GUAVA, THE VITAMINS A & C FRUIT

2010-02-18

GUAVA fruit (Psidium guajava) is originated from tropical America, especially from Brazil and Antilles, where it is found in great number of varieties. Guava fruit is very affordable and easy to grow in Central America. Now guava fruit spread to Southeast Asia including Indonesia, to South Asia, India and Sri Lanka.

These guava fruits can grow in the fertile lowland areas to the altitude of 1200 meters above sea level. At the age of 2-3 years have started guava fruit. There are seeds on the fruit flesh. Guava fruit has a green fruit with white meat or red-and-sour taste sweet. Guava fruit is usually eaten raw on fruit or drink after Guava juice made

Guava fruit is still enjoyed as a sweet treat by indigenous peoples throughout the rain forest, and the leaves and bark of the guava tree have a long history of medicinal uses that are still employed today

Health Benefits

Guava are chemicals that fruit, leaves and bark of guava trees contain tannin. Guava leaves also contain various acids, such as acid ursolat, psidiolat, kratogolat, oleonolat, guajaverin.Guava beans also are rich in fiber helps prevent cancer known channel lower cholesterol and indigestion.

Guava fruit is rich in vitamin a, and vitamin c. A single guava has four times the amount of vitamin c as an orange. The ripe fruit is also a rich source of antioxidants. In addition the seeds have high levels of omega-3 and omega-6. Thus, very poor rural people can afford to cultivate or buy the fruit. It’s a nutrient dense fruit, making it a good dietary choice for the people of Honduras.

The tikuna indians decoct the leaves or bark of guava as a cure for diarrhea. In fact, an infusion or decoction made from the leaves and bark has been used by many tribes for diarrhea and dysentery throughout the amazon, and Indians also employ it for sore throats, vomiting, stomach upsets, for vertigo, and to regulate menstrual periods. Tender leaves are chewed for bleeding gums and bad breath, and it is said to prevent hangovers

Guava fruit is also a good source of pectin – a dietary fibre, and carotenoids, which have a protective effect against the harmful rays of the sun. Much of guava’s therapeutic activity is attributed to its flavonoid content, which has demonstrated antibacterial activity. So it can certainly be said that a guava a day will keep the doctor away

Health benefits of guava

The fruit is very rich in vitamins. Guavas are very rich in Vitamin C. It contains ten times more vitamins that citrus fruits contain. The only disadvantage is that there is very little Vitamin A in the guava fruit. The guava fruit is also rich in various other minerals and nutrients. The amount of vitamin C in the fruit increases as the fruit starts ripening and is at the maximum level when the fruit is fully ripe.

Guava leaves: The leaves of the guava tree are also medicinal in nature. They yield an essential oil that has a pleasant odour. This is the reason for the guava oils being used in perfumery and confectionery industries.

Guava leaves and the bark of the guava tree are powdered and used for their medicinal properties. The powdered form of the bark and leaves has been found to be beneficial in treating wounds and sores.

A decoction of guava leaves has been found to be good in increasing the digestion foods. It has been found that increased secretion of digestive enzymes is possible with guava leaves. The decoction of guava leaves has been effective in arresting vomiting and also diarrhoea. The decoction can also be gargled to relieve tooth ache and boils on the gums.

A paste formed from the powdering of leaves added to water can be applied on the skin of joints where there is pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. This will help to relieve the pain from the area affected.

Flowers: The flowers of guava have been found to have a cooling effect on the respiratory system. This has been used to treat bronchitis in those affected with this condition.