Guava Psidium Guajava has skin-smoothing, moisturizing properties as it contains carotenoids—powerful antioxidants that aid in skin renewal and protect against environmental toxins.
Guavas are oval or round in shape, with a skin that ranges in color from yellow to red and even purple-black, and its flesh ranges in color from pale yellow to bright red. It is common throughout most tropical regions.
Guava is a good source of lycopene, beta-carotene, vitamins A, B and C, and is an excellent source of soluble fiber. Guava is a valuable component for anti-aging skin care as it contains moisture retaining B vitamins which help prevent the oxidation process of the cell. Chopped and ground guava also helps heal sun damage. Another health benefit attributed to guava is its antimicrobial potential in combating certain bacteria such as the staphylococcus aureus and beta-streptococcus group A.
Guava is an important source of vitamin C, which stimulates production of collagen and is involved in the building and health of cartilage, joints, skin, and blood vessels. Vitamin C also aids in neutralizing pollutants and has natural antihistamine properties which protect skin from skin diseases like hives, eczema, psoriasis, etc. Lycopene found in guavas is a proven antioxidant which neutralizes free radicals that can damage the body's cells.
The fruit extract of guava may have constricting properties on skin, which makes it a potential skin irritant when used regularly. Guavas are often ignored, but they are one of Mother Nature's most potent healing agents. They are inexpensive, and yet their benefits are very valuable. Here is an interesting story about the fruit. One day, a man spotted a guava tree and decided to chew on its fruit to heal the sores in his mouth. He repeated the process the following day. The experiment brought relief and healing.
Recently, at a wellness exhibit, the Department of Health had a booth that distributed a manual on herbal medicine. One of the items featured was the guava. According to the manual, the guava not only cleans wounds, it cures infections of the gums and teeth. Simply boil half a cup of its leaves in two cups of water for 15 minutes over low heat, allow to cool down, then gargle.
Aside from eating Guavas fresh off the tree, you can prepare delicious recipes, for example; 1. Guava shake-Whip one cup of cold milk, two tbsp. of guava pulp (puree) and two tsp. of honey in a blender until fluffy. This tastes like strawberry milkshake. 2. Whipped guava-mix two cups of guava pulp, half a cup of honey and the juicy bits of half a lemon. Put in freezer. When half-frozen, add half a cup of cream. Cool concoction!
