Chetan Kolluri

7 Health Benefits Of Guava

Article
Brain & Nerve
Digestive Health
+5
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBANov 11, 2021

The guava is a plant in the genus Psidium, which contains about 100 species of tropical shrubs and small trees. They are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Guavas are now cultivated throughout the tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, subtropical regions of North America, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, and Spain. Guavas have a noticeable fragrance, like lemon rind, but less pungent. The outer skin may be rough, often with a bitter taste, or soft and sweet. The pulp inside may be sweet or sour, and off-white to deep pink.

Here are 7 health benefits of guava.

1.     Guava may help improve your digestive health.

Guava contains a significant amount of dietary fiber with 9 grams per cup. The daily recommended dietary fiber intake for men and women are 38 grams and 25 grams, respectively. Dietary fiber with water may help prevent constipation, making your bowel more regular.

2.     Guava may be beneficial to people with type 2 diabetes.

The glycemic index ranks food and drinks based on their blood sugar increase potential. Foods high on the glycemic index like white rice and white bread will break down easily and cause blood sugar and insulin level spikes after meals, which is followed by rapidly dropping blood sugar levels. The sugar from guava is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, which prevents sugar crashes, sugar cravings, and mood swings.

3.     Guava could help fight infections.

One cup of guava contains 628 percent of the vitamin C daily requirements. Vitamin C is a great natural water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and eliminates cancer-causing free radicals in the body.

4.     Guava can help keep your hair and skin vibrant and looking healthy. 

Adequate vitamin C intake does not only improve the immune system, but it is also vital for the creation and maintenance of collagen, an essential protein found in hair and skin. Also, guava contains vitamin A. Vitamin A has been known to keep the hair moisturized through increased sebum production.

5.     Guava can help maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Guava is loaded with potassium and a low content of sodium. They are well known because of its high potassium content. One cup of guava contains 688 milligrams of potassium, compared to 3.3 milligrams of sodium. This helps the blood vessels relax and maintains proper blood pressure.

6.     Guava can help keep your heart strong. 

Fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium have been known to help improve your heart’s health. The recommended 4,700 milligrams (mg) of potassium are not obtained by many individuals in the United States, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, despite the benefits of increased potassium intake. One study suggested that people who consumed 4,069 mg of potassium per day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium, approximately 1,000 mg per day.

7.     Guava may improve your mental health as you age.

Several components of guava, such as potassium, folate, and various antioxidants are known to provide neurological benefits. Folate has been known to reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Potassium has been linked to increase blood flow to the brain and enhance cognition, concentration, and neural activity.

Also, guava contains a considerable amount of vitamin B6. A deficiency has shown depression and nausea. Be sure not to consume too much. The vitamin B6 upper limit is set to 100 milligrams for adults over the age of 18, but adults do not need that much unless directed by the doctor.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

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