Guava is a type of fruit that is native to tropical regions like Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Also known as Psidium guajava, which is the guava scientific name, this tropical fruit is also loaded with important nutrients.
Guavas have been dubbed the “ultimate superfood” and are widely considered one of the top antioxidant foods, supplying loads of vitamin C and lycopene in each serving.
The guava taste can range from very sweet to sour, depending on how ripe the fruit is, and there are tons of different options for how to eat guava. Aside from being a great snack when eaten raw, ingredients like guava paste can also be used in cooking and baking.
Its leaves, seeds and skin can also be eaten or used medicinally. One of the most common methods for how to use guava leaves involves steeping them in boiling water to make a soothing and delicious cup of tea.
Today, the guava is grown in warm, tropical climates all over the world. The guava tree is gregarious and tend to grow easily and freely, often overgrowing pastures and fields. In countries where it is produced, it tends to be inexpensive due to its widespread availability.
Keep in mind that guavas are not related to other fruits with similar names such as strawberry guava or pineapple guava. Although they are often confused, all three belong to different species of plants.
Nutrition Facts
Many of the powerful health benefits of guava are attributed to its rich nutrient profile. In fact, guavas are low in calories and are loaded with vitamin C, folate, copper, potassium and fiber.
100 grams of guava fruit contains the following nutrients:
- 68 calories
- 14 grams carbohydrate
- 3 grams protein
- 5 grams fiber
- 228.3 milligrams vitamin C (254 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligrams copper (22 percent DV)
- 49 micrograms folate (12 percent DV)
- 417 milligrams potassium (9 percent DV)
- 22 milligrams magnesium (5 percent DV)
- 40 milligrams phosphorus (3 percent DV)
- 624 International Units vitamin A (3 percent DV)
Health Benefits Of Guava
1. Boosts the Immune System
Surprisingly, a serving of guava provides over 250 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, making it one of the best vitamin C foods available.
Vitamin C is well-known for its immune-boosting benefits. It aids in the prevention of cell damage thanks to its antioxidant properties, which also helps prevent many diseases, including serious conditions like heart disease, arthritis and cancer.
A 2012 study in Pakistan concluded that fully ripe guava contained the most concentrated content of vitamin C, so it’s best to enjoy the mature fruit to get the most bang for your buck.
2. Regulates Blood Pressure
Thanks to its high potassium levels, some research shows that guava fruit could help naturally lower blood pressure and blood lipids. Potassium is crucial for keeping your heart healthy and strong and plays a key role in regulating blood pressure levels. Plus, getting your fix on this important micronutrient may also help protect against kidney stones, stroke, and bone loss.
3. Great Source of Fiber
Guava fruit is one of the best high-fiber foods available, providing over 20 percent of the daily value for fiber. Not only that, but guava also contains edible seeds that are packed with fiber as well.
Fiber helps support regularity by adding bulk to the stool to ease its passage out of the body. Additionally, it can even help lower blood sugar levels, keep high blood pressure in check, and aid in weight loss by helping you stay fuller for longer between meals.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
In 2011, a study by Hyderabad’s National Institute of Nutrition in India investigated the antioxidant characteristics of a number of fruits including apples, bananas, grapes and more. Interestingly enough, the study concluded that guava fruit packed the greatest antioxidant punch compared to other fruit.
Antioxidants are powerful compounds that can neutralize free radicals to protect against cell damage and chronic disease. Some research suggests that upping your intake of antioxidants could potentially aid in the prevention of common conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
5. Fights Cancer Cell Growth
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that is plentiful in guava fruit. In fact, one serving provides over half of your daily supply of lycopene.
This potent carotenoid has a strong and proven reputation as a cancer fighter thanks to its ability to inhibit the growth of multiple types of cancer cells.
According to one study published in PLoS One, increased consumption of lycopene could be tied to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Other research shows that lycopene could slow the growth and spread of lung cancer cells as well.
6. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels
Guava leaf has long been used in traditional folk medicine to reverse diabetes naturally in East Asia and other areas.
Aside from being a healthy and fiber-rich snack for those with type 2 diabetes, animal models suggest that guava leaf extract could help reduce blood sugar levels while also improving glucose metabolism.
7. Help Treat Diarrhea
Some animal models have found that guava leaf extract could be an effective treatment for infectious diarrhea. This method has been used in rural communities all over the world to treat gastrointestinal infections and is successful in part because of the plant’s astringency.
Although it’s unclear exactly how guava leaf works to prevent and treat these issues, it is thought to be due to the antimicrobial and antibacterial capabilities of the plant.
8. Reduces Inflammation
Guava leaf extract has anti-inflammatory qualities thanks to the presence of flavonoids, which are compounds that act as antioxidants to help scavenge free radicals in the body. Inflammation is at the core of most illnesses and diseases and including a variety of foods and supplements that relieve inflammation in your diet can help promote better health.
9. Protects Against Fatty Buildup in Arteries
Because of guava leaf’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it may aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the build-up of fatty plaque in the arteries.
According to an in vitro study published in the journal Food Chemistry, guava leaf tea could help block the activity of a specific enzyme responsible for the onset of atherosclerosis, which could potentially help improve heart health and protect against disease.
10. Possesses Antimicrobial Properties
Some research shows that guava leaves could possess powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. In fact, an in vitro study in 2010 noted that guava leaf could potentially aid in the treatment of conditions such as cough, diarrhea, oral ulcers and inflamed gums.
Other studies have demonstrated that guava leaf could exert antibacterial activity against diarrhea in cases where antibiotics may not be available.
In folk medicine, guava leaves are often crushed and applied topically to treat open wounds and ulcers.
11. Supports Male Fertility
One of the most promising health benefits of guava is its effect on male fertility. For example, an animal model out of Nigeria investigated the connection between guava leaves and fertility and found that the leaves helped improve sperm count and motility compared to a control group.