Like most fruits, guavas are excellent sources of vitamin C. This antioxidant vitamin has many health benefits to the body. Vitamin C prevents damage to organs and tissue such as the eyes, heart and arteries. Vitamin C also protects against heart disease and lessens the effects of colds and coughs as well as prevent scurvy.
Guava has the health benefit of improving the texture and health of the skin. Guava is an excellent source of astringents, especially immature guava and guava leaves. Astringents are responsible for responsible for shrinking tissues and in the case of the skin, astringents shrink and dissolve the oil in the skin. Guava also has the health benefit of tightening loosened skin. Guava also benefits the skin because it is a good source of vitamins A, B, C and the mineral potassium that keep the skin glowing, fresh and wrinkle-free.
Guava is an excellent source of a carotenoid called lycopene that has the health benefit of preventing cancer. In a study conducted by Harvard University researchers, of a group of 48,000 men in the study, those who had the most lycopene added to their diets had a 45% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who didn't.
Guava contains an estimated 9 grams of fiber per cup. Guava is an excellent source of fiber and as a result it has the health benefit of cleaning out the intestine, aiding in digestion and lessening the risk of developing colon cancer.
Guava is high in fiber. Fiber has the health benefit of lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Guava helps to lower cholesterol in the blood, while increasing good cholesterol, lipoprotein. Lowering cholesterol in the blood in turn lowers blood pressure.
The astringents found in guava give them the health benefit of getting rid of bacterial infections. Astringents are alkaline in nature an this makes them potent fighters against bacteria. Not only that, but astringents in guava have disinfectant properties, which help guavas fight against diarrhea and dysentery.
Guavas are pink or yellow pear-shaped fruits which can be found in Asian, west Indian and Hispanic markets. So pick up some guavas today and get all their health benefits and savor their delicious taste.
