•City People Reveals All The Health Benefits
•Even Guava Leaves Is Useful
To God be the glory, great and mighty things He has done. It’s another beautiful week. Thank God for His unending mercies and grace over our lives. Welcome to your general health and well-being column..HEALTH- CHECK with Oluwabukunolami…
This week, we shall be discussing the health benefits of the guava fruit and leaves. Hope you had a beautiful weekend. The guava FRUIT is a source of vitamin C, fiber, and other substances that act like antioxidants. Antioxidants slow down or stop the harmful effects of oxidation. … Guava LEAVES also contain chemicals with antioxidant and other effects. Guava has a high content of vitamins C and A. In fact, one guava fruit contains 4 times more vitamin C than an average-size orange and 10 times more vitamin A than a lemon. Besides its unique flavour and fragrance, guava has been hailed as one of the super fruits due to the numerous health benefits.
This humble fruit is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, lycopeneand antioxidants that are beneficial for skin. Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber. Besides immunity, guava do wonders to skin and also promotes fertility. Guava also helps in regulating metabolism which leads to weight loss.
Guava, popularly known as amrood in Hindi, comes loaded with tiny hard seeds at the center. It is believed to have its genesis in Central America where it is alternatively known as “sand plum”.
It is round or oval in shape with light green or light yellow skin, and the colour of its flesh varies from white or pink to dark red and has edible seeds. “This humble fruit is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants that are beneficial for skin.
Guavas are also rich in manganese which helps the body to absorb other key nutrients from the food that we eat. Guavas contain folate, a mineral which helps promote fertility. The potassium in guavas helps normalise blood pressure levels as well. In fact, a banana and a guava contain almost the same amount of potassium. Since it contains about 80% of water it helps keep your skin hydrated”
IMMUNITY BOOSTER
Guavas contain 4 times the vitamin C content present in oranges. Vitamin C helps improve immunity and protects you against common infections and pathogens.
LOWERS RISK OF CANCER
“Lycopene, quercetin, vitamin C and other polyphenols act as potent antioxidants which neutralises free radicals generated in the body, preventing the growth of cancer cells.
Guavas have shown to be widely successful in reducing prostate cancer risk and also inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
DIABETES
Due to the rich fibre content and low glycaemic index, guavas prevent the development of diabetes. While the low glycemic index inhibits a sudden spike in sugar levels, the fibre content ensures the sugar levels are well regulated.
HEART
Guavas improve the sodium and potassium balance of the body, thereby regulating blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Guavas also help lower the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol which contribute to the development of heart disease. This magical fruit improves levels of the good cholesterol .
TREATS CONSTIPATION
It is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber in comparison to other fruits and just 1 guava fulfills about 12% of your daily recommended intake of fibre, which makes it extremely beneficial for your digestive health. Guava seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives too, helping the formation of healthy bowel movements.
IMPROVES EYESIGHT
Due to the presence of Vitamin A, guava is well known as a booster for vision health. It can not only Prevent degradation of eyesight, but even improve eyesight. It can help slow down the appearance of cataracts and macular degeneration. Even though guavas are not as rich in Vitamin A as carrots, they are still a very good source of the nutrient.
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 or a decoction of guava-leaves is very helpful in relieving cough and cold since it helps get rid of mucus and disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.
*Guavas are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants like carotene and lycopene which help protect the skin from wrinkles.
A guava a day, keeps fine lines away!
*Guava helps regain the skin’s radiance and freshness. Reap the benefits by preparing a DIY scrub at home: All you have to do is mash some guava flesh with an egg yolk and apply it on your face.
Rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water. When used once or twice a week, this scrub will remove dead cells from your skin and lighten your complexion. *Guavas are also a great source of Vitamin K, which helps get rid of skin discoloration, dark circles, redness and acne irritation.
*Guavas rank high in astringent properties, guava leaves and unripe guavas even higher.
Guava helps toneup and tighten the facial muscles, so apply a decoction of the leaves and fruit on your skin.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF GUAVA SEEDS
The guava has many small seeds with maroon or white pulp. The guava seeds are edible and loaded with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, iodine and other nutrients.
The skin and seed of the guava possess carotenoids, flavonoid, glycosides and phenolic compounds. It has also has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is highly recommended that guava seeds must consumed with whole guava including skin and flesh. Only seeds could cause problem in the stomach.
The health benefits which are provided by the guava seeds are as follows :-
LOWERS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
The guava seeds and fruits help to lower the high blood pressure as it is rich in potassium.
Guava contains 60% more potassium than the banana which is medium sized. Studies have shown that an adequate consumption of potassium helps to regulate the blood pressure.
The guava seed helps to prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases with its antioxidant properties and bioactive compounds by controlling the glycemia, triglyceride level and body weight.
RELIEVES CONSTIPATION
Guava seeds are effective in curing constipation with its stimulant laxative effect. It helps in digestion because guava seeds are a great source of dietary fiber. Guava if consumed with seeds helps to get rid of constipation by improving bowel movements. To prevent acidity, the seeds should not be chewed. It should be swallowed after chewing the pulp.
*The guava pulp and seeds helps to eliminate the growth of cancer cells. It possesses lycopene in high amount which helps to confront the prostate cancer.
It also helps to prevent the development of breast cancer cells.
Cancer is controlled and prevented by the antioxidant which helps to defend the body from free radicals.
Guava seed extracts provide the anti-cancer effects on hematological and solid neoplasms.
As the guava seeds possess the polyunsaturated fatty acids helps to maintain the cholesterol levels.
PRECAUTION WHILE CONSUMING GUAVA SEEDS
It’s not feasible for guava seeds to get stuck within the kidneys since the kidney just isn’t attached to the stomach or even any section of the digestive system. However, there exists a probability that the seeds could get stuck within the Appendix.
To be a lot more particular, it’s called “diverticulitis”. This is the situation where guava seeds may cause inflammation of the diverticulum within the intestines.
It is therefore best not to consume more quantity of guava seeds at the same time.
DECREASES CHOLESTEROL LEVEL
It is surprising that guava leaves can reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood which can cause many health problems. Studies have shown that guava leaves contain active phytochemical compounds such as gallic acid, cathechin and epicathecin which can inhibit pancreatic cholesterol esterase which slightly reduces cholesterol level.
PREVENTS OBESITY
Obesity has almost become an epidemic nowadays since the change of peoples lifestyle. Obesity can cause many health problems such as diabetes and heart diseases which are the main cause of mortality in most countries such as United States. Guava leaves contain a compound called quarcetin which can inhibit the fat cell formation and the cathechin that has fat burning effect in the body.
PREVENTS DIABETES TYPE 2
Cathechin in guava leaves can burn fat and can also control the blood glucose level . This may help to prevent the development of diabetes especially type 2 that also become a consequent along with developing obesity.
REDUCES THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE AND STROKE
Quercetin has a strong antioxidant effect on the body.
It can help to reduce oxidative stress which is caused by free radicals. This effect of quercetin inhibits the low density lipoprotein formation. LDL is known as bad fat which can cause atherosclerosis or plaque in the blood vessels. By consuming guava leaves you can reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis and prevent heart diseases.
PREVENTS CANCER
. One of the best benefits that you may find in guava leaves is the anti-cancer activity.
It has been proven that guava leaves can reduce the risk of several types of cancer such as gastric, breast, oral and prostate cancer. This benefits performed by the antioxidant contains in guava leaves such as quercetin, lycopene and Vitamin C. Those components can induce the apoptosis or self-killing activity.
PREVENTS INFLAMMATION
Glycosides from guava leaves extract showed significant effect in histamine , protein which triggers inflammation inhibition.
PROTECTS LIVER
Guava leaves have been found to have hepatoprotective activity which can cure liver injury induced by paracetamol consumption. It also has strong effect to protect liver from some enzyme which can damage liver cells such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin.
FIGHTS ALLERGY
*Guava leaf contain quarcetin is known as anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory which can inhibit the development of allergy such as food allergy, asthma and skin reaction. Quercetin makes guava leaf tend to be one of best natural way to fight allergy.
REDUCES PAIN
*Arthritis is a condition as a symptoms of autoimmune disorder and causing joint pain. The quercetin in guava leaves has significant effect to reduce the pain of arthritis. It is also reported that quercetin can help to lower the effect of infection and remove its pain.
TREATS STOMACH ULCER
*Guava leaves contain methanol extract that composed by volatiloill, flavonoid and saponine which can be useful to treat stomach ulcer. This methanolic extract of guava composed by tannins and flavonoids also can promote healing effect of gastric wound.
KEEPS ORAL HEALTH
*Guava leaves is known to keep oral or mouth health. It is believed that chewing guava leaf can protect mouth from developing dental plaque. The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties in guava leaves also can protect from gum inflammation and get rid of bad breath..
PREVENTS HAIR LOSS
*It is believed that crushing guava leaves and rubbing them on the scalp can prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.
RELIEVES ITCHY SKIN
Itchy skin is sign of allergy or other infection. If its not being cure, it will be serious problem, guava leave contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation properties which can reduce skin itching. Just crush the leaves and rub to itchy skin to get this benefits.
Now I believe we all know the health benefits of guava, it’s seeds and leaves.
This is where we would be stopping this week.
As we say good bye, remember it’s still early in the year so why not make to stay healthy through, lifestyle changes, healthy living and eating .
Engage in exercises and
don’t forget, discipline is the watch-word for a healthy life.
Stay away from junk food , practice lifestyle changes, eat healthy, take lots of fruits, fibre, nuts and water while also ensuring that you sleep well.
Life is Beautiful so live well, love life and enjoy it.
Till I come your way again next week…
I remain yours in good health, .. Oluwabukunolami.
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