Thursday, January 24, 2013

Guava Nutrition & Health Benefits

Guava fruit or in latin name Psidium guajava has a high content of vitamin C and also as a source of useful minerals to ward off degenerative diseases and help keep in shape. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of the blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Guava leaves and stems contained anti-bacterial substances that are useful to cure various kinds of diseases. 

In addition to a good source of vitamin C, guava is also rich in fiber, especially pectin (soluble fiber), which can be used for material for good natural laxative, gel or jelly. Other pectin benefits is used to lower cholesterol and the cholesterol binding bile acids in the body and helps expenditures. Research conducted Singh Medical Hospital and Research center Morrabad, India shows guava can lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and blood pressure essential hypertension. Fiber content helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time and bind toxic cancer-causing chemicals in the colon.


Guava Nutrition Facts


Guava (Psidium guajava),
Nutritive value per 100 g.
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
PrincipleNutrient Value
RDA(%)
Energy68 Kcal3.5%
Carbohydrates14.3 g11.5%
Protein2.55 g5%
Total Fat0.95 g3%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Dietary Fiber5.4 g14%
Vitamins
Folates49 µg12.5%
Niacin1.084 mg7%
Pantothenic acid0.451 mg9%
Pyridoxine0.110 mg8.5%
Riboflavin0.040 mg 3%
Thiamin0.067 mg 5.5%
Vitamin A624 IU21%
Vitamin C228 mg396%
Vitamin E0.73 mg5%
Vitamin K2.6 µg2%
Electrolytes
Sodium2 mg0%
Potassium417 mg9%
Minerals
Calcium18 mg2%
Copper0.230 mg2.5%
Iron0.26 mg3%
Magnesium22 mg5.5%
Manganese0.150 mg6.5%
Phosphorus11 mg2%
Selenium0.6 mcg1%
Zinc0.23 mg2%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß374 µg--
Crypto-xanthin-ßµg--
Lycopene5204 µg--

11 Guava Health Benefits

1. Guava is low in calories and fat but contains essential vitamins such as, mineral, and antioxidant poly-phenolic compounds and flavonoids play an important role in cancer prevention, anti-aging, and increase endurance.

2. The fruit is very rich source of soluble fiber (5.4 g per 100 g of fruit, about 14% of the DRA), which is good for improving digestion. Fiber helps to protect the intestinal mucous membrane by reducing the adverse effects of toxins and cancer-causing chemicals binding in the colon.


3. Guava is a source of antioxidants and vitamin C, providing more than three times the daily intake requirement.

4. Guava is rich in astringents are alkaline and have benefits as a disinfectant and anti-bacterial properties, thus help cure diarrhea or dysentery caused by microbial growth. Further, other nutrients in guava, such as vitamin C, carotenoids and potassium strengthens and rejuvenates the digestive system.


5. Vitamin B on guava health plays an important role in brain function. Guava is rich in vitamin B3 and B6. Vitamin B3, also known as niacin which serves to stimulate brain function and improve blood flow, and vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is an important nutrient for brain and nerve function.

6. Scientific studies show that consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the body regularly become stronger against infections, and causes of cancer also free radicals that are harmful to the body.


7. Guava fruit is a source of Vitamin-A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and cryptoxanthin. The compound is known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for health. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and the skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in carotenes known to protect the lung and oral cavity cancers.

8. Studies show that lycopene in young guava can prevent skin damage from the effects of UV rays and provides protection from prostate cancer.


9. Fresh Guava is very rich in potassium, even more than bananas per 100 g. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure.

10. Guava is also a source of B-complex vitamins such as pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin E, and K, and minerals like magnesium, copper, and manganese. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.

11. Although there are no definitive studies on the benefits of guava seeds to treat dengue fever (DHF), but many people believe red guava can increase blood platelets in dengue fever. vitamins and minerals are high on red guava can help speed up the process of healing the sick without causing any side effects.