Guava. Characteristics.
Guavas are native to Mexico and Central America. They are tropical fruits that are pear-shaped, covered with green skin, and inside contain pale pink flesh pulling white, with small seeds.
But not all guavas contain nuggets, there are some varieties that do not contain nuggets. The pulp of the guava has a sweet flavor, pulling acid, of a very soft texture.
This fruit became very popular in Asia and India, but today guavas are consumed in more quantity in the American tropics, Africa, and Mexico that have one of the main guava crops.
Guava. Health Benefits.
This fruit contains great beneficial properties for the body, even more than many fruits better known by people. It is characterized by containing lots of antioxidants and even more vitamins than many citrus fruits known as orange or lemon.
It is known that a guava is about to consume, when the skin of the exterior that covers it reaches a green tinge pulling yellowish, or yellowish pulling pink, depending on the type of guava.
Guava is a fruit that contains a lot of nutrients, such as water, carbohydrates, calories, fiber in large amounts, fats, proteins, vitamin C in large quantities, vitamin B1, b2, b3, b6, pantothenic acid, calcium, folates, magnesium, potassium in large quantities, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium.
Studies have shown that people who consume guavas daily can reduce cholesterol by 10%, triglycerides by 8%, and good HDL cholesterol by 8%.
Guava is rich in potassium so it is beneficial for people who suffer from fluid retention.
Studies have shown that the juice of guava leaves, contain great antioxidant properties that improve male fertility.
Guava leaves are very beneficial to avoid oral cancer. This is due to the great contribution of lycopene which contain the great antioxidant leaves for the body. Studies have shown that the consumption of lycopene, can reduce the growth of cancer cells, avoiding get prostate and breast cancer.
The leaf extract of guava contains many chemical compounds that have anti-inflammatory effect.
Guava leaf extract is beneficial in the treatment of acne.
The great contribution of vitamin C, and provitamin A, help protect the sight of the attack of certain bacteria.
The extract of guava leaves, are beneficial to relieve throat problems.
The essential oil of guava leaves, eliminates the bacteria that cause diarrhea, such as staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp, and Escherichiacoli. The use of extract of guava leaves is recommended in many cases in which diarrhea cannot be treated with antibiotics, since guava is a natural antibiotic.
Guava is very beneficial to prevent heart disease.
Guava contains flavonoid compounds, which prevent the growth of certain bacteria such as Streptococcusmutans, which are responsible for producing dental caries.
Guava contains compounds that prevent the growth of bacteria, as it acts as a natural antibiotic, so chewing guava leaves helps to eliminate bad breath.
Consuming guava and making infusions with guava leaves, significantly reduces blood sugar levels. This is due to the great contribution of carbohydrates contained in this fruit. These carbohydrates provide the body with natural sugars such as fructose, in small amounts, so it is recommended to consume people with diabetes.
Guava is a fruit rich in pectin, ie dietary fiber, so it is very beneficial to the digestive system. Helps cleanse the bowels, and relieves symptoms of constipation.
Guava. Popular Tradition in Cuba.
When the guava is ripe and ready to eat, we have to peel it, and then remove the seeds it has inside.
Once peeled it can be consumed raw, like dessert, you can also make smoothies, juices, add it to the salad, etc.
Another option to consume the guava is to cook it in cakes, jams, sauces, accompanying dishes, ect.
In Cuba it is taken as a natural anti-flu, because of its high content of vitamin C. There are many varieties of guava, but the best known are the cotorrera and Peru.
Delicious in juice, jelly, helmets, jam and very common its use as guava paste.
Guava candy had its origin in Puerto Principe (Camaguey), and the fruit was so plentiful that many asked for a license to set up factories and sales outlets. More than 60 factories manufactured it. It was kept in boxes of fragrant cedar, in pots of ceramic or in cans varnished inside.
It is said that “la guayabera”, peasant shirt with large pockets, appears to take guavas in its pockets.
