Good news for all those pregnant women who crave Guava, relish your taste buds as much as you want! Pregnancy is a time when the body requires a lot of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other important nutrients. Read on to learn whether guava is safe during pregnancy. More about Guava During Pregnancy and Benefits & Side Effects.
Guava is packed with nutrients beyond what you can imagine. It is commonly known as “amrood” in Hindi. It is also referred to as “Amritphal” in the Sanskrit language. The best time to eat Guava is in the morning. This cold season fruit has lots of health benefits which you should know in order to get proper nutrition in your pregnancy. Well, it is safe to eat guava during pregnancy.
Nutritional composition of Guava
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Amount per 100 grams of Guava (Source: USDA National Nutrient database) |
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| Amount | % Daily Value* | |
| Calories | 68 | |
| Total Fat | 1 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.3 g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 0.4 g | |
| Monounsaturated fat | 0.1 g | |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 2 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 417 mg | 11% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14 g | 4% |
| Dietary fiber | 5 g | 20% |
| Sugar | 9 g | |
| Protein | 2.6 g | 5% |
| Vitamin A | 12% | |
| Vitamin B6 | 5% | |
| Vitamin B12 | 0% | |
| Vitamin C | 380% | |
| Vitamin D | 0% | |
| Iron | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1% | |
| Magnesium | 5% | |
| *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | ||
Health Benefits of Guava during Pregnancy
There are a lot of advantages to eating guava during pregnancy. As you read below you will understand why guava is recommended for pregnant women.
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Guava prevents Constipation
Constipation is the most common problem during pregnancy. Thanks to the high fiber content in the skin of guava that helps in getting rid of constipation. Eating 1 guava every day during pregnancy will help you pistols with ease. Of course, eating it with skin intact will prove highly beneficial.
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Guava is a good source of Folic acid
Guava has high folic acid levels which is not only required during early pregnancy but also helps in proper neural tube development of the fetus. This makes eating guava during pregnancy a must!
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Guava maintains blood sugar levels
Due to its high fiber content, Guava lowers the risk of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). Besides, Guava maintains blood sugar levels in pregnant women that are already suffering from diabetes.
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Guava regulates blood pressure
A pregnant woman is prone to high blood pressure. Eating daily 1 guava during pregnancy maintains your blood pressure at optimum levels.
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Guava protects from cough and cold
High Vitamin C content in guava increases your immunity. Thus eating guava during pregnancy helps you fight against the common cold and cough.
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Guava is good for your eyes
You need vitamin A and Retinol to keep your eyes healthy. Both are found adequately in Guava.
Next time you have a toothache, try chewing some guava leaves. The juice of guava leaves is a useful home remedy to treat teeth and gum problems. Guava is rich in vitamin C which not only relieves toothache but also helps in healing bleeding and swollen gums. For swollen gums, boil guava leaves and then let the water cool down. Then rinse your mouth with this medicated water.
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Guava fights against infections
Tannins are found in abundance in unripe guavas. They not only act as a natural defense against various infections but also stop the growth of many fungi, bacteria, yeast, and viruses. Tannins also reduce blood pressure, reduce blood cholesterol, as well as help in blood clotting,
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Guava gives you glowing skin
Every woman longs for glowing skin. The antioxidants, carotene, as well as vitamin C present in guava are very good for your skin. It also helps to get rid of acne.
Nutritional Benefits of Guava
The best way to eat guava is with the skin intact. Every part of Guava is nutritious. Read below to know why we should eat guava during pregnancy
Benefits of Skin of Guava
- Guava skin or peel is loaded with Vitamin C and fiber content.
- Not many people know that guava has four times more Vitamin C compared to Oranges. (Research)
- Vitamin C boosts your immunity and protects you from seasonal colds and coughs. Eat Guava daily to fight cold.
Benefits of Pulp of Guava
- Vitamin C, Vitamin A, fiber, protein, Iron, and Calcium
- Folic acid (needed in pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus)
- Potassium (good for the proper functioning of the heart and maintains blood pressure)
- Vitamin B1 (good for the brain, muscles, and heart)
- Vitamin B2 (needed for body growth and red blood cell formation which prevents anemia)
- Beta carotene (protects against cancer)
- Lycopene (protects the skin against UV rays)
- Antioxidants (prevent cell damage)
- A small amount of minerals like Copper, Manganese, and Magnesium; Vitamins like Niacin (needed for the proper functioning of the brain), Vitamin B6 (good for normal nerve functioning; makes hemoglobin which prevents anemia), Vitamin E (good for your skin), Vitamin K (helps in blood clotting and prevents excess bleeding)
Seeds of Guava
- Guava seeds are full of fiber content. When chewed they clean your intestines and prevent constipation.
- Guava seeds also contain Iron. If you chew the seeds properly, your body will get a lot of Iron.
Benefits of Leaves of Guava
- Even the leaves of guava have medicinal properties that can be a useful home remedy in reducing toothache, pain in the abdomen, and cough
Although guava can be eaten in various forms such as juice, syrup, jam, jelly, and ice cream, there is no comparison to its natural form its nutritional value, or its delicious taste.
Home Remedies of Guava during pregnancy and otherwise
- Do you have a stomachache?
A ripe guava eaten with black salt and black pepper can give you relief from stomach pain.
Boil a few guava leaves and then, let the water cool down. Rinse your mouth with this medicated water 2-3 times a day. You will get relief from your toothache.
- Do you have a cough and congestion in your chest?
Boil a few guava leaves. Let the water cool down and drink it 2-3 times daily.
- Do you have constipation?
Eat 1 guava during pregnancy daily in the morning. It will act as a laxative to clean your intestines.
- Is mouth ulcer troubling you?
Grind the guava leaves and make a paste. Apply the paste on the mouth ulcer to get relief.
Interesting facts about Guava
- The pesticide content in guava is much lower compared to other fruits because of its low pesticide demand during growth.
- Guava is a cooler season fruit. The peak months of guava availability are November, December, January, March, April, July, and August.
- India is the largest producer of guava.
Side effects of Guava fruit
- Guava as a fruit is mostly safe when consumed by mouth.
- Guava leaf extract might contains chemicals that can cause skin irritation, especially in people with skin conditions like eczema. If you have eczema, use guava leaf extract with caution.
Now you know what this wonder fruit has got to offer you. Your and your baby’s health is directly related to the food you eat right from your first trimester of pregnancy. Now that you know everything about guava during pregnancy, its benefits & side effects, So eat healthy and stay healthy!
