The national fruit of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guava is a vibrant tropical fruit. It’s flavor and nutrition profile have captured the world’s taste and are valued for their richness in terms of nutriment, variety and cultural significance. There are more than 100 varieties of guava. It is available from sweet and tart to sour and tart in different colour, size and flavor. Guavas are great sources of vitamins such as vitamins A and C, potassium and antioxidants, which can stimulate immunity functions, help with digestive health and lower blood pressure.
Daily consumption of guava is good for health. It contains an abundance of vitamin C that enhances one’s immunity while dietary fiber supports digestive health. Generally, it has been recognized to keep a person’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels down so that heart diseases will be avoided. The amount of copper gives it a healthy effect on thyroid, regulating hormone production. More over, the fiber in the fruit regulates blood sugar and helps in weight loss. Guava also contains antioxidants that fight cell damage as well as inflammation in the body. Here are 5 benefits of incorporating guava in your daily diet:
Boosts immune system
Guava contains vitamin C, that is nearly 4 times more than the amount of vitamin C contained in oranges, and it helps in boosting the immune system, guarding one against infections and flu as well as common cold. It’s anti-inflammation properties reduce oxidative stress. The fruit enhances the white blood cell production. It also activates the natural killer cells which destroy the infected cells.
Helps digestive health
Guavas are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The fiber in guavas helps in the regulation of bowel movements and will not cause either constipation or diarrhea. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds inhibit inflammation, which is the basis for the relief experienced from IBS.
Lowers Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Guava are nutrient-rich fruits. They are beneficial in controlling blood pressure and cholesterol. Potassium content causes dilatation of the blood vessels, thus reduces pressure. Fiber binds bile acids, removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Antioxidants and flavonoids prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol oxidation, reducing the formation of plaque. Vitamin C improves vascular function, enhancing blood flow.
Supports thyroid Health
The copper content in guava regulates the thyroid function to produce T3 and T4 hormones necessary for metabolism, growth, and development. The guava fruit supports health in the thyroid in consideration of its high content of copper, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Copper is utilized in synthesizing thyroid hormones, and adequate consumption of vitamin C positively affects the absorption of iron, which the thyroid gland needs to utilize for its functions. The antioxidants subsequently reduce oxidative stress, thus not harming the thyroid gland.
Anticancer Properties and Anti-Aging
The helpful compounds in guava limit the proliferation of cancerous cells, induce apoptosis, prevent DNA damage, prevent inflammatory process, and protect against free radicals. The flavonoids in quercetin and kaempferol within the guava confer anti-proliferative effects while the antioxidants vitamin C and lycopene neutralize free radicals, resulting in anti-aging effects such as elastin-bound skin, reduction of wrinkles, enhanced immunity, and prevention of age-related diseases. It acts as an effective preventive factor for cancer, thus ensuring well-being and longevity along with healthy and youthful life.
Incorporating guava into one’s diet can have a profound impact on overall health and wellbeing.