Guava is naturalized in several places throughout the tropics and subtropics. The seasonal fruit of the Indian subcontinent and that of the Philippines is known for its delicious tastes and for its various health benefits.

The guava is one of the most delicious fruits and is known botanically as Psidium gaujava, and locally by different names such as Amrud, Peru, Piyara, Koyya, Sede Pandu etc.

This attractive fruit is a real storehouse of nutrients. If it is “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” in Europe and Americas,...

...it must be “A few guavas in the season keeps the doctor away for the whole year” in the Indian Subcontinent and places where guavas grow.

Nutrient Content

Guava contains High Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Folate, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.

Health Benefits of Guavas

• Guavas are an excellent source of Vitamin C. They are a very good source of Vitamin A.
• The pulp and the peel of the guava are a remarkable source of natural antioxidants and AODF (antioxidant dietary fiber), a combination of the properties of antioxidants and dietary fiber from a single source. The antioxidant properties of the skin are ten times higher than that of the pulp.
• Preliminary studies suggest that guava leaf extract possesses anti diabetic properties.
• Guava is an excellent source of a carotenoid called lycopene that has the health benefit of preventing cancer.
• Guava contains an estimated 9 grams of fiber per cup. Guava is an excellent source of fiber and as a result it has the health benefit of cleaning out the intestine, aiding in digestion and lessening the risk of developing colon cancer.
• Guava is high in fiber. Fiber has the health benefit of lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Guava helps to lower cholesterol in the blood, while increasing good cholesterol, lipoprotein.
• The astringents found in guava give them the health benefit of getting rid of bacterial infections.

Guava Recipes

Guava Colada

Ingredients

1 1/4 c Guava nectar
2 ts Freshly squeezed lime juice
2 c Sweet golden pineapple; diced, frozen
1 Banana; ripe, frozen

Method

·          In the jar of a blender, blend all ingredients until smooth.

Guava Chutney Recipe

Ingredients

500 Grams Guava

2 Cups Vinegar

4 Cups Water

2 Tsp Red Chili Pepper

4 Cardamoms

400 Grams Sugar

3 Tsp Salt

4 Tsp Raisins

20 Almonds

Method

• Peel outer skin of the guavas and cut each into four pieces.
• Remove the seeds.
• Cook guavas with water.
• Add sugar, crushed cardamoms, vinegar, chili powder, raisins and almonds and cook on a hot fire till thick.