Did you know that the humble amrood is an amazing source of fibre? It contains almost 70 times more fibre than can be found in an orange! It also contains Vitamins B2 and E, calcium, copper, folate, iron, manganese, phosphorus and potassium. Guava has an incredibly high content of vitamin C. In fact, one guava fruit contains four times more vitamin C than an average-sized orange; and ten times more vitamin A than a lemon! Guavas are excellent for reducing the risks of some cancers , reducing cholesterol, keeping heart disease at bay, and in maintaining great eyesight, skin, teeth & bones.

While the best way to get these benefits is to consume guavas regularly when in season, or try to juice them to get more of the good thing! Here are some more benefits you need to know:

Brain Health

Guavas contain Vitamins B3 & B6, which increase blood flow and stimulate cognitive functions, and are nutrients for the brain and nerves. So guava is brain food too!

Diabetes

Again, the fibre content helps regulate sugar absorption and decreases the chances of insulin spiking or dropping suddenly. Guava leaf tea (leaves steeped in hot water) is great help.

Coughs & colds

A tea made from steeped guava leaves is helpful in relieving coughs & colds disinfecting the respiratory tract, throat & lungs, and in reducing mucus. The high Vitamin C content also works against the colds. Two precautions though; avoid drinking water immediately after eating guavas, as it can cause a sore throat, and ripe guavas should be avoided be anyone suffering from a cough.

Eyesight

With a high level of Vitamin A, guavas n only prevent conditions like cataract & macular degeneration; they also improve general eye heath.

Weight Loss

Being fibre & nutrient rich, makes the guava a great diet food. Its filling and is a low sugar fruit, and regulates metabolism.

Thyroid health

Guavas contain copper – which helps regulate the thyroid gland. Proper functioning of the thyroid gland is important for hormonal balance in the body. So upping the guava quotient is a great idea.

Diarrhoea/ Constipation

Thanks to the Vitamin C, carotenoids and potassium, Guavas strengthen and tone the digestive system while simultaneously disinfecting it. They inhibit microbial growth and remove extra mucus from the intestines Guava is also beneficial in treating gastroenteritis.
Conversely, thanks to the high fibre (again!!), guavas help in healthy bowel movement. The seeds in fact, whether swallowed while or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives.

Anti aging & Skin health

Anti-oxidants & astringents in guavas (particularly in raw ones, and in leaves), can help tighten you skin. Boil & mash raw guavas and/ or leaves. Strain and use the water as an astringent, or the pulp as a mask for a few minutes to get tighter skin! This will also keep your skin glowing, and free from premature aging, wrinkles & other dermal disorders.
A scrub made of mashed guava and water can help remove blackheads. Guava leaves are an instant cure for getting rid of itchiness as they contain allergy blocking compounds.

Hair health

Being rich in nutrients and antioxidants, guava leaves help in promoting healthy hair growth.
To stop hair loss, boil a handful of guava leaves in a liter of water for around 20 minutes. After cooling, apply it on your scalp and massage rigorously.

Oral Health

Gargling with the juice of Guava leaves can help cure toothaches, swollen gums & oral ulcers, and external application helps heal wounds. Thanks to their anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial qualities, you can even make a natural paste for teeth with the leaves!

There are also some other advantages... Since guavas are high in fiber and hypoglycemic, they help reduce blood pressure. Guava leaves are also useful in increasing platelet count in Dengue (home remedy - boil about 8-10 leaves in 2 cups of water till the water is reduced to half, strain and drink a few times a day).

If you know any other way that guava or its leaves can be used for better health, or if you like this article, do write to us at info@esvasa.com.