Guava fruit is an exotic, but very popular tropical fruit grown in several tropical and subtropical areas around the globe. Psidium guava, a relatively small tree from the Myrtle species family, is commonly found in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, North America and Northern South America. Guava fruit contains many beneficial characteristics and is one of the more nutritious fruits on the market today. In this article we’ll discuss some of the health benefits of guava and how you can reap its nutritional value.
Many tropical fruits are good sources of vitamin C and antioxidants; however, nothing tops the nutritional value provided by the flesh of a Guava fruit. Avocado is second only to guava in this regard. The flesh of this tropical guava fruit is rich in vitamins A and C; as well as being very perishable (up to 24 hours after picking), the fruit is also very acidic, giving it somewhat of a sour taste. Unlike avocado, pineapple guava has a somewhat sweet taste.
Among the primary guava benefits is its highly nutritious fruit material. Guava leaves contain a high level of carbohydrates, protein and fiber. Guava leaf juice contains significant amounts of potassium and magnesium, as well as iron, manganese, phosphorus and calcium. One 4 oz. glass of guava juice will provide the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients that help to support a healthy body weight.
One of the more interesting health benefits of guava comes from its high level of dietary fiber. Guava contains more than twice as much fiber as apples and oranges. The high level of fiber is largely due to the way the fruit grows. The leaves are almost completely covered with tiny, black-purplish hairs that filter the water while preventing the water to become too saturated. This filtering process results in a very high level of water solubility, which means that the fiber in raw guava fruit is easily soluble in water, making it an excellent fiber source.
Because the leaves of the guava fruit contain so much dietary fiber, it is considered to be very healthy for those with high blood pressure or diabetes. It helps to regulate their levels of glucose and insulin. Guava helps to reduce cholesterol levels and can help to prevent cancer. The polyphenols found in guava leaves act as powerful antioxidants, which have been shown to help reduce cancerous cells and prevent heart disease. It has even been found to be beneficial for women undergoing menopause.
Because of its high nutritional value and its antioxidant properties, the leaves of the guava fruit can also provide a steady supply of nutrients to people who are vegetarian or vegan. Because of the high vitamin A and C content, the guava fruit is one of the best sources of naturally occurring vitamin A. It is also a good source of folic acid. However, you should not exceed the recommended daily allowance of folic acid because this vitamin can be toxic in large quantities.