Guava

Nutrition:

Guava is a tropical tree that grows in Mexico, the Caribbean, and part of Central and South America. Guava is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, fibre and zinc. As it has such a high nutrient content the fruit and leaves have a wide array of health benefits including immune support, skin health and sexual health. Guava fruit is typically eaten raw, but the leaves tend to be used in herbal teas and supplements.

Health Benefits:

Immune Support

Due to the high contents of vitamin C and zinc in guava, it may be beneficial to the immune system. Vitamin C plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system, and zinc is necessary for the function of immune cells and cell signalling, a deficiency in zinc could lead to a weakened immune system. Research shows supplementing with zinc could reduce the length of the common cold by 33%, whilst other studies show it may significantly reduce the risk of infections and promote immune response in older adults.

Men’s Sexual Health

Zinc is vital in the production of testosterone in the male body and a deficiency in the nutrient could lead to a number of sexual health problems in men – such as erectile dysfunction and low libido. Due to the zinc contents of guava, it may be beneficial to those that suffer with a deficiency and are therefore experiencing these health problems. There have been a number of studies into the link between zinc deficiency and low testosterone levels. One study in particular found that when fed a diet that was very low in zinc that led them to a zinc deficiency, the testosterone levels in young men had decreased significantly by almost 75% after a 20 week period. The same study also examined what happened when elderly men increased their zinc intake. It concluded that the testosterone levels of the elderly almost doubled, showing that zinc really has a powerful impact on the production of testosterone in men.

A more recent study has also found that the sense of smell could impact the libido, particularly in young men. One of the symptoms of zinc deficiency is a reduced sense of smell, meaning that this could also affect the libido.

Skin Health

Guava contains a wide range of vitamins and antioxidants that may benefit the skin. It contains zinc that is important for the proper healing of wounds, as it plays a vital role in collagen synthesis, immune function and inflammatory response.

Studies have also found that guava leaf extract can help to treat acne. It has been found to inhibit the growth of P. acnes bacteria, suppress oily glands and reduce inflammation.

Typical uses:

Guava fruit can be eaten raw, whilst the leaves are often used in herbal teas or supplements. We suggest taking 1 capsule of our Organic Guava Leaf Extract per day with food, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23830380/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28515951/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2702361/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8875519/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28395131/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20510767/