Important Benefits Of Guava Fruit + Guava Nutrition Facts

Guava (Psidium guajava) is a tropical fruit with a wide range of health benefits. The fruit is replete with antioxidants and other nutrients like vitamin C and lycopene. It is a powerhouse of fiber. Guava may help manage diabetes, protect the heart, and boost digestive health.

In this article, we will discuss the health benefits, nutrition facts, and potential side effects of guava. Scroll down.

What Are The Benefits Of Guava? 1. May Help You Manage Diabetes The fiber in the fruit can lower blood sugar levels (1). It can also prevent constipation, a common problem faced by individuals with diabetes. An Indian study states that guava (without the peel) can help in lowering blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels. This cuts the risk of diabetes (2). Animal studies show that guava leaf extracts may have antihyperglycemic effects against type 2 diabetes (3), (4).

2. May Protect Your Heart The fiber in guava lowers bad cholesterol, which may otherwise contribute to heart disease. The potassium in the fruit can help lower blood pressure levels (5).

The polysaccharides (a type of carbohydrate) in guava leaves act as antioxidants and fight oxidative stress (6). This is important because oxidative stress is one major cause of heart failure (7).

Guava leaves, when used as tea, may also help prevent atherosclerosis (8).

3. May Boost Digestive Health

One guava can give you about 12% (3 grams) of the recommended dietary fiber (9). Some sources suggest that the leaves of the fruit may treat nausea and vomiting. However, more research is needed to establish these effects.

Medical literature also states that guava can treat diarrhea due to its antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties. This is especially true with the extracts of the fruit and the leaves (10). One guava can give you about 12% (3 grams) of the recommended dietary fiber (9). Some sources suggest that the leaves of the fruit may treat nausea and vomiting. However, more research is needed to establish these effects.

Medical literature also states that guava can treat diarrhea due to its antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties. This is especially true with the extracts of the fruit and the leaves (10).