Health & Beauty. delivery number 10: The Guava.

Every day I will publish a fruit, vegetable or vegetable, highlighting its properties and benefits for health and beauty. In this way we will know more about the natural benefits that we can count on daily if we know more about the fruits, vegetables that we consume or that we see in the market and that we have not yet tested. In today's delivery I will talk about ...

Guava has beneficial properties and nutritional values ​​that allow this fruit to improve the health of the organism, from different points of view. From vitamins to mineral salts, through antioxidants and fibers, guava is an extremely important fruit suitable for a healthy and balanced diet.

The guava is the result of "Guajava guayaba", a perennial plant that provides fruits Its appearance varies depending on the variety: these can be rounded or look like a pear and the skin is generally greenish yellow, more rarely violet. Its flowers are white and fragrant.

The origins of this plant are very old, many people in the Caribbean and in South America seem to have begun their cultivation much earlier than that of corn and beans, and it is believed that the Aztecs already knew it. It is a tropical fruit that, today, is grown mainly in Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia.

Guava contains 86.1 percent water, 5.4 percent dietary fiber, 0.6 percent fat, 11.9 percent sugars, 0.8 percent protein and 0.6 percent ashes. Vitamins A, groups B, C and E are found in this precious fruit, along with minerals such as potassium, copper, iron, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, magnesium, zinc, calcium and sodium Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, it contains more than orange, it also has a lot of useful fibers for the health of the digestive system.

Thanks to the nutritional values ​​that characterize it, guava has several beneficial properties for the health of the body.

This fruit seems to be effective against vomiting, infections, gastroenteritis, toothache, cancer cells and even diabetes mellitus. In addition, its antiviral properties, capable of soothing skin diseases and ulcers, must be pointed out. Let's take a look at some of the properties and benefits that guava has and that it brings to our body.

Guava juice and pulp are useful to combat diabetes mellitus type 2 and glucose intolerance, this fruit can effectively control blood sugar levels, avoiding the classic glycemic peaks that can appear after meals and this thanks to the food fibers contained and the low glycemic index.

Guava helps reduce blood sugar and is a good ally in cardiovascular prevention, thanks to the large amount of dietary fiber and antioxidants, helps control the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides and blood pressure levels . In this sense, the potassium content should also be underestimated, this mineral facilitates the maintenance of the balance of body fluids, to regulate the heartbeat and blood pressure. In general, guava promotes the health of the cardiovascular system, helping to maintain blood flow with benefits for lowering blood pressure.

Guava also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used against rheumatoid arthritis. In this case, to be consumed should be the guava leaves that can be used for a decoction: these contain quercetin, a substance capable of calming the symptoms of this disease. Likewise, these can be very useful in case of various painful conditions, such as menstrual pain and toothache, as well as inflamed gums.

Guava is an excellent fruit also for the health of the gastrointestinal tract, its leaves have astringent abilities and are, therefore, useful in case of diarrhea. This fruit has antibacterial properties, therefore, it is a valuable aid in gastroenteritis and against vomiting.

On the contrary, the pulp of the guava, which contains a good amount of dietary fiber, together with the seeds, has some useful laxative properties to prevent constipation.

Guava, thanks to its high content of antioxidants present, has anti-cancer properties, contains quality anti-cancer, especially in regard to the prevention of cancers, such as breast, prostate and mouth, thanks to the content of lycopene. For example, pink guava contains almost twice as much lycopene as tomatoes. This antioxidant can also protect the skin from the damage caused by UVA rays. The intake of foods rich in antioxidants is also useful to counteract the activity of free radicals and slow down, as a result, cellular aging.

Guava is a fruit extremely rich in vitamin C, which contains four times more than oranges, able to strengthen the immune system and protect the body from infections and pathogens. It considerably increases white blood cells and strengthens the production of cell repair enzymes.

The eyes also benefit from the consumption of guava: thanks to the vitamin A content, this fruit helps prevent the onset of diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts, improving vision.

The presence of B vitamins provides numerous benefits for the brain, which stimulate cognitive function and increase the ability to concentrate.

During pregnancy, it is necessary to ensure the correct intake of folic acid or vitamin B9 in the body, to ensure the development of the child's nervous system. The consumption of guava can, therefore, be useful, and also prevent the onset of neurological disorders.

The consumption of guava is also indicated to prevent anemia, thanks to the high content of vitamin C, promotes the absorption of iron by the body. For this purpose, it would be sufficient to consume a fruit or drink a glass of juice during meals, to facilitate the absorption of iron.

Guava is a fruit very rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin K, beta carotene, iron, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. Regular consumption of guava has many benefits for the beauty and general health of the skin and hair. Its main properties are due, especially to the extraordinary content of antioxidants that help fight the signs of aging.

The astringent properties make guava an excellent ingredient in the treatment of dark spots and pimples. Vitamin C is also useful for the synthesis of collagen, one of the main proteins that are part of the structure of human tissues, it is, therefore, a necessary substance to maintain the integrity of the skin.

A mask with guava, excellent for the skin could be: Put the guava fruits cut in half in a blender and mix two teaspoons of oatmeal. The compound obtained is excellent for making an astringent facial mask against pimples.

Another way to use guava to clarify skin spots is to mix guava leaves, seeds and two teaspoons of milk with half a teaspoon of milk powder. Apply on the spots or on the entire skin to make a natural peel and clear the complexion, detoxifying impurities.

From the guava seeds an oil is obtained that can be applied to the skin, to keep it more hydrated and elastic, and to avoid the arrival of the first wrinkles. It is also an excellent remedy to combat dandruff and prevent hair loss, as well as to make your hair stronger and lighter. A mask of guava seed oil is also useful for treating the split ends of hair and fighting dandruff.

This fruit can be eaten fresh, in fruit salads or in the form of fruit juices. Guava is also the necessary ingredient for many recipes, from ice creams to cakes, creams, sweets, mustards, jams and smoothies. The peel is edible and it is possible to cut the fruit in two to eat the pulp, directly with the spoon.