Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables leads to an improved nutritional status and is associated with a decreased risk for chronic diseases. Guayabas, more commonly known as guava, is a tropical fruit native to Latin America. Known by its botanical name, Psidium guajava, guava grows well in warm clients such as Florida and California. Guava is high in vitamin C, contains beneficial phytochemicals and is considered a nutritious food.
Vitamin C and Minerals
Guava is particularly high in vitamin C, with one guava fruit containing more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C helps your body heal and repair itself and is essential for collagen production. Guava contains a number of minerals including calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Guava is high in potassium, a mineral that plays an important role in heart function.
Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are a group of plant substances known to exert a number of beneficial health effects including boosting immune function and providing antioxidant protection. Guava is rich in phytochemicals, which include carotenoids, flavonoids, lectins and phenols. A diet rich in carotenoids such as lycopene, is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
Regulates Glucose
Consuming an abundance of fruits and vegetables lowers your risk for diseases such as diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by abnormal blood sugar levels. Guava appears to promote healthy glucose levels. Constituents in guava prevent blood sugar from rising by suppressing enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, according to a study published in the February 2010 issue of the journal "Nutrition and Metabolism." However, the study examined the effect of guava leaf tea and guava leaf extract, instead of whole fruit consumption.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Clinical data suggests that eating guava has a beneficial effect on your blood pressure, according to a study published in the February 1993 issue of the "Journal of Human Hypertension." Researchers conducted a randomized, controlled trial and observed that consuming guava resulted in a 7.5 decrease is systolic pressure and an 8.5 in diastolic pressure. Researchers theorize that the results are possibly due to guava's high potassium and fiber content.
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