Guava, hailed as one of the top “superfruits,” is uniquely flavorful and fragrant. However, many individuals are unaware of the health benefits that come along with the delicious taste of this exotic fruit.
Guava trees grow in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including Central America, Mexico and northern South America. The species of guava most often eaten by humans is the apple guava, whose fruit smells like lemon rind. Depending on the species, guavas turn green, maroon, or yellow when they have ripened.
But what is it that makes guava juice such a beneficial and nutritious addition to people’s healthy eating regimen? Here are eight factoids that may convince you to add guava juice to your regular diet:
1. Low in Calories
This round, or sometimes oval, fruit is low in calories but high in antioxidant polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds, both of which can help prevent cancers and infections and even slow the aging process.
2. Rich in Soluble Dietary Fibre
Guava is rich in soluble dietary fibre, making it an excellent laxative. Foods that are high in fibre protect the “colon mucosa” and minimize toxin exposure time. They also bind to cancer-causing chemicals found in the colon.
3. High in Vitamin A
This tropical treat is high in Vitamin A, having five times the Vitamin A of an orange. Flavonoids like lutein, lycopene, and kryptoxanthin have antioxidant characteristics that help keep individuals healthy, while the carotene helps protect against lung and oral cavity cancers.
4. Helps Weight-Loss Journeys
When you drink guava juice, you are imbibing in a substance that can help in your weight-loss journey. The fruit is high in protein, vitamins and fibre, all of which are super-elements. Because it is also high in roughage, devoid of cholesterol, high in minerals and low in digestible carbohydrates, it makes a filling, delicious, guilt-free and satisfying snack. Some nutritionists say the fruit probably helps regulate the body’s metabolism and promotes the absorption of nutrients.
5. High in Vitamin C
Guavas supply 628% of your daily vitamin C requirement, with the largest concentration of the vitamin in the skin of the fruit. Vitamin C helps increase resistance against infection and fights the free radicals that cause severe illnesses.
6. Prevents Type-2 Diabetes
A recent study found that guava imparted a blood glucose lowering effect when eaten by pre-diabetics and volunteers who were not diabetic. This finding could mean that guava may be able to improve or prevent Type-2 Diabetes.
7. High in Potassium
Guavas contain loads of potassium, a nutrient that maintains the fluid and electrolyte balance of the body. Potassium is necessary for the proper functioning of the kidneys, brain, heart and muscular tissues. The body requires the correct amount of potassium to stay hydrated and work with sodium to support cellular functioning.
8. Slows Down the Ageing Process
The high levels of antioxidants in guavas may help protect skin from damage. It is also possible that guava juice could help treat acne, slow down the skin’s ageing process and prevent wrinkling, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
You can find guavas in all the main grocery and health food stores across the nation. Maybe it’s time for you to get on a guava juice daily intake plan. This little gem of a fruit has a lot going for it!
