15 Amazing Guava Benefits

Guava has been hailed as one of the super fruits due to the numerous health benefits it offers. It indeed is a powerhouse of nutrients. “This humble fruit is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants that are beneficial for skin. Guavas are also rich in manganese which helps the body to absorb other key nutrients from the food that we eat. Guavas contain folate, a mineral which helps promote fertility. The potassium in guavas helps normalise blood pressure levels as well. In fact, a banana and a guava contain almost the same amount of potassium. Since it contains about 80% of water it helps keep your skin hydrated

1. Immunity Booster
Did you know: Guavas are one of the richest sources of vitamin C? It’s true. Guavas contain 4 times the vitamin C content present in oranges. Vitamin C helps improve immunity and protects you against common infections and pathogens.

2. Lowers Risk of Cancer
“Lycopene, quercetin, vitamin C and other polyphenols act as potent antioxidants which neutralise free radicals generated in the body, preventing the growth of cancer cells. Guavas have shown to be widely successful in reducing prostate cancer risk and also inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells since it is rich in lycopene”.

3. Diabetes-Friendly
Due to the rich fibre content and low glycaemic index, guavas prevent the development of diabetes. While the low glycemic index inhibits a sudden spike in sugar levels, the fibre content ensures the sugar levels are well regulated.

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4. Heart Healthy
Guavas improve the sodium and potassium balance of the body, thereby regulating blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Guavas also help lower the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL), which contribute to the development of heart disease. This magical fruit improves levels of the good cholesterol (HDL).

5. Treats Constipation
It is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber in comparison to other fruits and just 1 guava fulfills about 12% of your daily recommended intake of fibre, which makes it extremely beneficial for your digestive health. Guava seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives too, helping the formation of healthy bowel movements.

6. Improves Eyesight
Due to the presence of Vitamin A, guava is well known as a booster for vision health. It can not only prevent degradation of eyesight, but even improve eyesight. It can help slow down the appearance of cataracts and macular degeneration. Even though guavas are not as rich in Vitamin A as carrots, they are still a very good source of the nutrient.

7. Guava During Pregnancy
Guavas contain folic acid, or vitamin B-9, which is recommended for pregnant women since it can help in developing the baby’s nervous system and protect the newborn from neurological disorders.

8. Beats Toothache
Guava leaves have a potent anti-inflammatory action and a powerful antibacterial ability which fights infection and kills germs. Thus, consuming guava leaves works as a fantastic home remedy for toothache. The juice of guava leaves has also been known to cure toothaches, swollen gums and oral ulcers.

9. Stress-Buster
The magnesium present in guavas helps to relax the muscles and nerves of the body. So after a hard workout or a long day at the office, a guava is certainly what you need to relax your muscles, combat stress and give your system a good energy boost.

10. Good for Your Brain
“Guavas contain vitamin B3 and vitamin B6, also known as niacin and pyridoxine respectively, which help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves”, remarks Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.

11. Weight Loss
Want to shed a few pounds? Guava is just the ticket. Without compromising your intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber, guava helps you lose weight by regulating your metabolism. It’s a win-win! Guava makes for a very filling snack and satisfies the appetite very easily. Guava, especially raw guava, also has far less sugar as compared to apples, oranges, grapes, and other fruits.

12. Cough and Cold
Guava has one of the highest quantities of vitamin-C and iron among fruits, and both are proven to be preventive against cold and viral infections. The juice of raw and immature guavas or a decoction of guava-leaves is very helpful in relieving cough and cold since it helps get rid of mucus and disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.
 

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Guava for Skin

13. Anti-Ageing Properties
Guavas are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants like carotene and lycopene which help protect the skin from wrinkles. A guava a day, keeps fine lines away!

14. Improves Complexion
Guava helps regain the skin’s radiance and freshness. Reap the benefits by preparing a DIY scrub at home: All you have to do is mash some guava flesh with an egg yolk and apply it on your face. Rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water. When used once or twice a week, this scrub will remove dead cells from your skin and lighten your complexion. Guavas are also a great source of Vitamin K, which helps get rid of skin discoloration, dark circles, redness and acne irritation.

15. Improves Texture
Guavas rank high in astringent properties, guava leaves and unripe guavas even higher.Guava helps tone up and tighten the facial muscles, so apply a decoction of the leaves and fruit on your skin and voila!

Is Peanut Butter Good for You?

 

As per Harvard Health Letter, peanut butter is healthy. Peanut butter is loaded with vitamins, minerals and some nutrients. Unsalted peanut butter has amazing potassium to sodium ratio, which will protect from cardiovascular attacks. Its daily consumption also keeps type II diabetes at bay.

Peanut Butter is Full of Vitamins and Nutrition

It is rich in protein, Vitamin E and monounsaturated fats (healthy fat) that regulate cholesterol level in the body.  It also contains small amount of magnesium, zinc and Vitamin B6, which helps to increase the immunity power of the body to fight diseases.

Rich in Fiber

Peanut butter is not only rich in protein but also rich in fiber, which is very much needed to for the proper functioning of the body parts, necessary for a healthy body.

Contains Loads of Potassium

Peanut butter also contains a lot of potassium in it, which is helps you stay away from stroke, kidney and heart disorders. It also reduces the stress and anxiety level; maintains metabolism in the body; and takes care of the nervous system. It also maintains electrolytes balance in the body and ensures the normal functioning of the cells.

Rich in Manganese

Peanut butter is also a good source of manganese, which helps to maintain the healthy bone structure. It also creates necessary enzymes to build bones and maintain bone metabolism. It takes care of the metabolic activity of the body. The other benefits of manganese include the creation of connective tissues, regulation of blood sugar level and the hormones of the thyroid gland. Etc. So the consumption of peanut butter helps you to be healthy in these ways.

Helps to Lose Weight

According to the Obesity journal, the person who eats nuts twice a week is likely to gain 30% less weight than the person who never or very rarely eats nuts.  We read it earlier that peanut butter is rich in protein as well as in fiber, so its consumption makes one to feel full for longer period of time. As a result, you will feel less hungry, which means you will eat less food that will ultimately lead to lose weight.

Boosts the Energy Level

As it contains good amount of fiber and healthy fat, its consumption keeps you energized. Its consumption gives you the required amount of calories for your daily activities. So take peanut butter in the morning to maintain the energy level throughout the day.

Keeps Alzheimer’s disease at Bay

The consumption of foods that are rich in niacin helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Peanut butter is a good source of niacin, so the consumption of peanut butter helps one to keep Alzheimer’s disease at the bay.

Reduces the Risk of Heart Diseases

People who eat four servings of peanut butter per week are 37 less likely to get heart diseases than the people who rarely eat peanut butter or never ate peanut butter. As per a study by the British Journal of Nutrition, the consumption of peanut butter lowers the bad LDL cholesterol level in the body and maintains the good HDL cholesterol level in the body.