Guava - the benefits and harm to the health of the body

Among tropical fruits that are on the shelves of European stores, guava attracts attention, above all, an unusual view of not only the external, but also the internal part. But it turns out that the overseas fruit is endowed with many nutrients, and therefore doctors, especially nutritionists, mark it as a functional superfood.

How to distinguish guava from other tropical fruits

Guava is an evergreen shrub that can exist only in a wet and dry climate zone, where frost periods do not exist. Appreciated for the fact that during the cultivation does not require the use of chemical additives, as the plants copes with the invasion of pests.

The fruit of this plant is green with a bumpy surface, and inside, in the very center, hides numerous quantities of small seeds.It has a rather strong specific aroma, and the taste, as its gourmets characterize, albeit sweet, but with an original sourness. In taste, it resembles strawberry, quince and pineapple at the same time. Of course, until guava reaches the counters of European stores, it loses to taste, therefore, it is lucky for residents and travelers located in Asia and Africa, since this is where the plant is cultivated and sold everywhere.

You can determine the condition of the fetus by color inside:

1. Almost white flesh indicates immaturity, but many lovers prefer just such a fruit. Stored in a cool place for no more than three weeks.
2. The flesh of saturated red color indicates full maturity. It is necessary to use within 3 - 5 days.

Composition

If you look in conjunction with scientists in the pulp and skin of the guava, you can find out that it contains many substances necessary for maintaining human health:

Vitamins

1. C - improves the strength of capillaries, relieves nervous excitement, takes part in the synthesis of collagen.
2. A - retards the development of colds, increases the severity of twilight vision.
3. Vitamins of group B, which regulate many metabolic processes.
4. K - participates in complex processes of blood clotting, increases intestinal peristalsis and stomach.
5. E - positively affects the work of muscles, endocrine and sex glands.

Trace elements The fruit contains magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc, manganese, sodium.

Polyunsaturated acids, and above all - omega 3, which activates the immune system, regulates fat metabolism and cholesterol, increases vitality.

What is the benefit?

1. Due to such a rich content of beneficial elements, guava greatly supports the immune system, which, first of all, is due to vitamin C. It turns out that the fruit exceeds oranges in the content of ascorbic acid, which means that if you eat only one fruit, a person will saturate the body with this vitamin. five times the normal rate.
2. In addition, guava has an amazing property to inhibit prostaglandin molecules that carry the inflammatory process, for example, rheumatoid arthritis.
3. The fruit is useful during colds as an antimicrobial and vitamin-rich remedy.Improves the state during the course of bronchitis or pneumonia, reduces the possibility of developing cancer. Especially if there is a threat to the mammary or prostate, colon or lungs.
4. Anti-cancer properties are closely related to the amount of antioxidant compounds in the fruit, which include: quercetin, lycopene, polyphenols.
5. For patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes, guava is an excellent healing agent, since the plant has insulin-like activity, reduces sugar levels, and there were cases when the fruits included in the diet stopped the development of the disease.
6. The high content of dietary fiber, as well as the low glycemic index help the sick body to suppress an unexpected jump in the level of sugar.
7. For those who want to stay young, struggling with aging skin, guava will be a great helper. The presence of vitamins, especially C and A, antioxidants protects the skin from premature aging, from wrinkles, because the skin, having obtained the necessary substances from the guava, is able to independently produce elastin and collagen.Brewed and infused leaves will help get rid of inflammatory and purulent processes on the skin, acne. Also, the leaves relieve inflammation of the gums and relieve toothache, because they have anti-inflammatory and analgesic, anti-bacterial properties, remove diarrhea. It is not necessary to brew the leaves, sometimes they are enough to chew to achieve the desired effect.
8. Guava has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, because the fruit is included in the diet. It can improve the balance of sodium and potassium, causing blood pressure to return to normal. This is especially necessary for people with high blood pressure. Does not allow the plant to increase the level of "bad" cholesterol or triglyceride, which often provoke the development of heart diseases.
9. Intestinal problems most often lead to such an unpleasant event as constipation. But the presence of fiber in guava contributes to improved digestion, and nutrients are absorbed by the body much more actively. If you eat one fruit a day, you can get rid of problems with flatulence, constipation and clean the intestines. But keep in mind that the fruit has laxative properties.
10. Guava harmoniously combines substances that help maintain vision. These are vitamins, primarily A and E, antioxidants that strengthen the capillaries, which supply oxygen and nourish the cells, and in this case the risk of exposure of free radicals to the eyes is reduced.
11. Guava has a positive effect on the nervous system, brain activity, improving blood circulation in the brain.

Eat the fruit or with the peel (there are especially many useful substances in it) and seeds, cutting off small pieces, or peel off the peel and stones, preferring one flesh. The fruit has hard seeds, but they perfectly clean the intestines.

What should beware of?

To guava brought only benefits, it should be remembered that the immature fruit is very sour, and this can cause pathological effects during the work of the kidneys.

It is believed that guava should not be processed thermally, but there is a fresh form. Long storage is not recommended.

The peel contains a lot of sugar, because diabetics better eat only the flesh.

Video: what is guava?