The fruit dubbed a 'superfood' is sold everywhere in the market.

Guava (Psidium guajavaGuava, belonging to 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 worldwide. This tropical fruit also contains many important nutrients and active compounds.

According to Dr. Phung Tuan Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Institute for Research and Development of Traditional Medicine, guava is known as a "superfood" and is considered one of the top antioxidant foods, providing plenty of vitamin C and lycopene.

Guava can range in taste from very sweet to sour, depending on its ripeness, and there are many different ways to eat it. Besides eating the fruit fresh and drinking fresh guava juice, ingredients like guava powder can also be used in cooking, making drinks, and baking.

Many of the health benefits of guava are due to its rich nutritional content. In fact, guava is low in calories and rich in vitamin C, folate, copper, potassium, and fiber.

Here are some of the health benefits of guava:

Boost your immune system.

Surprisingly, 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 helps prevent many diseases, including serious ones like heart disease, arthritis, and cancer," said Dr. Giang.

Helps lower blood pressure

Thanks to its high potassium content, some studies suggest that guava may 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.

In addition, supplementing with this important micronutrient may also help protect against kidney stones, stroke, and osteoporosis.

A great source of fiber

Guava is one of the best sources of dietary fiber available. Not only that, guava also contains edible seeds that are high in fiber.

According to Dr. Giang, fiber helps support regular bowel movements by adding bulk to stool, making it easier to pass out of the body and helping to cleanse the colon. In addition, fiber can help lower blood sugar, control high blood pressure, and support weight loss by keeping us feeling fuller for longer between meals.

Rich in antioxidants

In 2011, a study by the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad (India) investigated the antioxidant properties of several fruits, including apples, bananas, grapes, and guavas. The study concluded that guavas contain the most antioxidants compared to other fruits.

Antioxidants are powerful compounds that can neutralize free radicals to protect the body against cellular damage and chronic disease. Several studies suggest that increasing antioxidant intake may help prevent common conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Combating the growth of cancer cells

Lycopene 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.

According to a study published in PLoS One, increased lycopene consumption may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Another study showed 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 naturally combat diabetes. Research results on animal models (in vivoStudies have shown that guava leaf extract may help lower blood sugar levels while improving glucose metabolism.

Reduce inflammation

Guava leaf extract possesses anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of flavonoids, which are compounds that act as antioxidants, helping to eliminate free radicals in the body.

Inflammation is at the heart of most diseases, and incorporating a variety of foods and supplements that reduce inflammation into our diets can help boost our health.

Protection against the buildup of harmful fats in the arteries.

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, guava leaves may help prevent atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries.

According to an in-tube study published in the journal Food Chemistry, guava leaf tea may help inhibit the activity of a specific enzyme responsible for the onset of atherosclerosis, potentially improving cardiovascular health and protecting against coronary heart disease.

Possesses antibacterial properties

Some studies suggest that guava leaves may possess strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. In fact, a 2010 in-tube study noted that guava leaves may aid in the treatment of conditions such as coughs, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and periodontitis.

Other studies have shown that guava leaves can exert antibacterial effects against diarrhea in the absence of antibiotics.

Supporting 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 a control group.