Guava fruit: useful properties, taste and how to eat it, contraindications

Tropical guava is a fruit that has excellent taste and contains many valuable components. Thanks to this, the product produces a therapeutic effect on the body and improves its functioning. The first trees with such fruits began to be grown in Central and South America. However, now the tropical apple has become widespread throughout the world.

Description of fruit

Guava is a plant from the Myrtle family. It is an evergreen tree that reaches a height of 4 meters. Especially large plants grow up to 10 meters. A beautiful crown consists of spreading branches with dense greenery of a bright green color.

This plant is characterized by fairly large leaves. They reach a length of 16 centimeters. The top of the foliage has a shiny surface, and the bottom is covered with a light fluff. The fruits may be round or pear-shaped. They are large in size and weigh 75-160 centimeters. In diameter, fruits reach 8-15 centimeters.

Sometimes fruits are compared to bumpy apples. This is due to the presence of a pimply peel. Visually, it looks dense and rough. However, in fact, guava has a thin and elastic skin. Depending on the variety, it is sweet or bitter. The shade of the fruit depends on the type of tree and the growing area. It can be a little greenish, yellow, bright crimson.

Ripe fruits have a pleasant aroma. Inside is a juicy and friable pulp, which has a sweet taste reminiscent of an apple. Its color depends on the variety and is yellow, ruby, pink or red.Each berry contains up to 500 small and hard seeds. Green fruits have a sour taste.

You can harvest several times a year. At first, the fruits ripen in the central part of the tree. Another 2-3 harvests are carried out later - that's when the rest of the fruit ripens.

Chemical composition

The fresh product has a minimal calorie content. 100 grams of fruit contains only 68 kilocalories. This product includes 2.6 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat and 9 grams of carbohydrates. The fruits are mostly water. Thanks to this, they perfectly cope with thirst. Guava also contains the following components:

• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• vitamin A;
• fruit sugar;
• fiber.

According to some studies, a tropical apple contains 5 times more vitamin C than an orange. Due to the balanced composition, the fruit helps to strengthen the body's natural defenses - especially in winter.

Ripe fruits must be eaten with the skin on. It contains many vitamins and microelements. At the same time, the skin itself activates the functions of the digestive system, since it contains many enzymes.

Useful properties

The medicinal properties of guava have been known for hundreds of years. These fruits were used for medical purposes by residents of different regions - the Philippines, Brazil, the West Indies. Thanks to the use of these fruits, the following results were achieved:

1. Restore normal blood sugar levels. Thanks to the observations of scientists, it was possible to reveal that the leaf extract improves glucose parameters. The results studied showed good prospects for maintaining optimal sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. An experiment was also conducted among people, in which 19 people took part. All of them systematically consumed tea prepared from the leaves of the culture. Studies have shown that after this drink, the blood sugar after eating dropped by at least 10%.
2. He althy heart muscle. Guava has a complex effect on it. Thus, the researchers were able to prove that guava leaves contain many vitamins and antioxidants that protect the body from the action of free radicals. In addition, guava contains a lot of potassium and fiber. These ingredients contribute to the protection of the myocardium. Studies have shown that the extract of the leaves of the culture reduces blood pressure and contributes to the normalization of cholesterol parameters.
3. Improve the functioning of the digestive organs. In the course of studying the composition of fruits, it was possible to establish that they include a lot of fiber. 1 fruit contains 12% of the daily volume of plant fibers. The use of guava helps to eliminate constipation and gently cleanse the intestines. The leaf extract of the culture has a stimulating effect on the digestive organs. In addition, it has antibacterial properties. The active ingredients inhibit the development of pathogens in the intestine, which leads to diarrhea.
4. Cope with tumor formations. The plant extract is able to protect cells from abnormal changes and stop the development of tumor cells. Researchers believe that the active ingredients protect cells from the negative effects of free radicals that lead to cancer.
5. Stimulate the immune system. Lack of vitamin C is considered one of the important risk factors for the development of many pathologies, including infectious diseases. The addition of guava provides the body with ascorbic acid, which stimulates the protective functions of the body. In one guava, there is almost 2 times more of this component than in oranges. The high content of vitamin C provides strong immunity. In addition, the substance gives guava antibacterial properties. It helps protect the body from bacteria and viruses. It is important to keep in mind that vitamin C quickly leaves the body, so you need to use guava for medicinal purposes regularly.
6. Relieve constipation.Guava has mild laxative properties. This is due to the high fiber content. If you consume at least one fruit every day, you will be able to get 12% of the daily dose of plant fibers. This makes the fruit good for the intestines. Experts advise eating guava seeds. They need to be swallowed whole or chewed.
7. Save your sight. Guava is considered to be one of the best sources of vitamin A, which has many benefits for the eyes. Therefore, the fruit can be consumed for the purpose of prevention and to increase visual acuity. The systematic use of the product slows down the development of cataracts. It also stops macular degeneration.
8. Reduce toothache. Guava leaves contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components that help fight off pathogens. Toothache is usually caused by an infection, which guava is great for. Home remedies based on guava leaves have analgesic properties, cope with swelling of the gums and eliminate ulcers of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.
9. Achieve anti-stress action. Guava contains high amounts of magnesium, which relaxes the nervous system and muscles. Fruits should be consumed during recovery after physical and mental stress. This product helps to relax muscle tissue, eliminates stress and energizes.
10. Heal your brain. This product normalizes cerebral circulation. This is facilitated by niacin and pyridoxine, which are better known as vitamins B3 and B6. These ingredients support high levels of cognition and relax the nerves at the same time.
11. Relieve coughs and other symptoms of a cold. Due to the increased content of vitamin C and iron, guava becomes useful during epidemics of viral infections. To do this, you need to squeeze the juice from the unripe fruits and make a decoction to reduce cough and eliminate the symptoms of a cold. The active components of guava remove phlegm and provide cleansing of the throat and respiratory organs from viruses and bacteria.
12. Slow down the aging process. Guava contains substances that have anti-aging properties. This product includes vitamins A and C, lycopene and carotene. All these components are powerful antioxidants and protect the skin from the negative effects of internal and external factors. Due to the combined effect of the active ingredients, it is possible to prevent the formation of wrinkles.

Application

Guava is used in various areas of life. The fruits of the plant are actively used in cooking and in cosmetology.

Cooking

Different dishes are prepared from guava. This exotic fruit contains a lot of pectin. The substance helps to give liquids a jelly-like structure. Thanks to this, jelly or jam can be prepared from guava. This dish will be a good option for a second breakfast. It is also acceptable to use it as a dessert after dinner.

Guava juice has strong antioxidant properties. It should be used as a good alternative to today's popular detox drinks. Also, the fruit is suitable for making puree or paste. Such an ingredient will help to give a standard dish an unusual taste. To dilute the sweetish-spicy notes, you should use other fruits, vegetables, spices.

Guava can also be canned. It tastes a bit like canned peaches. This product has a viscous and loose structure. In addition, it has an unusual taste and aroma.

This product can be used as a spice. To do this, the pulp of the guava must be crushed to a state of flakes and cut off the zest from it. It is also acceptable to grind the product to a powder state and add it to your favorite dishes.

Guava is great for baking. The syrup from this fruit has a rather viscous texture. They can replace eggs in the preparation of desserts. In addition, the exotic fruit is well suited for raw foodists and vegetarians.

It is worth considering that this product is in perfect harmony with various types of meat. Especially successful is the combination with pork and venison. At the same time, one of the most unusual options is the combination of guava with dairy products. Pieces of fruit can be added to low-fat cottage cheese. It is also acceptable to eat a whole piece of fruit with a glass of fresh milk. This allows you to enjoy a pleasant taste and saturate the body with valuable substances.

In cosmetology

Exotic fruit benefits skin too. This fruit can be used as such substances:

• antiseptic;
• exfoliant;
• healing agent;
• astringent product;
• antioxidant.

It is also permissible to use guava extract and oil in cosmetology. Such remedies are used for skin rashes. With their help, you can get rid of acne. Also, these substances effectively eliminate post-acne.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionThe product helps to get rid of edema, dry local inflammation and prevent their recurrence. It also prevents clogging of pores and tones the face. Means with the addition of guava can be used for comedones, allergic reactions, atopic dermatitis.

This tropical fruit is an effective ingredient that prevents the formation of wrinkles. The product actively smoothes the dermis, makes its color more even and eliminates the signs of aging. Leaf extract helps with hyperpigmentation. Sometimes a course of 6-12 months is enough for a patient to eliminate skin spots without using a laser.

Contraindications

Experts do not classify the product as an aggressive exotic fruit. Usually, its use is not accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. At the same time, guava has a number of contraindications for use:

1. Prone to allergic reactions. To make sure there is no intolerance to the product, it is worth smelling a quarter of guava.
2. Pathologies of the kidneys and adrenal glands, urolithiasis. People with such diagnoses should not eat unripe fruits.

For the first time, it is recommended to try a small amount of guava. Sometimes the human body reacts to it with dyspeptic disorders. Subsequently, too, you should not use many fruits at a time. Excessive intake of active components in the body provokes the development of diarrhea.

It is important to consider that guava has very hard seeds. If you bite them, you can damage the enamel. Therefore, it is required to use the fruits with extreme caution.

Guava is a he althy tropical fruit that contains many valuable components. It is actively used in cooking and cosmetology. In order for the fruits to give the desired results and not harm the body, it is important to follow the rules for their use.

Recommended