GUAVA; MUCH MORE THAN FOOD By: Caleb Asiedu

 




Guava is a tropical fruit found in places like Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, etc. Whilst some people use it in beverages, others eat the fresh fruit and leaf. Even the bark is used in home remedies for many conditions.

Medicinal constituents of Guava

Guava is a rich source of vitamin A, C (about three times than orange), vegetable fibre (in the form of pectin), proteins and potassium (even more than banana). It also has a significant amount of magnesium, phosphorus, Niacin, and the B vitamins.

Health Benefits of Guava

Guava is unknowingly considered by many as nothing more than a mere food without any extraordinary therapeutic benefits. Below are top 11 therapeutic benefits of guava.

 

 


1)      GUAVA LOWERS THE RISK OF CANCER. Guava leaf extract inhibit the PGHS-1 and 2 productions in the cancer cells and suppress cyclooxygenase reaction and DNA synthesis rate.

2)      GUAVA IMPROVE BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL. Guava has a low glycemic index (121-24) making it very tolerable for diabetics. It also helps the body to secrete insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose.  The fruit without peel is very effective in lowering blood sugar, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL as well as increasing the HDL levels.

3)      REGULATES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. Potassium deficiency is one cause of hypertension. Guava has high level of potassium that helps regulate blood pressure. It also provide significant amount of soluble dietary fibre, antioxidant, vitamin and minerals that decrease lipoprotein metabolism and blood pressure.

4)      FIGHTS INFECTIONS. Guava has a very high content of vitamins and iron when compared to other fruits. The astringent and antibiotic properties of guava loosen the mucus and inhibit microbial causing cough, cold and viral infections.

5)      EYE PROBLEMS AND GUAVA LEAVES. Guava and it leaves are very good for the eye because it has a lot of vitamin A, which help protect against free radicals from damaging the retina. Vitamin A protects the eye against eye illnesses including vision loss and cataracts. It also prevents macular degeneration.

6)      PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS. The guava skin is rich in dietary fibre which keeps you full for a longer period. It reduces your appetites and decreases overall calorie intake, which is essential for weight loss.

7)      PRESERVES PREGNANCY. Guava contains folate or folic acid. This helps form the neural tube that in turn forms the early brain and spine. Major birth defects of the brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida) are corrected with enough folic acid.

8)      PROMOTES SKIN HEALTH. Guava contains many antioxidants and antiseptic that fights free radical damage, promote skin cell renewal and kills acne-causing bacteria. It IS also field with Vitamin C that helps regenerates the skin, promotes collagen production making the skin firm and elastic.

9)      IMPROVES LIBIDO AND SPERM PRODUCTION. Guava leaves helps boost sperm production thereby increasing fertility. A tea of guava leaves tea with honey boost libido in both sexes.

10)   BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY. Guava is very rich in vitamin C which helps in boosting immunity. A strong immune system provides natural protection against common infections and pathogens.

11)   GUAVA HAS ANTI- STRESS AGENT. Guava contains magnesium in the fruit which relax your muscles and nerves. One guava can get you relaxed from hard long day work.

Mr Caleb Asiedu is a Public Health Nurse at the S.D.A. Hospital in Sunyani, Bono Region of Ghana. 




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