Everyone has heard the age-old adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But did you know that guava can do the same, if not more? Guava, a tropical fruit commonly found in Central and South America, is a powerhouse of nutrition that provides numerous health benefits. From reducing inflammation in our bodies to boosting our immune system, guava is a fruit that should not be overlooked.
The Nutritional Value of Guava
Before we dive into the benefits of guava, it’s important to understand its nutritional value. According to the US Nutritional Database, guava is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fiber. In fact, just one cup of sliced guava contains 377% of our daily recommended intake of vitamin C! But that’s not all, guava is also low in calories, making it a great fruit to incorporate into any diet.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Guava
Inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury or infection, however chronic inflammation can lead to a host of health issues. Luckily, guava has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. This is due to the high levels of antioxidants found in guava. These antioxidants help to reduce inflammation in our bodies and may also help to combat free radicals that can contribute to chronic disease.
Guava and Bone Health
As we age, our bones can become brittle and more prone to fractures. Luckily, guava can help to keep our bones healthy and strong. Guava is an excellent source of calcium, a mineral that is essential for healthy bones. In fact, one cup of sliced guava contains 18% of our daily recommended intake of calcium. Guava also contains magnesium, another mineral that is important for bone health.
Guava and Our Immune System
Our immune system is our body’s defense against harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses. To keep our immune system strong, we need to ensure that we are giving our body the nutrients it needs. Guava is a fruit that can help to boost our immune system. As previously mentioned, guava is an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for the production of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in our immune system.
Food Combining with Guava
Some people may not realize it, but food combining can be an important factor in maintaining optimal health. Mixing certain foods can lead to digestive issues or even hamper nutrient absorption. Luckily, guava is a fruit that can be easily combined with other foods. For example, guava goes great in a smoothie with spinach or kale, which are both nutrient-dense greens.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe
Speaking of smoothies, here’s a delicious and nutritious anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe that incorporates guava:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup guava, sliced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or milk of your choice)
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Add ice if desired.
- Enjoy!
Conclusion
In conclusion, guava is a tropical fruit that provides numerous health benefits. It’s rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin C and calcium, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce chronic inflammation in our bodies. Incorporating guava into your diet can help to boost your immune system and maintain healthy bones. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t overlook the guava!
If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, check out the rest of our fruits section here, or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie.
Thank you for reading and we hope to see you again soon!