The Health Benefits of Guava

Guava is a plant belonging to the family Myrtaceae of Genus Psidium. Apple Guavas appear to be the type of guavas eaten most in this genus.
Many parts of this plants have health benefits but one of the most important part when it comes to the health benefits is the guava fruit. But the leaves of guava plant is of medicinal value. Some of the health benefits of guava are discussed below.
1. Guava aids weight loss and prevent constipation.
one of the reason why people overeat is because they do not get full so easily, and this means that whatever that can make you feel that your stomach is full will probably make you avoid overeating. This concept makes guava consumption crucial in the achievement of weight loss. Guava contains high amount of roughage (high fibre content) which makes one fill full so that one easily avoid the quest to overeat. Also because of the high fibre content this also means that there is proper bowel movement, so that indigestion is avoided and proper bowel health is maintained.
2. Guava is used in the management of diabetes.
Guava leaves or bark has been used in traditional treatments of diabetes. It has been claimed that guava consumption can help lower the risk of developing type 11 diabetes. But more researches need to be done in this area to established it scientifically.
3. Guava is a rich source of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a very important constituent of any plant. It is a reducing agent and it reduces deadly oxidants (free radicals) in the body. This property makes vitamin C a powerful antioxidant in the body. When there are much free radicals in the human body, then this may lead to development of some diseases like cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammatory diseases, diabetes and hypertension. This means vitamin C antagonizes the development of these diseases.
4. Guava consumption prevents development of acne.
Acne is a common human skin disease, characterized by areas of skin becoming red with nodules and papules. Guava consumption is good in preventing the development of acne. Also the vitamin E present in guava helps maintain healthy skin through its antioxidant properties. So this means that the consumption of guava is one natural way of ensuring a healthy skin.
5. Other Health Benefits of Guava.
Other health benefits of guava includes:
Guava leaves is used in the treatment of diarrhea.
Also Guava has anti-cancer properties.
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 285 kJ (68 kcal)
Carbohydrates 14.32 g
-Sugars 8.92 g
- Dietary fiber 5.4 g
Fat 0.95 g
Protein 2.55 g
Vitamin A equiv. 31 μg (4%)
- beta-carotene 374 μg (3%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2) 0.04 mg (3%)
Niacin (vit. B3) 1.084 mg (7%) Thiamine (vit. B1) 0.067 mg (6%)

Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.451 mg (9%)

Vitamin B6 0.11 mg (8%)
Folate (vit. B9) 49 μg (12%)
Choline 7.6 mg (2%)
Vitamin C 228.3 mg (275%)
Vitamin K 2.2 μg (2%) Lycopene 5204 µg
Calcium 18 mg (2%)
Iron 0.26 mg (2%)
Manganese 0.15 mg (7%) Magnesium 22 mg (6%)
Phosphorus 40 mg (6%)
Potassium 417 mg (9%)
Sodium 2 mg (0%)
Zinc 0.23 mg (2%)
Source: USDA Nutrient Database

With all these health benefits, it is advisable that you consider eating guava. But if you want to take guava fruit then it is crucial you are careful so as not to mistakenly swallow the seeds.