Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomadism
    • Events
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • UK
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomadism
    • Events
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • UK
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

LIFE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR EXPATS, DIGITAL NOMADS, AND DREAMERS.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Your Escape Plan

Guava or Guayaba Fruit

  • December 15, 2015
  • BY David Steckenreiter
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

The humble Guava or Guayaba fruit is a remarkable plant. This green or yellow coloured fruit is a storehouse of vitamin A.B and C as well as a large variety of antioxidants. There are actually three common forms in Colombia, the Guava Pera (pear) which has a yellowish skin and pinkish flesh, the Guava Manazana (apple) and the Guava which is a round red or yellow fruit about the size of a cherry.

The Guava plants are part of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) genus Psidium (in Latin this means pomegranate) in Latin), and in actual fact there are about 100 species of tropical shrubs and trees. They were native to Mexico, Central and northern South America but now are cultivated around the world but are now cultivated and naturalized throughout the tropics and subtropics in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Florida and Africa.

The plant has tough dark leaves that are elliptical to ovate and vary in length from 5 to 15 cm. It has white flowers with 5 petals.  The tree is readily identifiable as it has a smooth, thin, copper toned bark that easily flakes off.

The fruit can be eaten fresh (although it has numerous small, hard white seeds), made into fruits ice cream, jams and compotes.

This plant grows wild in the jungle but has been cultivated for several thousand years in Peru. All parts of the plants, leaves, bark and fruit have been and are used for medicinal purposes.Often native or home remedies may or may not have had scientific documentation and as a result the purported uses are anecdotal. Below are two links and a abstract summary from scientific studies done with the guava fruit.

Psidium Guajava (Guava): A Plant of Multipurpose Medicinal Applications

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874108000536 = Journal of Ethnopharmacology  – Volume 117 – Issue 1, April 17, 2008 – Psidium Guajava: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Abstract from Psidium Guajava (Guava): A Plant of Multipurpose Medicinal Applications.

http://omicsgroup.org/journals/psidium-guajava-guava-a-plant-of-multipurpose-medicinal-applications-2167-0412.1000104.php?aid=6652

” Psidium guajava is a small medicinal tree that is native to South America and Brazil is among the world’s top producers and most of the country’s production is destined for the food industry. It is popularly known as guava and has been used traditionally as a medicinal plant throughout the world for a number of ailments. The aim of this review is to present some chemical compounds in P. guajava and their pharmacological effects. The main constituents of guava leaves are phenolic compounds, isoflavonoids, gallic acid, catechin, epicathechin, rutin, naringenin, kaempferol. The pulp is rich in ascorbic acid, carotenoids (lycopene, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin). The seeds, skin and barks possess glycosids, carotenoids and phenolic compounds. All parts of the plant have been used for different purposes: hepatoprotection, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-hyperglycemic, analgesic, endothelial progenitor cells, anti-stomachache and anti-diarrhea. P. guajava has many effects on health and that it should be researched more extensively in clinical trials. Furthermore leaves, seeds and peel are treated as wastes by the food processing industry and are discarded, so their use may reduce the disposal of these parts of guava as pollutants.”

In other randomized human studies, guava fruit consumed for 12 weeks decreased triglycerides by almost 8%, increased HDL by 8%, decreased total cholesterol by 9% and reduced blood pressure by an average of 8 points.

In layman´s terms – it has been used to stop diarrhea, kill bacteria, kill fungi, kill amoebas, relieve pain, fight free radicals, reduce spasms and support heart function. Additionally it would seem that it can lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar, constrict blood vessels and promotes menstruation. These treatments are often administered through a decoction of leaves – 1 cup, 1 to 3 times per day

The indigenous people have also used it for sore throats, vomiting, bleeding gums and mouth sores. A decoction of the bark and or the leaves or a flower infusion is used for wounds, ulcers and skin sores.

The guava is rich in carotenoids ,essential oils, fatty acids, fiber, flavonoids, lectins, pectin, phenols, saponins and vitamins. In fact the humble guava has almost 4 times the amount of vitamin C that an equivalent size orange has and has substantial amounts of Vitamin A as well.

It is important to note, that even though we are listing supposed medicinal properties, do not overuse any fruit. Additionally it is important to consult with your physician and or nutritionist as to how you can integrate them into your diet.

If you’re considering traveling or moving abroad, be sure to explore your healthcare options. Visit International Citizens Insurance to learn more and get a free quote.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • food
  • fruit
  • Guava
  • Guayaba
Previous Article
  • North America

Discover Pre-Hispanic Mexico in Mexico City

  • April 24, 2015
  • BY EA Editors
View Post
Next Article
  • Health + Wellness

Patients Turn to Medical Tourism for Relief from Bleeding Healthcare System

  • May 25, 2016
  • BY Blake Herrin
View Post
You May Also Like
Low-Tax Countries to Save Money in 2025
View Post
  • Plan B
Where Expats Are Moving to Keep More of Their Money
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • August 27, 2025
The search for a second passport has shifted from luxury to necessity for many Americans
View Post
  • Second Residency
America’s Second Passport Fever
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • August 25, 2025
Belize Offshore Banking
View Post
  • Plan B
Why Belize’s Waters Run Deep in Offshore Banking
  • BY Luigi Wewege
  • August 20, 2025
International Banking Structures
View Post
  • Plan B
Tax-Friendly Banking Solutions for International Investors
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • August 13, 2025
Global Residency Program and Citizenship Programs
View Post
  • Plan B
Your Next Investment Should Be a Residency Program
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • August 6, 2025
Tunisia, North Africa - One of most affordable Countries to live
View Post
  • Plan B
The Most Affordable Countries to Live in 2025
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • July 30, 2025
View Post
  • Interviews
The House We Rebuilt in Georgia
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • July 28, 2025
Where old walls meet new beginnings, the €1 home story continues to unfold.
View Post
  • Field Notes
Inside Italy’s $1 Home Revolution
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • July 21, 2025
Trending Posts
  • Moving to Morocco: a palette of Tradition, Texture of Tradition 1
    • Morocco
    Top 10 Things to Know if You’re Moving to Morocco
    • August 18, 2025
  • Croatias Tourism: Aerial view of Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline, where historic towns meet turquoise waters 2
    • Croatia
    Croatia’s Journey to Wonder
    • August 22, 2025
  • Albania Travel Guide: City views in Tirana, Albania on a summer afternoon 3
    • Albania
    Albania’s Bold New Beat
    • August 15, 2025
  • Belize Offshore Banking 4
    • Plan B
    Why Belize’s Waters Run Deep in Offshore Banking
    • August 20, 2025
  • The search for a second passport has shifted from luxury to necessity for many Americans 5
    • Second Residency
    America’s Second Passport Fever
    • August 25, 2025
Subscribe
Know Before You Go
  • Croatias Tourism: Aerial view of Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline, where historic towns meet turquoise waters 1
    • Croatia
    Croatia’s Journey to Wonder
    • August 22, 2025
  • Moving to Morocco: a palette of Tradition, Texture of Tradition 2
    • Morocco
    Top 10 Things to Know if You’re Moving to Morocco
    • August 18, 2025
  • Albania Travel Guide: City views in Tirana, Albania on a summer afternoon 3
    • Albania
    Albania’s Bold New Beat
    • August 15, 2025
  • Luxury Travel Experiences with Christina Tan 4
    • Interviews
    Inside the World of Luxury Travel with Christina Tan
    • August 11, 2025
  • Friendly locals and relaxed daily life in The Gambia 5
    • Africa
    Could The Gambia Become Africa’s Next Digital Nomad Safari?
    • August 8, 2025
Learn More
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Newsletter Subscription
Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/