October is a month I anticipate each year for a reason.. Guavas! Maybe you haven't heard this fruit before as many often don't know what I'm talking about. I don't blame you though since I have never seen this fruit in the super markets or grocery stores. I get my precious guavas from the tree we have in our garden.
So guava is a fruit that it is believed to have its origins in Central America where it is widely known as "sand plum". Its shape is oval or round with light green or yellow skin and the colour of its flesh varies from white, pink to dark red. The guava also has edible seeds.
This fruit has the most intense fragrance! When I bring some in my kitchen, the whole room fills with their beautiful scent. In fact yesterday I lit a candle and the scent of guavas was way stronger than the candle's! Besides its beautiful scent, it is also very delicious. It has a unique, very aromatic flavour that I love!
What is much greater about guavas, is that they are among the super fruits with the most health benefits! They are extraordinary rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants. They are rich in manganese which helps the body to absorb other nutrients from the food that we eat and they also contain almost the same amount of potassium with bananas.
The benefits of Guava
Immunity Booster
Guavas are one of the richest sources of vitamin C. Actually a guava fruit contains 4 times the vitamin C of an orange. Due to that they improve immunity and protects us against common infections and pathogens.
Lowers Risk of Cancer
Lycopene, quercetin, vitamin C and other polyphenols act as potent antioxidants that neutralise free radicals generated in the body.
Healthy Heart
They help improve the sodium and potassium balance of the body, thereby regulating blood pressure. Guavas also help lower the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol and improve levels of the good cholesterol.
Improves Eyesight
Guava is a booster for vision health due to the presence of vitamin A. It can also help slow down the appearance of cataracts.
Guava During Pregnancy
The folic acid and vitamin B-9 it contains, are recommended for pregnant women since they help in developing the baby's nervous system.
Relieves Stress
The magnesium in the fruit helps to relax the muscles and nerves of the body. This is what we all need after a workout or after a difficult day at the office!
Good for the Brain
The presence of vitamin B3 and vitamin B6 help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves.
Cough and Cold
Guava has one of the highest quantities of vitamin-C and iron among fruits, and both are proven to be preventive against cold and viral infections. The juice of raw and immature guavas is very helpful in relieving cough since it helps get rid of mucus and disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.
Anti-Ageing Properties
Since they are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants like carotene and lycopene they help protect the skin from wrinkles.