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Guavas are found in the tropics, and invoke images of vacations, summer parties and island life, but this tasty fruit is more than a celebratory food. Guavas are filled with natural, healthy vitamins and minerals useful in treating many serious ailments and diseases. You can recognize guavas by their yellow, green or maroon skins and creamy white or pink pulp.
For people trying to lose weight, guavas satisfy hunger pangs (appetite) while adding very few calories, low amounts of carbohydrates and no cholesterol to one's diet. Compared to other fruits, guavas add a low dose of sugar. Guavas also offer a great source of fibers/roughage, minerals, proteins, and vitamins. For skinny people trying to gain weight, the fruit promotes the healthy absorption of nutrients and the fruit's substantial nutrients regulate the body's metabolism.
Blood pressure and Diabetes
Guavas are hypoglycemic and rich in fiber, which helps reduce blood pressure. Dietary fibers maintain the blood’s fluidity and prevent it from thickening, thus helping avoid hypertension or lower blood pressure; and foods lacking in fiber (e.g., refined flour) increase blood pressure because foods low in fiber convert to sugar more quickly.
Thus, a high fiber diet can help fight or even prevent diabetes. The fiber regulates the sugar being absorbed by the body and the risk of both high spikes and drops in the body’s insulin and glucose levels are reduced.
Diarrhea, dysentery, and gastroenteritis
The abundant astringent (substances that contract body tissue) in raw guava and guava leaves helps "loosen" the bowels and can reduce diarrhea and gastroenteritis. Highly alkaline, the guavas act as an intestinal disinfectant, removing excess mucus from the intestines and inhibiting microbial growth. For these reasons, guavas can also treat dysentery. Also, the guavas’ high supply of vitamin C, carotenoids and potassium promote a healthy digestive system.
Thyroid health
A good substance for regulating the thyroid’s metabolism is copper, of which guavas have plenty. The thyroid glands regulate important hormones and organ system functions, which helps maintain a healthy balance in your body.
Healthy brains
Present in guavas are high amounts of vitamins B3 and B6; both have benefits for brain health. B3 (niacin) is helps to increase blood flow and stimulate cognitive function, while B6 helps to preserve normal nerve function.
Scurvy
Guava is high in vitamin C. It has four times more vitamin C found than oranges. Vitamin C prevents scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.
Constipation
The seed in the guava, when ingested either whole or chewed, is an excellent laxatives. Also, the guava's high fiber content is good for treating constipation, cleansing the intestines and excretory system, and help the body retain water, to achieve healthy bowel movements. Snacking on guavas can be beneficial for proper digestion.
Colds and coughs
Drinking guava juice and eating a whole fresh guava help in fighting colds and coughs. The astringent in guavas lessen mucus, disinfect and reduce microbial activity in the respiratory tract -- throat and lungs. The substantial amount of iron and vitamin C in guavas also help treat viral infections. However, avoid eating overly ripe guavas when one has a cold or cough because over-ripe guavas can actually aggravate them.
Eyesight
The vitamin A in guavas are good for healthy eyes and vision; it helps prevent or slow down macular degeneration, the growth of cataracts and improve eyesight after visual degeneration has already begun.
Cancer prevention
Guavas are antioxidants which help prevent cancer. The lycopene in guavas reduce the risk of prostate cancer and inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Guava leaf oil has been proven effective in reducing cancer growth.
Skincare
Guava leaves and fruit are full of astringents which improve skin texture and keeping the skin "fresh-looking". Rinsing the skin with a decoction of guava fruit tones and tightens areas of loose skin. They can keep the skin glowing, prevent premature aging and wrinkles, and speed up the wound healing process. And as already noted above, eating the guava fruit provides a rich source of vitamins A, B, and C, as well as potassium, which are excellent antioxidants and detoxifiers. –Contributed by Ralph
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