Amazing Health Benefits of Guava (Amrood)

Guavas (Psidium guajava) are tropical fruits of Myrtaceae family, cultivated and enjoyed in many tropical and subtropical regions. Packed with a myriad of hard, tiny seeds at the centre, guavas have a distinct flavour and lovely aroma. These fruits are also known for their high-profile nutrients and multiple health benefits. It is consumed raw or in the form of jams and jellies. Guava is low in calories and fats but contains several vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds that play a pivotal role in preventing and curing various health problems.

Health Benefits of Guava (Amrood)

• Guavas being one of the richest sources of vitamin C, provide the immune system a huge boost in antioxidants and protect against common infections and pathogens. This fruit is a very good source of vitamin A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and cryptoxanthin. The compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and therefore essential for optimum health.
• Guavas are a rich source of vitamin C and iron, which are known to prevent against cold and viral infections. The juice of the fruit or a decoction of guava leaves is helpful in relieving cough and cold since it helps to get rid of mucus and disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs. (Note: one should avoid drinking water immediately after eating guava as it can lead to a sore throat).
• Antioxidants are the major lines of defense against the proliferation of free radicals in the body, which are one of the main causes of serious conditions like cancer. Clinical studies have shown that the potent antioxidants present in guava tend to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer and oral cancer by preventing the growth of metastatic cells. Guavas are also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be successful in reducing risk of prostate cancer. Lycopene has also shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, although further human trials need to be done.
• Owing to its high fibre content and low glycemic content, guavas helps to regulate the absorption of sugar, which decreases the chances of major spikes and drops in insulin and glucose in the body. Studies have shown that consuming guava can help prevent the appearance of diabetes.

  

  Health Benefits of Guava (Amrood)

• Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fibre. Consuming one guava fulfils about 12% of our daily recommended intake of fibre, which makes it extremely beneficial for healthy bowel movement and overall digestive health.
• Fresh guavas are a rich source of potassium, an important component of cell and body fluids that controls heart rate and hypertension. These fruits, being rich in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, help reduce blood pressure. Further this also helps reduce cholesterol in the blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining the fluidity of blood. Guavas help lower the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL), which lead to the development of heart diseases.
• Guavas are extremely good sources of vitamin A, known to prevent degradation of vision, slow down the appearance of cataracts, macular degeneration, and improve eyesight.
• Owing to their anti-inflammatory action and antibacterial ability, guava leaves have been known to cure toothache, swollen gums and oral ulcers. Being a good source of vitamin C, consuming guavas also protect against scurvy.
• The magnesium present in guavas is helpful in giving our body system a good energy boost and combat stress. Vitamin B3 (niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine) present in the fruit, help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves.
• Guava aids weight loss by regulating the body metabolism. Being high in fiber content, it satisfies the appetite easily. Guava also nourishes the body with its rich supply of vitamins, proteins and minerals, less of carbohydrates and no cholesterol!

  

  Benefits of Guava for Skin

• The astringent property of the fruit is useful in maintaining a healthy glowing skin! Application of the fruit pulp as a face scrub or a face mask is believed to help cure skin discoloration, wrinkles, premature aging and acne irritation. Also, it helps tone up and tighten the facial muscles! Guavas being high in vitamin A, B, C and K, minerals and antioxidants like carotene and lycopene, are helpful in maintaining skin’s radiance and keep other dermal disorders at bay.

Read more at:

• The Healing Herbs of India: http://thehealingherbsofindia.blogspot.in/
• Herbal Beautyholics: http://herbalbeautyholics.blogspot.in/
• The Kitchen Clinic: http://thekitchenclinic.blogspot.com/
• Traditional Home Remedies: http://traditionalhomeremedy.blogspot.com/
• The Slimming Furnace: http://theslimmingfurnace.blogspot.in/
•  Foods for Cancer Prevention: http://foodforcancerprevention.blogspot.in/
• प्राकृतिक उपचार: http://prakritikupchar.blogspot.in/

Manage Wrinkles with Natural Cures!

Feel Beautiful, Look Beautiful!

Skin Wrinkles typically show up as we age! With aging process, the skin cells divide more slowly, and the dermis (inner layer of the skin) begins to thin. With aging, skin also loses its elasticity, is less able to retain moisture, oil-secreting glands are less efficient and the skin is slower to heal. Elastin, and the collagen fibers (the major structural proteins in the skin), loosen and unravel, causing depressions on the skin surface. All these factors contribute to the appearance of wrinkles. 

Unhealthy living, pollution, prolonged periods of stress & anxiety, inadequate sleep, improper diet and lack of exercise further, can lead to premature signs of aging, the first being the wrinkles with a dull skin! To combat the problem of wrinkles, all you need to do is afford some time and use natural ingredients easily available in our kitchens. 

Let’s try out some of the natural remedies for managing wrinkles -

• Take egg white and to it mix 2 tsp of glycerin and rose water. Apply the mixture on skin to get rid of wrinkles.
• Take glycerin, lemon juice and rose water in equal amounts and apply this natural moisturizing lotion regularly before retiring to bed. It is beneficial in preventing early aging of the skin.
  
• Mix 1tbsp of cabbage juice to 1/2 tsp of yogurt & a tsp of honey. Apply the mixture over face & neck. Wash off as the pack dries.
• Take 2 tsp of barley flour and make a paste with curd and a tbsp of tomato juice. Apply the same on face and neck and let it dry. Rinse and pat dry.
• Apply a paste of rice flour with milk on the wrinkle prone skin for 15-20 min; rinse off with water. Follow this skin remedy thrice weekly.
• Prepare a paste of apple with milk. Massage the same all over face and neck. Leave it for 15 min and wash off.
• Add some milk to a tbsp of powdered almond & make it into a paste. Apply this as a pack over the face and the neck. Wash off as it dries.

Though these simple Natural remedies are an effective solution to skin wrinkles, taking adequate sleep, managing day to day stress, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption can be of great help in managing wrinkles. Generous intake of fruits, green vegetables, grains, cereals, milk and milk products is equally important. Drinking 3 to  4 liters of water daily flushes out wastes and other harmful substances out of the body, and thus helps maintain a well hydrated, healthy skin. Following regular exercise and meditation also play a pivotal role in imparting a glowing wrinkle free skin.