AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF GUAVA

photo credit - tourismandfood

There are fruits that I don't like taking and Guava falls in the category of those fruits I barely take. So it’s not really one of my best but then I started taking it when I came to find out the health benefits and I am actually enjoying it now. Guava is a common fruit in Nigeria. So the next time you come across it, grab as much as you can.

Guava has a high content of Vitamins C, A, B2, E and K, Fiber, Calcium, Copper, Folate, Iron, Manganese, Phosphorus and Potassium. Below are benefits of Guava and why you should take eating it seriously.

1.  Treatment of DIARRHEA

When suffering from diarrhea, drink guava leaf tea a few times a day. This tea will cause fewer stools, lessen abdominal pain, lessen watery stools and promote a quick recovery.

Guava fruit is also good for the digestive tract. Its antibacterial property helps clean the digestive tract, discouraging bacterial and microbial growth and its fiber content promotes digestion and proper excretion.

To prevent stomach-related problems, chew guava leaves or eat a guava daily.

2.   DIABETES Control

The rich fiber content and low glycemic index of guava are extremely beneficial for diabetic people. While fiber helps regulate sugar levels, the low glycemic index inhibits a sudden spike in sugar levels.

Eating 1 to 2 guavas can be helpful in maintaining your blood sugar level. Those who are at risk of developing diabetes can help prevent it by drinking guava leaf tea. To make the tea:

Dry the tender guava leaves and crush them into a powder.
Add 1 tablespoon of crushed guava leaves to a cup of hot water.
Cover and allow it to steep for 5 minutes, and then strain it.
Drink this tea once daily.

3.  IMMUNITY Improvement

Due to its high vitamin C content, guava plays an important role in improving your immunity. In addition, guava’s anti-inflammatory action and its ability to inhibit inflammatory molecules like prostaglandins help keep you disease free.

Eat 1 guava daily to develop resistance against common diseases like coughs, colds and the flu. You can also enjoy guava in smoothies or drink a cup of tea made from guava leaves daily. 

4.   Lowers Risk of CANCER

The anticancer properties of guava come from the compounds like lycopene, quercetin, vitamin C and various polyphenols present in it. These compounds work as potent antioxidants that help neutralize free-radical damage in the body, which can cause cancer.

According to a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, researchers concluded that guava extract could help reduce the size of prostate tumors. In fact, regular intake of guava extract can help reduce the incidence of prostate cancer in men.

Regular intake of guava can also help prevent other types of cancer, including breast, mouth, skin, stomach, colon and lung cancer.

5.   Guava is a rich source of Vitamin A that helps maintain a healthy, clear cornea and protects the cells in your eyes. In addition, the vitamin C in guava promotes healthy capillaries and helps maintain proper functioning of retinal cells.

Regular intake of this fruit will help improve your eyesight. It can also help slow down the development of cataracts and macular degeneration, two common vision problems that occur with age.

6.  Improves SKIN health

Guava, especially red guava, contains strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that can damage your body at the cellular level.

This can lead to signs of aging like wrinkled and saggy skin, dryness and a dull complexion. The vitamin C in guava stimulates production of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that help keep your skin firm and elastic.

Moreover, the astringent properties in unripe guava and the guava leaves help improve skin texture, protect it from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays and prevent problems like acne and pimples.

7.  Regulates THYROID HEALTH

Guava is a good source of copper, which is important for thyroid health, one of the most important glands in the body for regulating hormones and organ system function. Copper helps control hormone production and absorption, which in turn regulates thyroid functioning.

This fruit also has potassium and powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve thyroid functioning. Moreover, guava facilitates weight loss and improves energy.

8.  Oral Health 

The Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial properties that help reduce gum inflammation and leave your breath fresh and clean.

You can use guava leaves to cure toothaches, swollen gums and oral ulcers. You can also use the twigs of guava trees like a toothbrush or as a chewing stick for cleaning your teeth.

To maintain oral health, simply chew 1 or 2 tender guava leaves daily. You can also make a homemade mouthwash by boiling 5 to 6 tender guava leaves in water. Allow the solution to cool to a warm temperature and add some salt. Swish the mouthwash thoroughly around your mouth and teeth once or twice daily.

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