15 Important Benefits Of Guava Fruit + Guava Nutrition Facts

Guava fruit (Psidium guajava) is loved for its unique taste. It is loaded with many beneficial nutrients, and guava fruit benefits can be attributed to its nutrient profile. It is loaded with vitamin C, lycopene, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients can effectively manage diabetes, promote digestive health, and protect the heart.

Scroll down to learn more about this tropical fruit, the health benefits it offers, nutrition, and possible side effects.

Know Your Ingredient: Guava

What Is It?
A green tropical fruit with a pink, fleshy inside that has a sweet taste and musky aroma.

What Are Its Benefits?
It helps lower blood pressure, improve skin complexion, and reduce menstrual cramps.

Who Can Consume It?
Anyone can eat this nutritious fruit except people with irritable bowel syndrome or diabetes.

How Often?
You can eat 1 to 3 guavas daily.

Caution
Excess consumption may cause gas, bloating, cramps, and loose stools.

What Are The Benefits Of Guava?

Guava’s benefits stem from its rich dietary fiber and vitamin C content. Dietary fiber boosts digestion while vitamin C reduces free radicals in the body. Learn more about the health benefits of amrood here.

1. May Help You Manage Diabetes

The fiber in the fruit can lower blood sugar levels (1). It can also prevent constipation, a common problem faced by individuals with diabetes.

An Indian study states that guava (without the peel) can help in lowering blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels. This cuts the risk of diabetes (2). Animal studies show that guava leaf extracts may have antihyperglycemicⁱ  XThe property that helps keep glucose levels near the lower range to reduce the risk of diabetes and other heart diseases. effects against type 2 diabetes (3), (4).

2. May Protect Your Heart

The fiber in guava lowers bad cholesterol, which may otherwise contribute to heart disease. The potassium in the fruit can help lower blood pressure levels (5).

The polysaccharidesⁱ  XThe most abundant carbohydrates made of many simple sugars that serve as essential sources of energy in plant and animal cells. (a type of carbohydrate) in guava leaves act as antioxidants and fight oxidative stress (6). This is important because oxidative stress is one major cause of heart failure (7).

There are several benefits of guava leaves, one of them being that it can be used as tea, and may also help prevent atherosclerosis (8).

3. May Boost Digestive Health

One guava can give you about 12% (3 grams) of the recommended dietary fiber (9). Some sources suggest that the leaves of the fruit may treat nausea and vomiting. However, more research is needed to establish these effects.

Medical literature also states that guava can treat diarrhea due to its antimicrobial and antispasmodicⁱ  XThe nature or property that inhibits the contraction of smooth muscles and helps relieve pain and discomfort. properties. This is especially true with the extracts of the fruit and the leaves (10).

Guava’s antimicrobial properties can also fight the harmful gut microbes (like simian rotavirus) and potentially prevent digestive infections (11).

Also, according to one more research, the flavonoids present in guava leaf extract chiefly determine their antibacterial and antifungal activity. In contrast, quercetin, which is the most predominant phytochemical of guava leaves, exhibits antidiarrheal solid activities. The presence of phenolic compounds, such as gallic acid, pyrocatechol, taxifolin, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, and several others, is responsible for the antioxidant roles of guava leaves (12).

4. May Boost Immunity

Guava is replete with vitamin C (9). Studies state that vitamin C can help boost immunity and fight the disease-causing pathogens (13).

Vitamin C also protects your body’s cells from damage. It may reduce the risk of serious diseases, like arthritis, cancer, and some forms of heart disease (14), (15). Ensure you have the fruit ripe as it contains the most vitamin C (16).

5. May Relieve Menstrual Symptoms

In a study, 197 women with dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) found relief after taking 6 mg of a drug containing guava extracts per day (17).

Another rat study revealed the spasmolytic effects of guava leaf extract. The extract could relieve cramps of the uterine smooth muscles (18).

6. May Promote Weight Loss

There is a lack of direct research in this aspect. The fiber content of the fruit may help boost one’s weight loss efforts. The fruit is also low in calories. A medium guava contains about 38 calories and can be included in a weight loss diet (9).

7. May Reduce Cancer Risk

Apart from vitamin C, guava also contains lycopene. Both these antioxidants help reduce cancer risk. They may also prevent the proliferation of cancer cells (14), (19). Guavas are especially powerful in aiding the treatment of cancers of the breast and prostate (20).

Guavas contain fiber. This nutrient helps reduce the risk of hemorrhoidsⁱ  XA medical condition where the veins in the rectum and anus enlarge and cause discomfort during bowel movements or while sitting. and colon cancer (21), (22).

Other studies state that guava leaf extracts also could help reduce cancer risk (23).

8. May Protect The Skin From Wrinkles And Premature Aging

Want to know about Guava benefits for skin? Guava contains antioxidants. These compounds can protect skin from UV damage and potentially delay the signs of aging (24). The vitamins A and C in guava play a role in enhancing skin firmness (25), which has an excellent anti-aging effect.

Guava leaf extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties that help in the treatment of acne (26).

9. May Improve Skin Complexion

Other important benefits of eating guava include keeping skin fresh and boosting complexion. Although, there is less research in this regard. However, if you are easily prone to allergies, check with your doctor before using guava on your face.

10. May Improve Your Vision

The vitamin A in guava may boost vision. This nutrient is known to cut down the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. The abundant vitamin C in the fruit also contributes to better vision (27).

11. Beneficial During Pregnancy

Guava is a good source of folate (9). The nutrient cuts the risk of birth defects and is essential during pregnancy (28).

12. May Ease Your Stress

Guava contains magnesium (9). This nutrient is known to relax the body’s nerves and muscles and may ease stress (29). Some studies suggest that magnesium may help relieve anxiety in individuals, although more evidence is needed in this regard. (30).

13. May Stimulate Cognitive Function

Guava contains vitamins B6 and B3 that are known to promote cognitive health.  Vitamin B6 has shown to reduce the risk of dementiaⁱ  XA group of related symptoms affecting the ability to think, remember, speak, and behave, which interfere with one's daily functioning. , cognitive decline, and depression (31). In animal studies, vitamin B3 had shown improvements in neurodegeneration (32).

Jesse Feder, RDN, says, “Guava is high in sugar and can affect your blood sugar. It contains a good amount of B6 and B3, which contribute to healthy brain cell function and blood flow. Guava can increase blood sugar levels due to its high sugar content and should be eaten in moderation.”

14. May Help Prevent Cough

Guava leaf extracts possess anti-cough properties. In studies done on rats and pigs, water extracts of the leaves had decreased the frequency of cough(33).

15. May Relieve Tooth pain

Guava leaves possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that may help relieve toothache. The leaves may also be of use in the treatment of periodontal diseaseⁱ  XA dental disease characterized by gum inflammation and infection caused due to poor oral hygiene. (34).

Trivia

Guava is a super fruit as it contains 2 times more lycopene than a tomato, 4 times more vitamin C than an orange, and 4 times more fiber than a pineapple.

Guava Nutrition Facts

Values sourced from USDA, guavas, common, raw

One guava contains 126 mg of vitamin C, which meets a whopping 209% percent of your daily recommended values. The fruit also contains 229 mg of potassium, 343 IU of vitamin A, and 27 mcg of folate. These are among the most important nutrients in the fruit.

Did You Know?

In Columbia, Bocadillo con queso, a sweet bite-sized snack, is made using guava and sugar cane and served with salty white cheese as a dessert or appetizer.

Guava is beneficial for your health. However, does this mean you can eat as many guavas as you want? Or would it cause any adverse effects?

What Are The Side Effects Of Eating Guava?

Limited research is available in this aspect. Excess consumption of this fruit may cause certain side effects, though information is insufficient. Hence, practice caution. You can stick to 1 to 3 guavas a day. If you have any specific medical condition or are pregnant/breastfeeding, consult your doctor before including guava in your diet.

According to Jesse Feder, RDN, “You should avoid eating guava if you experience gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, constipation, cramping, loose stools, or if you have an allergic reaction. Additionally, it is best to limit guava intake if you have poor blood glucose control or diabetes.”

After reading about guava fruit’s benefits and side effects, you will be in a position to make a more informed choice regarding your health.

Infographic: Guava Nutritional Facts

Guava is a tropical fruit known for its unique taste and benefits. The rich nutritional profile of guava is responsible for its wide array of health benefits. It contains many essential vitamins and minerals that are useful for proper body functioning. Check out the infographic below to learn about nutritional facts about guava.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to eat guava seeds?

Yes, you can eat guava seeds.

Can you eat guava on an empty stomach?

Fruits with tough fibers, like guava, may slow down your digestive system. Hence, do not have guavas on an empty stomach.

Why are some guavas pink while others are white?

Pink guavas contain carotenoids, which are compounds that give them their characteristic color. White guavas don’t contain these carotenoids.

What is guava called in different languages?

Guava is called goyave in French, guayaba in Spanish, and amrood in Hindi.

Does guava give you energy?

Yes. Guava is rich in essential nutrients. It can be satiating and offer you a refreshing energy.

Is guava good for kidney health?

Research is limited here. Guavas contain potassium, which may not be recommended for those with kidney issues. If you have any kidney problems, talk to your doctor before consuming this fruit. Jesse Feder, RDN, says, “Guava is generally safe to eat in moderation and does not typically contribute to kidney stones. It is not a high oxalate fruit and contains several healthy nutrients.”

Is it safe to eat guava at night?

Yes, you can eat guava at night. This nutrient-rich fruit gets easily digested and makes bowel movements easy the following morning.

Do guava leaves help with fertility?

Guava leaves contain ethanol that may enhance male fertility (35).

Can we drink water after eating guava?

Yes, you may. Drinking water after eating guava can further ease the digestive process.

What is the best time to eat guava? Can we eat guava at night?

Anytime other than on an empty stomach is appropriate to consume guava. Yes, you can eat guava at night, but make sure to consume it 30 minutes after finishing a meal.

Is guava better than apple?

Apple and guava are both excellent sources of nutrients. However, guava ranks higher compared to apple as it has a higher concentration of all vitamins and more protein, fats, and carbohydrates.

Is guava good for sleep?

Guava is said to help soothe and relax your hyperactive nerves and prolong your deep slumber. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove this claim.

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Thais TisattoBHSc (Health Science)

   

Thais Tisatto is a Holistic Nutritionist from the Gold Coast, Australia. She has a very strong passion for women’s health, gut health, hormonal balance, and sports nutrition. She analyzes every single one of her cases in clinic from a holistic perspective, taking into consideration not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual factors that might be affecting an individual's health....more

• Jesse FederRDN/LDN

  Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).
  
  Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).

Ravi Teja TadimallaSenior Editor

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Sindhu KogantiHealth & Wellness Writer

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to...more