Many of you may have tasted this
mouth-watering treat, or have at least seen or heard about it. Guava is very
common in Asian and African countries, but is increasingly available in the
western world, particularly as more of its health benefits are revealed. It is
a somewhat round or pear-shaped seasonal fruit, and is light green, yellow, or
maroon in colour on the outside when it is ripe. Guava also has white or maroon
flesh and lots of small hard seeds enveloped in very soft, sweet pulp. It is
eaten raw (ripe or semi-ripe) or in the form of jams and jellies. Here are some
Amazing health benefits of this super fruit.
Weight loss
Guava is very helpful for those who
want to lose weight without compromising their intake of proteins, vitamins and
fibre. 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. It is a very filling snack and satisfies the appetite very
easily. Guava, especially raw guava, also has far less sugar as compared to
apples, oranges, grapes, and other fruit. Add a medium-sized guava to your
lunch and you will not feel hungry again until the evening. Ironically, it can
also help with weight gain in lean, thin people. This is probably due to its
wealth of nutrients, which keep the metabolism regulated, and help to promote
the proper absorption of nutrients.
Diabetes
An intake of guava can also help
those patients who suffer from diabetes. The high level of dietary fibre in
guava helps to regulate the absorption of sugar by the body, which decreases
the chances of major spikes and drops in insulin and glucose in the body.
Studies have shown that consuming guava can help prevent the appearance of
type-2 diabetes.
Cancer
Prevention
One of the most celebrated and
important benefits of adding guava to your diet is, its ability to inhibit the
growth and metastasis of cancerous cells. There have been numerous studies done
in recent years on guava’s effects primarily on prostate cancer, breast cancer,
and oral cancers. Guava leaf oil is extremely successful as an
anti-proliferative substance, and has actually been shown to be more effective
than some leading modern medicines in reducing cancerous growth. Guavas are
also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be widely
successful in reducing prostate cancer risk. That same antioxidant has also
been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, although further human
trials need to be done.
Scurvy
Guava can outdo many other fruits, including
orange and other citrus fruits, in terms of its concentration of vitamin C.
A deficiency of vitamin-C can cause
scurvy, and proper intake of vitamin C is the only known remedy for that
dangerous disease. In fact, guavas contain 5-times more vitamin C than oranges,
which are often heralded as the absolute best source of that beneficial
vitamin.
Thyroid
Health
They are a good source for 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.
Constipation
Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary
fibre in terms of fruit. Its seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as
excellent laxatives. These two properties of guava help the formation of
healthy bowel movements, and aid the body in retaining water and thoroughly
cleaning your intestines and excretory system. It is said that constipation
alone can lead to 72 different types of ailments, so any help with constipation
is beneficial. Your total health is undeniably affected by proper digestion,
and more importantly, proper excretion. Frequent consumption of guava can ensure
both.
Brain Health
Another of the tremendous positive
benefits of guavas is the presence of vitamin B3 and vitamin B6. B3 (also known
as niacin) can increase blood flow and stimulates cognitive function. B6 is a
great nutrient for brain and nerve function. Therefore, eating guava can help
you increase brain function and sharpen your focus.
High blood pressure
Guava helps reduce cholesterol in the
blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining the fluidity of
blood and reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that food lacking fibre
(such as refined flour) add to blood pressure, due to its quick conversion to
sugar. Guava, being very rich in fibre and hypoglycaemic in nature, helps
reduce blood pressure.
By: Umaru Maryam Hadejia
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