Guavas have tangy, sweet, and tropical flavor. They are oval in shape with light green or yellow skin and contain edible seeds. They are referred to as the “ultimate superfood” due to the copious amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that they contain. Aside from its high fiber content, its vitamin C levels are 5 times the amount of vitamin C present in oranges.
According to the USDA, 100 grams of guava fruit contains the following nutrients:
- 68 calories
- 14.3 grams carbohydrate
- 2.6 grams of protein
- 49 microgram folate (12.3 percent DV)
- 5.2 milligrams lycopene ( 52 percent DV)
- 5.4 grams fiber (21.6 percent DV)
- 40 milligrams phosphorus (4 percent DV)
- 417 milligrams potassium (8.8 percent DV)
- 228.3 milligrams vitamin C (381 percent DV)
- 624 IU vitamin A (12.5 percent DV)
- 0.2 milligram copper (11.5 percent DV)
- 22 milligrams magnesium (5.5 percent DV)
In a 2011 study by Hyderabad’s National Institute of Nutrition in India, guavas have been found to contain the most antioxidants as compared to apples, bananas, and grapes. Antioxidants are needed by our body as they are the ones that prevent free radicals from forming and damaging cells which can lead to chronic diseases. Eating unripe guava fruit has been found to possess greater amounts of antioxidants.
Due to its richness in vitamin C (provides over 350% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C), consumption of guava fruit has been associated with a healthy immune system, thus keeping illnesses at bay. Vitamin C repairs the immune system and keeps it functioning properly. Aside from this, it can also help in healing arthritis, heart diseases, and cancer as it was shown to stop cell damage because of the antioxidants it possesses. The antimicrobial effects of guavas also help in killing off bad bacteria and viruses that can lead to infections.
A 2012 study, results revealed that the high concentration of vitamin C in guavas make it a powerful healing staple in our diet.
Other Benefits We Can Obtain From Guava Fruit
- Maintains eye health
- Aids in proper digestion
- Lessen the risk of various cancers
- Boost heart health
- Aids in weight loss
- May help lower blood sugar levels