one green planet
one green planet

When it comes to our health, we all know that consuming more fruit is one of the best things we can do. Fruit helps our immune systems remain strong and gives our brains the fuel they need to function properly — not to mention fruit wards off chronic diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. However, certain fruits have more benefits than others — that’s the case for many exotic fruits that are also classified as superfoods.

What’s a superfood? In short, it’s a fruit or vegetable that contains a very high number of antioxidants. These antioxidants play an important role in fighting off free-radicals which are responsible for premature aging and a whole host of diseases. Thus, eating superfoods on a daily basis is a good idea if you want to keep that healthy glow and protect your insides!

Guava, a tropical fruit from Central America, is one of those superfoods — or rather “super fruits” — that you should add to your diet. Here’s why:

What is Guava and Where Can You Find it?

Guava StallGregg Tavares/Flickr

If you’ve ever visited an ethnic fruit market there’s a high chance that you might have passed by this exotic fruit and wondered — where does this heavenly smell come from? Indeed, guavas are first and foremost recognizable by the strong sweet fragrance they emit. Its aroma can be described as a mix between a refreshing fruit like apple or passion fruit and rose petals. If it smells good, you’re likely looking at a guava! You’ll also recognize it by its round or slightly oval shape and light green to yellow skin. Its flesh contains many tiny hard seeds and is usually pink or salmon colored, although it can also be creamy white. Guava’s taste is reminiscent of fresh fruits like pineapple and grapefruit interlaced with banana and pear flavors with some lemony undertones.

As mentioned, you can find guava in fruit markets who sell exotic fruits or in specialty shops. If you’re lucky and have the chance to travel to South America, you will find guava in most markets.

Nutritional Benefits of Guava

Guavas PlateChetan Kolluri/Flickr

Guava is packed not only with antioxidants, but also with many essential vitamins and minerals. It is rich in B-vitamins, vitamins A and C, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, folate, and fiber. As a super fruit, guava doesn’t only give you nutrients that maintain your health and immune system strong, it can actually protect against a wide range of ailments and diseases.

Guava contains a high amount of phenolic acids, a powerful type of antioxidants that have been shown to have protective effects against inflammation through their free-radical scavenging properties. The carotenoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids antioxidant compounds found in guava also have anti-inflammatory effects that can prevent cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and even degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Speaking of brain health, the B-vitamins contained in guava play an important role in not only preserving your cognitive functions but also in regulating your mood and hormones. These micronutrients are responsible for neurochemical synthesis, which means that they ensure the proper production and balance of neurotransmitters in your brain.

On the physical level, guava is incredible for your digestion because of its fiber content. It’s a great food for weight loss as well. Its high level of antioxidants and mineral content contributes to giving you that healthy glow. Its antimicrobial properties is also worth noting — guava kills acne-causing bacteria, giving you clearer skin.

Recipes and Uses of the Beautifying Guava

GuavasMay Wong/Flickr

Now that you know the health benefits of guava and where to find it, you might be wondering what to do with it!

Obviously, like all fruits, you can eat it whole — seeds and all. You can also blend it with other tropical (and non-tropical) fruits like in this delicious Tropical Turmeric Smoothie, this Tropical Green Spirulina Smoothie, this Superfood Raspberry Smoothie, and this Boba Fett Smoothie.

If you want to get fancy (we get you!), you can use guavas to make jams, jellies, juice, and even sauces. Try out this 3-Ingredient Grape Chia Jelly, this Mango and Coconut Jelly, this Pineapple Pepper Jelly, this Coconut and Passion Fruit Chia Pudding, and this Watermelon Rind Jam with guava instead.

The exotic fruit also goes great with cheese platters. We suggest pairing it with this Herbed Soft Cashew Cheese, this Cashew Blue Cheese, this Smoked Coconut Gouda, and this Macadamia ‘Goat’ Cheese. Any of these 20 Vegan Cheeses That Will Knock Your Socks Off are great options as well!

Last but not least, guava makes a great ingredient in desserts. Add guava to these scrumptious Tropical Trifle Cups, this amazing Orange, Fig and Baobab Cheesecake, this Strawberry Banana Sorbet, or these Mini Fruit Tarts With Cream Cheese Frosting.

Recommended Resources and Recipes to Get You StartedGuava and Candied Lemon Tart d

Want more information about superfoods and how to include more of them in your diet (recipes)? Here are a few articles that might interest you:

If you want to find more interesting food facts and recipes featuring delicious superfoods and exotic fruits, we also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. Check it out!

Lead Image Source: Victoria Rachitzky Hoch/Flickr

Help keep One Green Planet free and independent! Together we can ensure our platform remains a hub for empowering ideas committed to fighting for a sustainable, healthy, and compassionate world. Please support us in keeping our mission strong.