aids in Skin Care
Guavas can improve the health of your skin and help you avoid skin problems due to the abundance of astringents that may be available in guava. The guava leaf extracts have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in treating acne.
8. Improves Oral Health
Guava leaf extracts may help in getting rid of dental plaque.
Indeed, guava is a nutrient powerhouse. Start adding this awesome tropical fruit to your daily diet and enjoy its benefits!
Stay healthy and safe!
