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Guava is a tropical fruit that grows in dry or humid heat. Both the fleshy fruit of the guava plant and the leaves are edible, with the fruit most often eaten as a snack and the leaves commonly boiled into an herbal tea.
Texture-wise, guavas are similar to pears, but with a little more crunch. They have a sweet, tropical flavor that instantly takes your taste buds on an island vacation. But hidden inside this sweet snack are a number of health benefits.
Guava is loaded with nutrients. Not only does it have more Vitamin C than oranges, guava is also rich in other antioxidants, and has been shown to have a number of great health benefits. Here are just a few of the benefits of eating this tropical fruit.
Improve Digestion
One of the key nutrients found in guava is fiber. Fiber has been shown to help with digestion by both solidifying and softening stool. This can ease the symptoms of both diarrhea and constipation.
Studies also show that guava leaf extract can help reduce the intensity and duration of diarrhea. People with certain digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, may benefit from adding guava to their diet.
Relieve Painful Periods
Menstrual cramps can range in severity, from mild to debilitating. Women who experience painful cramps may want to give the guava leaf a try. One study found that guava leaf extract was more effective than painkillers at dealing with menstrual cramps.
Improve Your Immune System
Guava is bursting with Vitamin C, which is critical for maintaining immune health. Studies show that Vitamin C can reduce the length of a cold’s duration and fight bacteria.
One guava contains more than twice the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C. In addition to its high Vitamin C content, guava is also packed with other nutrients, including:
To eat guava fresh, place it on a cutting board and cut it in half. You can then either cut it into slices the way you would an apple, or scoop out the fleshy part of the guava fruit with a spoon like an avocado. Guava rind is edible, but some people don’t enjoy the taste.
In addition to eating guava fresh, you can also put guava in a number of different recipes.
Fresh guava goes great in smoothies, salads, juices, and even salsas. Guava can also be cooked, and is used in a number of baked goods, including: