The fruit known as 'superfood' is sold in full markets.
Guava fruits and leaves have been linked to several health benefits such as better immune function, enhanced fertility and reduced cancer cell growth…
Guava (Psidium guajava), a member of the Myrtaceae family, is a fruit tree native to tropical regions such as Central and South America. Today, guava is grown in warm tropical climates around the world. This tropical fruit is also rich in important nutrients and active ingredients.
Dr. - Traditional Medicine Practitioner Phung Tuan Giang, President of the Vietnam Institute for Research and Development of Traditional Medicine, said that guava is known as a "superfood" and is considered one of the top antioxidant foods, providing lots of vitamin C and lycopene.
The taste of guava can range from very sweet to sour, depending on the ripeness of the fruit and there are many different options for how to eat guava. In addition to eating the fresh fruit and drinking fresh guava juice, ingredients such as guava powder can also be used in cooking, making drinks and baking.
Both guava and guava leaves have many health benefits. Photo: NP
Many of the health benefits of guava are due to its rich nutritional profile. In fact, guava is low in calories and high in vitamin C, folate, copper, potassium, and fiber.
Here are some health benefits of guava:
Strengthen the immune system
Surprisingly, guava is one of the best foods that provide vitamin C.
"Vitamin C is well known for its immune-boosting benefits. It helps prevent cell damage thanks to its antioxidant properties, which help prevent many diseases, including serious ones like heart disease, arthritis, and cancer," said Dr. Giang.
Helps lower blood pressure
Due to its high potassium content, some studies have shown that guava can help naturally lower blood pressure and blood lipids. Potassium is important for keeping the heart healthy and plays an important role in regulating blood pressure levels.
Additionally, supplementing with this important micronutrient may also help protect against kidney stones, stroke, and osteoporosis.
Great source of fiber
Guavas are one of the best fiber-rich foods available. Not only that, guavas also contain edible seeds that are high in fiber.
According to Dr. Giang, fiber helps support regular bowel movements by adding bulk to stools so they can pass easily from the body, helping to clean the colon. In addition, fiber can also help reduce blood sugar, control high blood pressure and support weight loss by helping us feel fuller longer between meals.
Rich in antioxidants
In 2011, a study by the National Institute of Nutrition Hyderabad (India) studied the antioxidant properties of several fruits, including apples, bananas, grapes, guava... The study concluded that guava contains the most antioxidants compared to other fruits.
Antioxidants are powerful compounds that can neutralize free radicals to protect the body against cell damage and chronic disease. Some studies have shown that increasing your antioxidant intake may help prevent common conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Fight against cancer cell growth
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in abundance in guava, especially the pink-fleshed variety. It has been shown to be an anti-cancer agent due to its ability to inhibit the growth of many types of cancer cells.
According to a study published in PLoS One, increasing lycopene consumption may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Another study found that lycopene may also slow the growth and spread of lung cancer cells.
Stabilize blood sugar levels
Guava leaves have long been used in traditional Eastern medicine to help reverse diabetes naturally. Research results on animal models (in vivo) shows that guava leaf extract can help reduce blood sugar levels while improving glucose metabolism.
Reduce inflammation
Guava leaf extract has anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of flavonoids, which are compounds that act as antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals in the body.
Inflammation is at the core of most diseases, including a variety of foods and supplements that reduce inflammation in our diets can help boost our health.
Protects against harmful fatty buildup in the arteries
Due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of guava leaves, it may help prevent atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries.
According to a test-tube study published in the journal Food Chemistry, guava leaf tea may help block the activity of a specific enzyme responsible for the onset of atherosclerosis, potentially helping to improve heart health and protect against coronary heart disease.
Possesses antibacterial properties
Some studies suggest that guava leaves may have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. In fact, a 2010 test-tube study noted that guava leaves may help treat conditions such as coughs, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and periodontitis.
Other studies have demonstrated that guava leaves may exert antibacterial effects against diarrhea in cases where antibiotics are not available.
Support male fertility
One of the most promising health benefits of guava is its effect on male fertility. For example, an animal model in Nigeria studied the link between guava leaves and fertility and found that guava leaves improved sperm count and motility compared to the control group./.
