GUAVA ( अमरूद् ) ... The Amazing Super Fruit in News !!!

We are aware about Amla and its health benefits but never thought that Guava ( अमरूद् ) will be so much beneficial. In our general view, we think and perceive that costlier fruits would yield more benefits but it is now recently proved wrong and baseless by a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad (India),

Guava certainly is the “Fruit in the News”. Besides its much proven health benefits, the fruit is being discussed lately because of its high ''Antioxidant'' levels.Guava (Psidium guajava L.) has always been a very important fruit crop of India. It has always gained great respect because of its ...
(1). High nutritive value,
(2). Easy availability,
(3). Low economic value,
(4). Pleasant aroma, and
(5). Good flavor.

Guava has the second highest content of vitamin C, next to Amla. It is also very high in the soluble fiber ''Pectin'' which cleans and rinses our intestines well.
A guava weighing 100g (approx a medium sized guava) would contain 260 mg of Vitamin C (recommended intake is 40mg per day) and 8.5 gm of dietary fiber (recommended intake is 25 gm to 30 gm per day). Guava is also rich in Carotenoids and Potassium. The nutrient content of fruit differs with the cultivar, stage of maturity and season. Guava is in the true sense a SUPER FOOD.

Apart from the fruit, guava leaves also have an array of qualities which are healing and curative. Guava leaf is 'antibacterial' in nature. Studies conducted in the past have proven the leaves to be helpful in Diabetes. They help regulate blood glucose levels. Guava leaves could also be consumed like any other cooked green leafy vegetable or juice. This would bring nutrition on the platter absolutely free of cost.

Guava ... Higly rich in Antioxidants :-
An epidemiological study was conducted recently by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad (India), to know the ANTIOXIDANT properties of different fruits. The study included only those fruits that are easily available in the Indian market and are commonly consumed by maximum Indians.
The fruits were Guava, Pine-apple, Indian plum, Mango (ripe), Apple, Chiku, Watermelon, Custard apple, Grapes (green), Orange, Papaya (ripe), Pomegranate, Sweet lime and Banana.

The results showed that out of the 14 fresh fruits, guava and mango were found to be the richest in antioxidants. Anti-oxidant property of guava was found to be 496 mg / 100gm, which is said to be sufficient to get rid of 'free radicals' (wear and tear/disease causing chemicals) present in our body. The antioxidant activity of the fruits in the study ranged from as high as 496 mg /100 gm in Guava to as low as 22 mg /100 gm in pineapple.
''Lycopene'' is the potent antioxidant found in abundance in Guava.
A guava provides 2.9 g of Lycopene, an antioxidant that protects healthy cells from toxins that accumulate in the body due to metabolism and environmental pollution. The damaging effect of toxins includes premature aging, cancer development because they damage DNA in charge of growth and development.

Free radicals hasten ageing and are responsible for causung many Cancers and many other degenerative disorders. So, the main objective behind the study was to know the antioxidant properties in naturally occurring fruits that could fight against free radicals.

(Anti oxidant model)

The study has brought forth the benefit of the natural occurring antioxidants in lowering the risk of degenerative diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes, Atherosclerosis (hardening of blood channels).

Dr Sreeramulu, from the Endocrinology and Metabolism division of the National Institute of Nutrition’s and the lead author of this study, stated that “Natural antioxidants have attracted considerable interest among nutritionists, food manufacturers and consumers because of their presumed safety and potential therapeutic value”.
Dr Sreeramulu highlighted the importance of the findings saying that “even the commonly available Guava can enrich the Indian diet”. He also added that “We usually believe expensive fruits are the richest source of nutrition. But our extensive research shows that highly economical fruits like ''Guava'' are rich in antioxidants the most that help scavenge free radicals that destroy tissues."
The Indian plum, the custard apple and India’s beloved mangoes, all came after guava in antioxidant richness.
The study also found that while there is a presence of antioxidant concentrations of just under 500 mg per 100 gm in guava, 330 mg in plum and 135 mg in pomegranate, apples have a quarter of the antioxidants compared with guava and bananas have a tiny fraction with 30 mg per 100gm.

Other benefits that this Indian superfood (Guava) provides are as follows :

(1). It slows diarrhea and loose bowels ...
Guava and guava leaves are very rich in astringents. Astringents are compounds that make the gums feel tighter. These astringents are alkaline in nature and bind up loose bowels. They also have disinfectant and antibacterial properties and thus are helpful for the stomach and intestines by assisting in inhibiting dangerous microbial growth causing diarrhea.

(2). It relieves cold and cough ...
Guava and guava juice also help in giving relief from cough and cold as they contain antioxidants and also disinfect the respiratory system.

(3). It allows healthy digestion and bowel movement ...
Guava is one of the best sources of soluble fiber. The seeds serve as a natural laxative. It is a boon for the mankind as they are excellent in maintaining the stomach health.

(4). It helps control diabetes and blood pressure ...
Guava is hypoglycemic in nature and also helps to control blood pressure when consumed on regular basis.
Guava leaf tea may be effective in lowering blood glucose levels. According to a study published in 2010 in "Nutrition and Metabolism" and conducted by the Yakult Central Institute for Microbiological Research in Tokyo, Japan, consumption of guava leaf tea inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes. The inhibition of these enzymes results in reduction of blood glucose levels; the suppression of elevated blood glucose levels is critical in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

(5). It helps maintain healthy and glowing skin ...
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and its condition speaks volumes about your health. Rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and oily, dry and aged skin, may reflect stress, lack of exercise or a poor diet. Improving your skin's health is possible in a variety of ways, including adding more skin-supportive nutrients in your diet. Guava is a tropical fruit that provides several nutrients like Vit. C, Vit. K, Lycopene & water that support skin maintenance. Including it in your diet may help you make progress toward the beautiful complexion you want that is more than just skin deep.
The abundance of astringents in the fruit and leaves helps tighten the muscles. The skin could also be washed by its decoction to give a bright and clean look.

(6). It helps in fat reduction and loose weight ...

Guava is a one of the best fruits to consume, especially for a person on a weight loss regime. It is highly satiating and satisfying. Having just a medium sized guava can take care of hunger for next three hours easily.

(7). Mouth Ailments ...

Guava leaf tea is useful in treating ailments associated with the mouth. According to "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth" by Jonny Bowden, the tea made from the guava leaf can treat ulcers in the mouth. In addition, as a gargling agent, guava leaf tea can alleviate discomfort associated with sore throats, laryngitis and mouth swelling.

(8). Infections ...

Guava leaf tea has shown effectiveness when used as a topical treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. A study conducted at Federal University of Technology in Yola, Nigeria revealed the components of the guava leaf extract promoted anti-bacterial properties, which prevented infections in surgical wounds and other skin and soft tissue infections.

It’s best to eat the whole raw fruit. But guava has a tendency to mix and merge with other flavors and create a delightful new taste, so, it could be used to prepare vegetables, cocktails, floats, punches and desserts.


''A guava a day would definitely keep the doctor away''.

For super health and super energy make sure not to miss eating the guava when it is in season... as it is right now in Indian subcontinent and the price now in this season is JUST 15-20 Rs./KG... So friends go for it right now on daily basis for the next 2-3 months as Indian markets are already flooded with this super fruit.