Does eating guava cause constipation?
Guava is a popular, affordable fruit with many health benefits. However, many people hesitate to eat it freely for fear of constipation. So, does eating guava actually cause constipation?
The difference between eating green guava and ripe guava.
According to Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City), guava can cause constipation, bloating, and indigestion if you eat unripe guava. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the neutral nature, sweet and astringent taste, and astringent properties of guava can reduce bowel secretions and peristalsis, constrict blood vessels, and thus cause constipation.
Furthermore, the high tannin content in guava, when entering the body, easily combines with proteins in other foods to create a mucous membrane coating, slowing down bowel movements. Therefore, green guava helps stop diarrhea.
Both guava fruit and guava leaves offer numerous health benefits (Photo: NP).
However, eating too much guava can disrupt bowel function, leading to functional constipation.
Meanwhile, eating ripe guava does not cause constipation; in fact, it is beneficial for the digestive system and helps promote bowel movements.
Each ripe guava contains approximately 36% fiber and a very abundant amount of vitamin C. Furthermore, ripe guavas are rich in minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that help soften stool, provide nutrients to the body, and enhance digestive function.
To avoid worrying about guava causing constipation, you can choose to eat it in the following way:
- Drink guava juice: You can juice 4-5 guavas daily, or combine guava with other green vegetables or fruits to make juice. This helps replenish minerals and vitamins in the body. Guava juice is much easier to absorb than eating guava directly and significantly improves bowel function.
- Guava smoothie: This drink provides fluids to the colon while also adding fiber to increase volume, making it easier for stool to pass.
- Eating guava directly: To prevent indigestion and constipation, you can choose ripe guavas to eat directly. If the guava has too many seeds or the seeds are too hard, you can remove the pulp before eating.
Similarly, according to Vinmec General Hospital, to avoid constipation from eating guava and to fully utilize its nutritional value, you should keep the following points in mind:
- For ripe guavas: The peel contains a lot of vitamin C, so you should know how to choose clean, delicious guavas and wash them properly so you can eat them with the peel to fully utilize the vitamin C content.
- For children: Parents should not give children too much guava, as this is not good for their immature digestive system and may cause constipation or diarrhea.
- When eating ripe guava: If you notice too many seeds, you should remove some, because guava seeds are very hard and eating too many guavas can cause constipation and indigestion, hindering the digestive process.
Although ripe guavas are very good for your health and digestive system, please note that you should only eat 1-2 guavas per day.
The health benefits of guava have been scientifically proven.
ButBoost your immune system.Guava is one of the best sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is well-known for its immune-boosting benefits. It helps prevent cell damage thanks to its antioxidant properties, which in turn helps prevent many diseases, including serious ones like heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.
ButRegulating blood pressureAccording to Dr. Phung Tuan Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Institute for Research and Development of Traditional Medicine, thanks to its high potassium content, some studies show that guava can help lower blood pressure and blood lipids naturally.
Potassium is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure levels.
ButA great source of fiber:Guava is one of the best sources of dietary fiber available. Not only that, it also contains edible seeds that are high in fiber.
ButRich in antioxidantsResearch shows that guava is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are powerful compounds that can neutralize free radicals to protect against cell damage and chronic diseases.
ButCombating the growth of cancer cellsLycopene is a powerful antioxidant found abundantly in guava, especially pink guava. It has been shown to be an anticancer agent due to its ability to inhibit the growth of many types of cancer cells.
