The guava looks inconspicuous – but both its fruit and leaves possess impressive healing potential. Whether for digestion, the immune system, or blood sugar: this tropical powerhouse impresses with its flavor and effects. What's behind it?
What is guava anyway?
The guava (Psidium guajava) belongs to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) and is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America and the Caribbean. It is cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in India, which accounts for about 44% of global production.
The fruit is actually a berry, usually oval to round, with a greenish, yellowish, or reddish skin and white or pink flesh. The trees grow quickly and bear fruit as early as two years old, often for more than four decades.
Guava is used both culinary (raw, in drinks, jams, desserts) and medicinally (e.g., for diarrhea, high blood pressure, and wounds).
Ingredients & Nutritional Value (Fruit & Leaf)
Macronutrients (per 100g or cup) - Fruit
- Approximately 81% water, ~14% carbohydrates, 3% protein, 0.5% fat.
- One cup (165g) contains approximately 112 kcal, 419% of the daily vitamin C requirement,
- plus B vitamins, beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), potassium, magnesium, and folate.
Fiber & Protein - Fruit
- With approximately 8.9g of fiber per cup, guava contains about twice as much as an apple.
- It also provides approximately 4.2g of protein per cup – unusually high for a fruit.
Phytochemicals - Fruit
- Lycopene, polyphenols, carotenoids, and other antioxidants – particularly rich in red or orange varieties.
Leaves
Guava leaves contain an impressive array of bioactive compounds such as quercetin, apigenin, guaijaverin, tannic acid, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, and more.
It also contains a variety of polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, alkaloids, and essential oils with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Health Benefits
Fruit
- Immune Booster - thanks to its high vitamin C content
- Blood Sugar Stabilizer - thanks to fiber and phytochemicals, guava fruit can stabilize blood sugar
- Heart - Guava can positively influence blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Digestive & Satiety-Promoting - High fiber content supports healthy digestion, can prevent constipation, and promotes a long-lasting feeling of fullness
Leaf
- Antidiabetic Effect - Leaf extracts improve glucose and lipid profiles in animal models
- Antimicrobial & Antidiarrheal - Guava leaves can provide antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, among others. Helpful for diarrhea
- For skin & eyes - Guava leaves strengthen skin and eyesight with flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin A
Did you know?
Guava wood is used for smoking meat – especially valued in Hawaii.
Bears fruit from as early as two years – the plant often bears fruit for up to 40 years
Our products
Are you looking for guava fruit or leaf extracts for your project? We look forward to hearing from you.
Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5071920
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-guava?
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5071920/
Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
The information contained in this article regarding legal regulations, approvals, and possible uses of raw materials is based on careful research and our current state of knowledge (as of July 2025). However, we assume no liability for the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information.
The legal framework for food and food supplements is subject to constant change. Therefore, the manufacturer or distributor is always responsible for checking the applicable regulations, EU regulations, and approval lists for the use of raw materials and health-related claims.
In case of legal uncertainty, we recommend consulting legal experts or the relevant authorities.