Guava  popularly known as  Amrood  in Hindi is known for its unique flavour and fragrance. It is classified as a super fruit due to the numerous health benefits it has to offer.

Guava  popularly known as  Amrood  in Hindi is known for its unique flavour and fragrance. It is classified as a super fruit due to the numerous health benefits it has to offer. This tropical fruit is believed to have originated in Central America where it is also known as the sand plum. It is loaded with tiny hard seeds at the center and is round or oval in shape. It has light green or light yellow skin and the colour of its flesh varies from white or pink to dark red.
Guava is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin. Guavas are also rich in manganese which helps the body to absorb other key nutrients from the food we eat. Guavas contain folate, a mineral which helps to promote fertility. The potassium in guavas helps to normalise blood pressure level. In fact, a banana and a guava contain almost the same amount of potassium. Since it contains about 80% water, it helps to keep the skin hydrated. There are many mind-blowing benefits of guava for health.
15 Health Benefits of Guava
1.    Immunity Booster
    Being a four times richer source of vitamin C than oranges, guavas help in improving the immune system and protect against common infections.
2.    Good for Brain
    Guavas contain vitamin B3 and vitamin B6, which help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves.
3.    Healthy for Heart
    Guavas help in lowering 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) and thus helps in keeping the heart healthy.
4.    Regulates the Blood sugar level:
The rich fibre content present in guavas ensures that the blood sugar level is well regulated. The low glycemic index also inhibits a sudden spike in blood sugar level, making guavas the fruit of choice for diabetics.
5.    Regulates Blood Pressure
    Guavas improve the sodium and potassium balance of the body thereby regulating blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
6.    Lowers Risk of Cancer
    Guavas have shown to be widely successful in reducing the risk of prostate cancer and also inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells since it is rich in “lycopene” which in turn helps to neutralize free radicals which are being generated in the body, preventing the growth of cancer cells.
 7.    Guava in Pregnancy
    The folic acid or vitamin B9 content in guava is recommended for pregnant women, which helps in developing the baby’s nervous system and protects the newborn from neurological disorders.
8.    Improves Eyesight
    Due to the presence of vitamin A, guava can not only prevent the degradation of eyesight but even improves it. It can help to slow down the formation of cataract and macular degeneration.
9.    Weight Loss
    Helps lose weight by regulating metabolism due to its lower sugar content and rich fiber.
10.    Cough and Cold
    Guavas contain very high quantities of vitamin C and iron and both have been proven to be preventive against the common 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 by getting rid of mucus and disinfecting the respiratory tract.
11.    Treats Constipation
    Guava fulfills about 12% of our daily recommended intake of fibre, which makes it extremely beneficial for our digestive health. Guava seeds if ingested whole or chewed, serve as an excellent laxative, helping the formation of healthy bowel movements.
12.    Stress Buster
    The magnesium present in guavas helps to relax the muscles and nerves of the body, relieves stress and gives a good energy boost.
13.    Anti-Ageing Properties
    Guavas are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants like carotene and lycopene which in turn help to protect the skin from wrinkles.
14.    Toothache
    Guava leaves inherently possess the tendency to fight against infections and kill germs. Thus the consumption of guava leaves works as a fantastic home remedy for toothaches. The juice of guava leaves has also been known to cure toothaches, swollen gums and oral ulcers.
15.    Improves Skin Complexion and Texture
    Guava helps the skin to regain its natural radiance. Guavas are also a great source of vitamin K, which helps to get rid of skin discoloration, dark circles, redness and acne. Guava leaves and unripe guavas are more astringent in quality, thus help to tone and tighten the facial muscles, improving the texture of the skin.

Dr. Nishu Raina
Assistant Professor, 
Dayanand Ayurvedic College,
Jalandhar.
nishu.raina2010@gmail.com