Guava

Guava is a member of the Myrtaceae family, commonly known as the myrtle family. The plant was introduced to Hawaii in the early 19th century and arrived in Florida in 1847 where it became a commercial crop in 1912 in Palma Sola. Guava was brought to the East Indies and Guam by Spanish and Portuguese settlers.

It can be found today growing wild in all tropical climates around the world; in many parts of the world and some locations, it is designated as a noxious weed subject to eradication. Guava is used as an ingredient in many recipes and is rich in nutrients. The fruit has a strong, sweet, musky aroma and can be round, oval, or pear-shaped. It has pale yellow skin with pinkish tints. The peel or inner rind has a grainy texture that can be white, yellow, deep pink, or red and is sweet and juicy. The central pulp is darker in color and juicy and contains many yellow seeds.

Benefits of Guava

Guava is rich in vitamins including A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B4 (adenine or choline). The fruit also contains calcium, phosphorus, and iron and is low in calories, as one fruit has thirty-six to fifty calories depending on size. Other beneficial substances found in guava are protein, fat, and crude fiber.

Other vitamins present include vitamin C or ascorbic acid which is essential for maintaining and strengthening body tissue by acting as a catalyst for collagen production. Vitamin C is an important factor in the prevention of cancer development by strengthening the immune system. Guava also contains vitamin B9 (folic acid), important for a healthy circulatory system and for preventing cardiovascular diseases and anemia. Folic acid helps in the development of the fetal nervous system, resulting in its healthy growth.

There are several health benefits to adding guava to the diet. Since it contains vitamin A, the fruit maintains a healthy ocular system, preventing the development of macular degeneration, cataracts, and reversing the degradation of ocular tissue. It is also rich in astringents that help oral health by keeping the gum tissue strong and inhibiting microbial growth.