Lemon guava, also known as the common guava (Psidium guajava) is a deliciously sweet and remarkably healthy tropical fruit. Guavas are native to Central and South America and are very similar in appearance to apples or pears and generally about the same size as them. They contain small amounts of important B vitamins and minerals. More important, they are an incredible source of vitamin C, a potent natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer nutrient. Even more, guava boasts a high fiber content, comparable to that of nuts and seeds, and thus promotes digestive and colon health.
What doe unripe and ripe guava look like? There are several major guava varieties, all of which differ in terms of size, shape, weight and color. Generally, guavas are round, apple or pear-shaped with either a thin or a thicker green rind, similar to lemon rind. They are usually about the size of an apple or pear, but can sometimes grow up to the size of a grapefruit. Unripe guava has a bright green rind color, with a whitish pulp which may stay white even when the fruit is ripe (depends on variety).
Many varieties of guava have a beautiful bright pink or orange pulp when ripe. Also, the rind of such varieties may turn from bright green to a softer yellow-green, lemony yellow, orange-red or deep red as the fruit ripens. Last but not least, guava seeds are creamy-white in color and disposed either circularly or ovally. Again, depending on the variety, they can be either hard or tender and may vary slightly in number. Guava pulp, rind and seeds are all edible. Although the rind may appear inedible, it can actually be eaten and should be soft in texture and taste sour-sweet, although it’s the last part of the fruit people are usually looking to eat.
What does guava taste like? Generally, guava pulp is either sweet or sour. Sweet varieties are quite fragrant and taste like grapefruit and pear together, although they also remind me a bit of strawberries. While the seeds are edible too, y can take them out if you don’t want to eat them, have difficulty swallowing or are experiencing a lump in throat sensation (also see what to do about a pill stuck in throat feeling). It’s the fruit itself that has the most benefits after all. Also, avoid cracking guava seeds with your teeth because they can be quite hard and you risk damaging your teeth.
What does guava smell like? Although some fruit may indeed smell a bit too ripe, you know you’ve found the perfect guava when it gives off a strong sweet, floral, tropical whiff – a smell indicative of both fruit quality and ripeness.
What is guava good for?
Find out below what are the most notable 7 nutrition facts and health benefits of guava:
1) Promotes digestive health, including colon health. Guava has a high dietary fiber content: 5.4 g of fiber/100 g of pulp. The fiber in guava is actually soluble which means it absorbs water and makes stools softer and thus easier to pass. This not only limits strain, but also protects against hemorrhoids by preventing constipation. Also, an overall generous daily fiber intake is said to contribute to maintaining colon health by reducing the time it is exposed to the toxic compounds in waste.
2) Blood sugar control in diabetes. The soluble fiber in guava makes us feel satiated faster and longer by slowing down the digestion process and especially the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. In other words, it allows for sugar obtained from food to enter the bloodstream at a steady pace, preventing fluctuations that may negatively impact energy levels. Studies show guava helps regulate post-meal blood glucose levels as well as reduce insulin resistance, contributing to a better management of both prediabetes and type-2 diabetes.
3) Potent antimicrobial action. Guava is an incredible source of vitamin C, containing 396% of the RDA of this essential nutrient. Vitamin C is a great antimicrobial, having been shown to effectively boost immunity by increasing the aggressiveness of white blood cells and reducing the frequency, duration and severity of most colds and infections. Moreover, vitamin C speeds up wound recovery and promotes vascular health.
4) Remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. With such an incredibly high vitamin C content, guava is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells and DNA from reactive oxygen molecules (free radicals) which disrupt the activity and normal life cycle of cells, causing them to mutate into cancerous cells.
The damaged caused by free radicals, known as oxidative stress, has been linked to high inflammation levels. Inflammation is believed to be a factor contributing to the development of chronic disease (diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease). A diet consisting of vitamin C-rich foods such a guava constitutes the best prevention method for a variety of chronic illnesses.
5) Rich in lycopene. Red guava is an amazing source of lycopene, a powerful carotenoid antioxidant. Lycopene is responsible for the red color of some fruits and vegetables, including watermelon, tomatoes and tomato byproducts (tomato juice, sauce, ketchup), pink and red grapefruit, papaya, goji berries, rose hip sea buckthorn, Japanese persimmons, red bell peppers (or sweet red peppers) and especially gac fruit. See benefits of gac fruit.
Studies are currently investigating the carotenoid antioxidant lycopene for its anti-cancer properties. Other than this, lycopene is believed to be good for high blood pressure and, as a result, may also interact and potentiate the effects of high blood pressure medication. Another benefit of lycopene is its blood thinning properties which may provide benefits for cardiovascular health in the form of prevention of blood clots and associated cardiovascular events such as stroke. See benefits of lycopene.
6) Good source of vitamins and minerals. Guava contains moderate amounts of vitamin A, folate, pyridoxine, potassium and small amounts of manganese and magnesium. Vitamin A maintains healthy mucous membranes at the level of the mouth, nose, eyes, lungs and stomach and contributes to good immunity. Folate prevents spinal defects in newborn babies and is thus an essential nutrient for pregnant women. Magnesium maintains the health of the heart muscle, while potassium regulates blood pressure.
7) Anti-aging properties. The high content of vitamin C in guava stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that gives structure to tissues, skin included. A high production of collagen helps delay aging signs such as wrinkles and saggy skin, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
Overall, guava is an extremely healthy fruit with an above-average nutritional profile. Regular consumption appears to help prevent the onset of chronic disease and improve health quality. It only has about 68 kcal/100 g so it is also figure-friendly. If you are lucky enough to benefit from fresh guava on a regular basis, then don’t hesitate to enjoy it every chance you get.