THE VERSATILITY OF GUAVA!
Did you know the Guava fruit has a rich ethno-medicinal history as different parts of the plant are used in various indigenous systems of medicine, primarily for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders? It is also used in treating wounds, cuts, ulcers, boils, skin and soft tissue infectious sites.
Guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) is a yellow to green fruit known for its food and nutritional values throughout the world.
Nutritional benefits
- The fruit is rich in fibre and contains carbohydrates and proteins. It also possesses an abundance of minerals such as calcium, iron and phosphorus as well as vitamins C, B complex and G4.
- Different Parts of the plant also contains antioxidants; phenolic compounds, carotenoids, glycosides etc.
Health benefits
- The guava plant possesses huge benefits to human health. It is known to possess hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial anti hyperglycaemic and analgesic activity.
- Guava leaves reduce the risk of heart diseases and strokes because of its high anti-inflammatory, high fibre, and antioxidant properties. B6 (pyridoxine) and B3 (niacin) found in the fruit helps to increase circulation of blood to the brain thereby stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves.
- Guava leaves’ tea helps in boosting the immune systems and reduce the risk of many diseases.
- Guava leaves may boost sperm production thereby increasing fertility.
- The leaf also contains quercetin which makes it effective in reducing pain and eliminating infections.
- Consumption of the fruit helps in treating stomach upsets, weight loss and menstrual cramps.