Who has never tasted the pleasure of sipping red guava juice or spicy white guava salad. In addition to tasty and contains a variety of essential nutrients, the benefits of guava for the body are also many.
Guava is a plant originating from Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. The fruit, also called guava, is now cultivated and can be enjoyed in many tropical and subtropical countries, such as Indonesia. Guava is rich in fiber and vitamin C, little folate, and other substances that act like antioxidants. In fact, the amount of vitamin C in guava four times more than oranges.
So what are the benefits of guava that we can enjoy? Let's explore together below.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Many experts believe the damage by free radicals is a factor in the development of vascular disease (atherosclerosis), cancer, and other diseases. Not only guava fruit, it turns out the leaves also contain antioxidants.
Phytonutrients
Red fruit such as guava, watermelon, and tomato contain natural phytonutrient chemicals that can maintain eye health and prostate.
Vitamin A
Brightly colored fruits contain more nutrients when compared to fruits whose color is paler. Brightly colored fruits such as guava, tomatoes, oranges, and mangos are rich in carotenoids, namely vitamin A that can help prevent heart disease. Vitamin A can also prevent the emergence of eye problems, maintain growth and development of cells, boost the immune system, and keep skin healthy. With vitamin A content in it, you get many benefits guava is good for health.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for healthy bones, teeth, gums, and blood vessels, helps in healing wounds and brain function, and helps the body absorb iron. Vitamin C is also needed to form collagen, a tissue that helps hold cells together.
Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
A study revealed that eating guava fruit allegedly can lower bad cholesterol LDL and blood pressure. The benefits of guava is obtained thanks to potassium and fiber content.
Preventing diabetes
In one study of rats it was found that guava fruit is thought to protect the kidneys from developing diabetes. Other studies have also suggested that red guava allegedly can significantly reduce the symptoms of diabetes, as well as reduce damage due to inflammation and oxidation process in diabetics.
Dengue fever
According to the study, guava leaf extract allegedly can inhibit the growth of dengue virus. Guava leaves are boiled allegedly can avoid bleeding in dengue, and increase the number of platelets 100.000 / mm3 in a period of about 16 hours.
Other benefits
In traditional medicine, guava is often processed into juice to help heal internal wounds or tea to cure headaches, If the diarrhea attacked, people just chew the leaves. Overcoming abdominal pain, cough, cataracts, heart disease, and cancer are also suspected to be another guava benefit.
The benefits of guava are many, but further research is still needed to support or prove the efficacy of various statements. But, do not let it make you hesitate in eating guava.
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