Guavas
Guavas (Myrtaceae) are round fruits with a thin bumpy outer skin and creamy inner pulp that is packed with seeds.
Health benefits of Guavas
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Guavas
The most important thing to consider when choosing a guava is the smell. Find a guava that smells sweet and it will taste good. Some discolorations on the skin are OK, just avoid any fruits with obvious damage or rotting. A guava will yield when mild pressure is applied and this is a sign that the guava is ripe and ready to eat.
Climate and origin
Guavas originated in tropical portions of Central and South America, and are now widely cultivated in tropical climates all over the world. (zones 8-10 in the U.S.) Guava is a hearty plant and can be grown under green houses in colder climates.
Taste
Guava has a fragrant sweet taste and a mushy texture.
Miscellaneous information
The amount of vitamin C in guavas varies by type. Notably, a Strawberry Guava contains less than a quarter of the vitamin C found in a Common Guava. (Complete nutrient comparison)
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 68 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.95g | 1% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.27g | 1% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 2mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 14.3g | 5% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 5.4g | 19% | ||
| Total Sugars 8.9g | 18% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 2.6g | 5% | ||
| Vitamin C 228.3mg | 254% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.26mg | 1% | ||
| Calcium 18mg | 1% | ||
| Potassium 417mg | 9% | ||
| Phosphorus 40mg | 3% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||