The many health benefits of Guava and Almonds

Guava

What comes to mind with the mention of vitamin C? The porous, citrus fruit orange right? But did you know that eating one guava is like eating four oranges? Guavas are often referred to as ‘super fruits’ because they also contain three times more protein and four times more fiber than pineapple, two times more lycopene (photochemical pigment) than tomato and slightly more amounts of potassium than bananas. This fact more than surpasses what one could define something as ‘super’.

There is whole lot of other essentials that makes guava favorable to our body. Here is a list of some of the benefits of guava.

It is good for diabetics - The anti-diabetic effect that guavas have, has been mentioned from time immemorial in Chinese medicine. Studies suggest that guavas improve as well as prevent the development of diabetes. Apart from the insulin-like activity that guavas possess, their rich fiber content and low glycaemic index makes them extremely good for diabetic patients as well.

It has anti-ageing properties for your skin - Free radical damage to the skin can trigger wrinkle formation and early ageing. Guavas being rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and antioxidants like carotene and lycopene helps protect your skin from wrinkles, and fine lines, thus making you look younger.

Guava helps treat constipation - One guava fulfills about 12% of your daily-recommended intake of fiber, making it extremely beneficial for your digestive health.

It helps improve vision - Even though, guavas are not as rich in Vitamin A, like how carrots are, they are still a very good source of the nutrient.

It is good for pregnant women -  Guavas contain vitamin B-9, or folic acid, which is a recommendation that doctors adhere to in the case of pregnant women since it can help in developing a baby’s nervous system and protect the newborn from neurological disorders.

Fun Fact:

Weight Loss – Guava is very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising their intake of vitamins, fibre and proteins. Guava is very rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins and very high in roughage but with no cholesterol and less digestible carbohydrates, it is very filling and satisfies one’s appetite easily.

Almonds

Those almonds that you love to chew on at random, may be of more use than what you might have earlier believed. Almonds are the edible seeds that grow on the tree Prunus dulcis, more commonly known as the almond tree. Although people who are weight conscious tend to stay away from it because of its calorie density, research shows that eating almonds will not cause weight gain. Almonds popularly referred to, as the king of nuts and with good reason too, is also known as Badam.

Almonds are rich in calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, and potassium. Additionally, almonds are a significant source of protein and fiber, while being naturally low in sugar. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), eating 1.5 ounces a day of most nuts, like almonds, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

There is a certain misconception that almonds should be peeled before being eaten but in fact, the skin of almonds contains anti-oxidants has its own level of nutrients and fiber. Several other health benefits of almonds include lowering blood cholesterol levels, protecting the heart’s artery walls from damage, building strong bones and teeth, provides a healthy amount of fat as well as aiding in weight loss.

Almond Nutrition Facts:

Serving size, 1 0unce [28 g] or about 23 Almonds.

Energy – 163 Kcal

Protein – 6.02 g

Dietary Fiber – 3.5 g

Sugar – 1.1 g

Total Fat – 14 g

Vitamin E -7.43 g

Magnesium – 76 mg

Phytosterols – 31 mg

Calcium – 75 mg

Potassium – 200 mg

Cholestrol – Nil

Sodium - Nil