If you’ve ever visited Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean, you may have been introduced to a delicious little fruit called the guava. Native to these tropical regions, the guava is a very popular fruit that’s been associated with a number of valuable health benefits.
Guavas are known for their sweet, tangy flavor and variety of uses ranging from guava juice to guava jelly, but there’s much more to this fruit than meets the eye. In fact, it’s also been linked to a long list of health benefits, including improved heart health, enhanced immune function, decreased blood sugar levels and more.
The entire guava plant is beneficial, including the leaves, which are a source of zinc and antioxidants. The fruit is delicious and loaded with vitamin C as well.
The following is all you need to know about this tasty tropical fruit and how it can impact your health.
What Is Guava?
Guava is a type of fruit that is native to tropical regions like Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Also known as Psidium guajava, which is the guava scientific name, this tropical fruit is also loaded with important nutrients.
Guavas have been dubbed the “ultimate superfood” and are widely considered one of the top antioxidant foods, supplying loads of vitamin C and lycopene in each serving.
The guava taste can range from very sweet to sour, depending on how ripe the fruit is, and there are tons of different options for how to eat guava. Its leaves, seeds and skin can also be eaten or used medicinally.
Today, the guava is grown in warm, tropical climates all over the world. Keep in mind that guavas are not related to other fruits with similar names, such as strawberry guava or pineapple guava. Although they are often confused, all three belong to different species of plants.
Health Benefits
1. Boosts the Immune System
Surprisingly, guava is one of the best vitamin C foods available. Vitamin C is well-known for its immune-boosting benefits. It aids in the prevention of cell damage thanks to its antioxidant properties, which also helps prevent many diseases, including serious conditions like heart disease, arthritis and cancer.
2. Regulates Blood Pressure
Thanks to its high potassium levels, some research shows that guava fruit could help naturally lower blood pressure and blood lipids. Potassium is crucial for keeping your heart healthy and strong and plays a key role in regulating blood pressure levels.
Plus, getting your fix of this important micronutrient may also help protect against kidney stones, stroke and bone loss.
3. Great Source of Fiber
Guava fruit is one of the best high-fiber foods available. Not only that, but guava also contains edible seeds that are packed with fiber as well.
Fiber helps support regularity by adding bulk to the stool to ease its passage out of the body. Additionally, it can even help lower blood sugar levels, keep high blood pressure in check and aid in weight loss by helping you stay fuller for longer between meals.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
In 2011, a study by Hyderabad’s National Institute of Nutrition in India investigated the antioxidant characteristics of a number of fruits, including apples, bananas, grapes and more. Interestingly enough, the study concluded that guava fruit packed the greatest antioxidant punch compared to other fruit.
5. Fights Cancer Cell Growth
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that is plentiful in guava fruit. This potent carotenoid has a strong and proven reputation as a cancer fighter thanks to its ability to inhibit the growth of multiple types of cancer cells.
According to one study published in PLoS One, increased consumption of lycopene could be tied to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Other research shows that lycopene could slow the growth and spread of lung cancer cells as well.
6. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels
Guava leaf has long been used in traditional folk medicine to help reverse diabetes naturally in East Asia and other areas.
Aside from being a healthy and fiber-rich snack for those with type 2 diabetes, animal models suggest that guava leaf extract could help reduce blood sugar levels while also improving glucose metabolism.
7. Helps Treat Diarrhea
Some animal models have found that guava leaf extract could be an effective treatment for infectious diarrhea. This method has been used in rural communities all over the world to treat gastrointestinal infections and is successful in part because of the plant’s astringency.
8. Reduces Inflammation
Guava leaf extract has anti-inflammatory qualities thanks to the presence of flavonoids, which are compounds that act as antioxidants to help scavenge free radicals in the body. Inflammation is at the core of most illness and disease, and including a variety of foods and supplements that relieve inflammation in your diet can help promote better health.
9. Protects Against Fatty Buildup in Arteries
Because of guava leaf’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it may aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries.
According to an in vitro study published in the journal Food Chemistry, guava leaf tea could help block the activity of a specific enzyme responsible for the onset of atherosclerosis, which could potentially help improve heart health and protect against disease.
10. Possesses Antimicrobial Properties
Some research shows that guava leaves could possess powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. In fact, an in vitro study in 2010 noted that guava leaf could potentially aid in the treatment of conditions such as cough, diarrhea, oral ulcers and inflamed gums.
11. Supports Male Fertility
One of the most promising health benefits of guava is its effect on male fertility. For example, an animal model out of Nigeria investigated the connection between guava leaves and fertility and found that the leaves helped improve sperm count and motility compared to a control group.
Side Effects
A 2017 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences concluded that the fruit and leaves of guava are not associated with any significant side effects and can be consumed safely by most healthy adults.
Furthermore, despite the common belief that eating guava at night could have adverse effects on health, there is no actual evidence to support this. Therefore, you can easily enjoy any part of the fruit, seeds or leaves at any time of day.
However, you should consult with your doctor before using guava leaf extract or other guava supplements, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you experience any adverse effects like itching, rash or hives after consuming guava, discontinue use immediately, and talk to a trusted health care professional to address any concerns.
Source: Dr. Axe, edited