Guava health benefits

If you’ve ever strolled through the exotic fruit aisle, you will likely have come across the guava fruit. While not as common as our much-loved apples and pears here in the UK, they’re a delicious sub-tropical fruit with a variety of different health benefits.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth popping a guava or two in your shopping basket, we’ve got everything you need to know below.

What is guava?

Native to tropical America, guava fruits are grown on small trees or shrubs across the world.¹ The fruits are eaten raw, juiced, or used in cooking and baking for their unique taste. The leaves of the guava tree can be used to make herbal tea too.²

Guava fruit can be round or pear-shaped and may have yellow or green skin. Inside the fruit, you can typically expect either pink or white flesh with lots of small seeds. Guavas have quite a pungent smell and a fragrant taste.³ There are a variety of different types of guava too, which each have a slightly different look and taste. 

Health benefits of guava

Guavas are considered delicious by many, but they’re not just a tasty treat. They’re healthy for you too. In fact, the fruit itself contains plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. They have high levels of vitamin C, dietary fibre, and magnesium. As well as potassium, calcium, and vitamin A.⁴ Guava leaves also contain several nutrients, potentially making them a beneficial addition to your wellness routine.⁵

All these nutrients in guava fruit and leaves may provide a range of health benefits. These could include:

• Maintaining normal blood pressure⁶
• Maintaining normal blood sugar levels^7,8
• Supporting heart health⁹
• Reduced menstrual pain¹⁰
• Digestive health¹¹
• Gut health¹²
• Skin health¹³

Remember, though. A healthy and balanced diet is the best way to maintain your overall wellbeing.¹⁴ Including plenty of fruits (like guavas!) and vegetables in your diet will help you get all the nutrients you need to stay as healthy as possible.¹⁵

The types of guava

While the bright pink guava flesh might be most recognisable, there are several different types of guavas available. Each looks slightly different and has subtle differences in flavour too.

They include^16,17:

• Tropical White
• Strawberry Guava
• Lemon Guava
• Tropical Yellow
• Pineapple guava

There may be other guava varieties out there too, depending on availability, country of origin, and climate.

Guava nutritional value

Guavas are incredible versatile fruits. Many people enjoy them raw, as well as in cooking, baking, and preserving.¹⁸ You can also find guava soft drinks and juices as a tasty alternative. If you’re interested in guava leaves, these are often brewed into a tea or used as a topical treatment.¹⁹

Despite their delicious flavour, guavas are low in calories and packed full of nutrients. You can expect 165g of guava to provide:²⁰

Last updated: 24 March 2021