Among native fruits, the guava is full of nutrition, tasty and popular. Almost everyone likes it, and this ordinary, easily available fruit has many nutritional benefits.

Just one guava a day can easily ease many kinds of physical problems. Guava contains plenty of vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as vitamins B2, E and K, fibre, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus and potassium. Its high levels of vitamins A and C help the skin and fight cold-related illnesses.

The vitamin C in guava helps boost the body's immunity. It protects cells and lowers the risk of cancer.

Guava is rich in potassium, which plays an important part in controlling blood pressure. It lowers the level of triglycerides, a bad cholesterol, greatly reducing the risk of heart disease. Guava is very good for people with diabetes: its fibre keeps sugar absorption under control, and substances in guava juice are very effective in treating diabetes mellitus.

Guava leaves are also effective against diabetes. Because guava is high in fibre, eating it keeps blood sugar in check, which lowers the risk of diabetes somewhat. It also increases immunity. Its antioxidants lower the risk of cancer and stop cancer cells from growing, especially helping prevent prostate and breast cancer.

Guava contains vitamin A, which is good for the eyes. It keeps the cornea healthy, prevents night blindness and considerably reduces the risk of cataracts.

Eating guava can help shed excess weight easily. Guava protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays and brightens skin, hair and teeth.

Source: Samakal. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.