Remember the good ol’ days when we as kids threw a stone at the fruit trees so that one of them falls right into our basket? Guava is indeed one of those magical tropical fruits that benefit each and every organ of the human body. Now, imagine after a long and tiring day, you come home to a pitcher filled with refreshing guava juice. To jazz it up a notch, add some snacks or make a mini fruit platter and there you go! Your evening couldn’t have begun on a better note? Isn’t it? A unique flavor, tangy and fruity smell – isn’t this enough to attract you towards making a chilled glass of guava juice? How can we forget, the guava juice benefits too! It is interesting to note that it is a powerhouse of nutrients and enriches your body with all the essential nutrients if you have it on a regular basis!
What is Guava Juice?
Guava, also known as Psidium guajava (Linn.), is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is a commonly found tropical plant with a number of traditional uses. It can either be eaten as a whole fruit or be made into a juice. In both forms, its health benefits remain the same. The juice is usually prepared during the summers to beat the heat as it benefits people of all ages with its delectable flavor. Guava juice health benefits are plenty. From improving the glow on your skin to making your hair lustrous and smooth, it leaves no benefit unproven. Besides the external benefits, it aids in weight loss management, keeps blood pressure levels in check, helps manage diabetes, improves your eye health, prevents constipation, and is also good for expecting mothers. But wait, we are not done here. To know more, let’s explore the key guava juice benefits in detail! [1]
Guava juice is an excellent source of nutrition to rejuvenate you in the sweltering summers. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Nutrition
This popular fruit juice is a powerhouse of nutrients. As per USDA’s FoodData Central, guava juice is a good source of energy, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is an excellent source of nutrition to rejuvenate you in the sweltering summers. It keeps you hydrated and is an excellent source of vitamin C. Guava, rich in fiber, is also great for your digestive system as it acts as a natural laxative. The juice is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, A, E, and B-vitamins as well as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, and zinc. [2]
Guava juice is an excellent source of nutrition to rejuvenate you in the sweltering summers. It keeps you hydrated and is an excellent source of vitamin C. Guava is great for your digestive system as it acts as a natural laxative since it is a rich source of fiber. Rather than buying juices available in the market with added flavors and sweeteners, why not try making guava juice in the comfort of your own kitchen? It is quick and easy and you can modify it according to your taste and preference!
Health Benefits of Guava Juice
Guava juice is well-known because of its positive effects on the body. Right from being an energy booster along with maintaining blood pressure and weight loss, this fruit juice deserves a round of applause. Let us see some of the top guava juice benefits, in detail!
Antioxidant Properties
Guava is enriched with high quantities of lycopene. Antioxidants help fight free radicals present in the body, shielding the DNA from getting affected. Its regular intake hinders the development and degeneration of cells.
Weight Loss Management
Guava juice is ideal for all those who want to be fit and get into shape without compromising on their intake of proteins, vitamins, and fiber. Opting for the juice makes for an extremely filling liquid that helps fight cravings between meals, resulting in weight loss. However, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist before embarking on a weight loss regime with this juice. As the juice of this fruit can be quite sweet, it may result in weight gain if not consumed in the right manner. [3]
Easy Digestion
A good amount of fiber intake is essential for the digestive system to function properly. Most of the digestive issues are caused by the lack of roughage in the diet and hence is the cause of most health problems. The astringent present in this juice cleanse the stomach lining and prevents the multiplication of infection-causing bacteria. Antioxidants and vitamin C present in this juice also help in flushing out impurities from the system, helping you maintain good digestive health. [4]
Improves Heart Health
A result of high blood pressure is hypertension which is caused due to a high level of sodium intake and a low amount of potassium in the body. Including guava juice helps you maintain an equal balance of sodium and potassium in your body. Guava juice also benefits the heart by keeping its cholesterol levels low ensuring a smooth flow of blood circulation. [5]
Diabetes Management
Guava has a low glycemic index which makes it an ideal fruit to consume for people with diabetes. It has high levels of dietary fiber that enables blood sugar control in the body and helps manage type-2 diabetes. People with diabetes are prone to nerve or heart damage caused by irregular blood sugar levels. The presence of antioxidants in this juice also helps in balancing potassium, which is required for well-maintained heart health. Guava juice is an excellent source of nutrition to rejuvenate you in the sweltering summers. It keeps you hydrated and is an excellent source of vitamins. Guava is great for your digestive system as it acts as a natural laxative since it is a rich source of fiber. [6]
How to Make Guava Juice?
The tropical guava is a foreign fruit with an appetizing appeal. It is delicious and easy to prepare. Although this juice is on the menu in almost every store and cafe, it is always an easier and healthier option to prepare this drink at home. The gorgeous blend when served at gatherings and parties, surely creates a lasting impression. It is quick and easy and you can modify it according to your taste and preference. Let’s find out how!
Refreshing Guava Juice Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 fresh guavas medium sized
- 1/4 tsp ginger optional
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp lime juice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 tsp fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Wash, rinse, and clean the guava. Peel off the skin and chop.
- For guava paste: take a large blender or mixer and add the chopped guavas.
- For guava pulp: Add the chilled water and blend the paste to make a smooth guava pulp.
- Take a large bowl. Line it up with a strainer of equal size.
- Pour the guava pulp through this mesh strainer over the bowl.
- Stir the pulp with a spoon to collect the smooth pulp extract.
- Make sure there are no seeds, otherwise the juice will have a sand-like feel.
- Add chilled water and season with red chili powder, salt, and mint leaves. Squeeze the lemon or add lime juice. Finally, add sugar and stir it until it completely dissolves.
- Take a cocktail shaker (if available) and pour the mixture along with 2-3 ice cubes. Shake well for some time. Pour the juice in the glasses and serve with a straw.
Notes
With so many benefits available, you definitely cannot go wrong for including guava juice in your diet. Just remember, moderation is the key. To up your culinary skills, try a guava juice fusion with other tropical fruit juices like passion fruit, pineapple, apple, or kiwi. Opt for freshly made juices instead of packed juices filled with added sugars and preservatives.
