Guava

Guava is a tropical fruit, which is in very much like the shape of a pear, and has a yellow-green skin and white, yellow, or red/pink flesh. The guava tree belongs to the myrtle family Myrtaceae. The tree is native to Mexico, as well as Central America, Northern South America and parts of the Carribbean. They are now cultivated throughout the tropics.The fruit is known by many names in various countries. They are called Pera in Sri Lanka, Amrood in Hindi and Urdu. In Bengali it is known as Peyara. They are also referred to as the bayabas locals of Guayaba. Some people prefer eating guavas to oranges, as the former have more concentration of Vitamin C and are also a lot cheaper than the latter.

Guavas can be consumed raw, but need to be ripe, as raw guavas are hard on the stomach. They make excellent jams, preserves, and sauces. Guava trees are ideal for use as fruiting hedges, landscaping trees and as ornamental potted specimen trees

Nutritive Value
Guava is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. A guava contains approximately five times more Vitamin C than an orange. It also possesses vitamins A and B and is also rich in Calcium, Nicotinic Acid, Phosphorous, Potassium, Iron, Folic Acid, Fiber, etc

• Guava possesses antiseptic, astringent & anthelminthic properties, useful to cure many diseases and ailments
• Guava can help in killing the bacteria, fungi and amoeba in the body
• Rich in fiber content, guava helps keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check and therefore helps in fighting many heart ailments
• Lycopene, a compound present in the fruit reduces the risk of cancer, if the fruit is consumed on a regular basis
• Research has shown that eating guavas aid in the functioning of the kidneys
• The Vitamin C present in the fruit helps to regulate the heart beat and also fights with the free radicals
• Consumption of guava also helps to control diabetes and prevents constipation
• Guava leaves when applied to wounds and to aching places helps in effectively curing

• Guava is often given to children to cure pangs of diarrhea
• It has general haemostatic properties, and therefore helps in treating bleeding nose, gums and minor internal haemorrhaging
• Consumption of guava also helps in menstrual problems
• The fruit is also beneficial for treating male infertility (due to high Vitamin C content) caused by sperm clumping, adhesion and other abnormalities
• Gargling with the decoction of guava leaves relieves from swollen gums and oral ulcers. This decoction also helps to curb the puking sensation and is beneficial to cure skin diseases.
• The decoction is also beneficial for skin diseases and it is very useful in stopping the puking sensation
• Chewing guava leaves are also an ideal remedy to cure toothaches.