Guava, a great muscle relaxer, alkaline rich, fights premature aging and male aphrodisiac for more read on ….

By Cassandra Austin, Women’s Healthy Chef

Guava, photographed in Bangalore (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Health Benefits of Guava

This tropical wonder of a super-fruit is filled with Vitamins A, C, B3, B6, E, copper, folate, magnesium and has a high fibre and pectin content and a plethora of potassium. It,s been considered an aphrodisiac for centuries as it improves blood circulation helpful for men

WELLNESS

Guava has become a popular fruit amongst health aficionados due to its exceptional health benefits including but not limited to

Brain health Vitamins B3and B6 stimulate healthy brain and nerve function and promote healthy blood flow in the brain

Cancer prevention Vitamin C is a terrifically powerful antioxidant that fights off cell damaging free radicals that may cause cancer.  Also, its high fiber content will flush your body of toxic wastes and help prevent colon cancer

Diabetes care The high fiber content in guavas is very helpful for diabetics as it slows down the absorption of sugar in the body

Diarrhea/Constipation Guavas are alkaline-rich and have anti-bacterial and disinfectant abilities, which are phenomenally effective in treating such ailments as diarrhea and dysentery.  Its high fiber content is beneficial in relieving constipation

Eye health Vitamin A improves and maintains high visual acuity

Fertility Folate, as found in Guava, is a great nutritional tool for increasing fertility

Heart health Guava is laden with potassium, which is known to regulate sodium in the body and normalize blood pressure

Immunity Vitamin C is an incomparable immune system booster and can stave off the onset and symptoms of the cold, flu and various other infections and viruses

Relaxation Magnesium is a terrific muscle relaxer

BEAUTY

Antioxidant properties Guavas are considered super-foods as they have amazing antioxidant abilities and can fight premature aging and promote strong, lustrous hair and strong, healthy nails

WEIGHT LOSS

The vast amount of fibre in guava, 9 grams in one cup, is the perfect diet enhancer as it will keep you feeling full between meals and flush out your body on a more regular basis resulting in steady weight loss

COOKING

Guava can be eaten raw, juiced or cooked.  In many countries, Guava is eaten raw, right from the street cart, with a pinch of salt and pepper os some cayenne powder or Masala

Guavas are a delightful addition to fruit and savory salads

Guava jam or jelly is a perfect lazy Saturday afternoon concoction.  For a scintillating supper, use that very jelly, combined with some lemon juice, low sodium soy sauce, sea salt and pepper to coat chicken wings or breasts, which you can then bake in the oven

Whip up an exotic batch of guava Raitha, a classic Indian staple that is wonderfully cooling and can be used as a dip or side item to your favorite healthy protein.  Red guavas can be substituted for tomatoes in sauce, particularly if you are looking to cut down on acidity

Baked guava and cheese filled turnovers are a unique and scrumptious addition to your Sunday brunch spread

Guava smoothies and ice cream are delicious and you can even make a really pretty in pink guava flan to round out your dinner party

Interesting fact about Guavas:  They are the national winter fruit of Pakistan and in Brazil, the fruits and leaves are made into “medicinal” tea.