Guava is a tropical fruit produced by a shrub that grows in the tropical areas of America, Asia and Oceania. Its scientific name is Psidium guajava.
It is found in abundance in the gardens of Hanga Roa and in the wild in many parts of Easter Island - Rapa Nuiwhere it is known in the Rapa Nui language by the name of "Rapa Nui".tuava".
In our cosmetic line we use a organic guava extract certified by ECOCERT. But, in this article we want to focus on the multiple health benefits of this plant, not only for hair and skin, when applied with our cosmetics, but also when consumed.
It is a wonderful fruit, rich in vitamins A, B and especially C, as well as a large amount of minerals, and both the fruit and its leaves can be used. The guava is a fruit with great nutritional value and medicinal properties beneficial to health. We will tell you 10 health benefits of guava:
1. Rich in antioxidants that protect health
The guava has several times more vitamin C than an orange or any other citrus fruit and therefore possesses a higher high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are essential for health as they prevent the damaging effect of free radicals that result in cell aging and even in the appearance of certain types of cancer.
In addition to this, vitamin C can help increase the body's immunity - making it more resistant to viruses and bacteria - and facilitates the absorption of the iron present in the food we eat in our daily diet, which helps prevent or treat anemia.
2. Contributes to the production of collagen
Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen which, among other functions, gives firmness, structure and elasticity to the skin. In addition, guava is rich in an antioxidant called lycopene which helps maintain skin health and prevent premature cell aging.
3. Helps maintain healthy muscles, tendons and ligaments.
The quercetinA flavonoid found naturally in guava, it is essential for our muscles as it helps to soothe them after exercise, as well as to alleviate the symptoms of diseases such as osteoarthritis and arthritis, fighting inflammation and relieving pain associated with this problem.
Guava is also rich in folic acida key vitamin in the formation of red blood cells and cell regeneration.
4. Allied in the control of hypertension.
Among the minerals that guava provides to our organism are the following potassiumvery beneficial for the vascular system, as well as the polyphenols it contains. They favor the relaxation of the blood vessels, help to clean the arteries and facilitate the elimination of sodium, thus combating hypertension problems.
5. Excellent fruit in weight control diets
The guava is a fruit with a very high few caloriesIt can be included without problems in weight loss diets. In addition, as it is rich in fiberIt promotes digestion and the feeling of satiety, naturally reducing hunger.
6. Helps regulate stomach disorders.
Guava fiber stimulates bowel movementsimproving digestion. When ingested with peel helps to combat stomach acidity, being excellent for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
But the guava, thanks to its high tannin content, also possesses astringent, antispasmodic and antimicrobial propertieswhich help to reduce diarrhea (acute or chronic), abdominal pain and possible microorganisms causing diarrhea.
7. Contributes to lower cholesterol
The soluble fibers of guava, such as the pectin They turn into a gel in the intestine, "trapping" cholesterol and harmful fats and preventing their absorption, which reduces their amount in the blood and favors their excretion in the bile.
Some scientific studies suggest that daily consumption of guava may help reduce "bad" (LDL) cholesterol and increase "good" (HDL) cholesterol levels.
8. It has antiseptic properties
Especially the leaves of the guava tree are rich in anesthetic and antiseptic substances which act as natural antibiotics, that is why in traditional medicine the infusion of guava leaves is used to heal skin wounds.
9. Improves Oral Health
Chewing guava leaves is a natural remedy against bad breath, since its antiseptic properties eliminate the bacteria that cause the problem. In addition, the infusion used as a mouth rinse helps to relieve toothaches for its analgesic effect and to keep the mouth healthy.
10. Take care of skin health
Eating guava is excellent for the skin, because it is rich in lycopenean antioxidant that helps maintain skin health and prevent premature aging of cells.
In summary, guava is a fruit with many beneficial properties for health, although it is important to remember that it is a food and does not replace medicines in any case. In case of illness or disease it is best to always consult a doctor.
To close our article we want to tell you how to consume guava.
The guava is a fruit with a pleasant flavor, so it is easy to consume it whole, just removing the seeds., although it is also perfect for making juices, smoothies, compotes, jams, ice cream and guava jam.
With the guava leaves - especially the new ones - it is possible to prepare infusions that can be drunk, used as mouthwash or used for external applications in case of acne, for example.
