#Vegan ABC's: Guava is thought to fight cancer, hypertension & heart disease!

Guava is native to Central America and South America and guava leaves are still used as a traditional remedy for diarrhoea, dysentery, fever and even diabetes. Guava has been shown to help hypertension and strengthen the heart, and even fight cancer. A single guava fruit contains more than four times the vitamin C of an orange, plus potassium, magnesium, and lycopene.

• Vitamin C: Enough cannot be said for the benefits of vitamin C. Oxidative stress is when there are more reactive oxygen species or "free radicals" in the body than antioxidants to neutralize them. Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and several other conditions have been linked to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation!
  
  
• Potassium: Potassium cations are required for brain and nerve function, and is essential for allowing muscle contraction (which is why they put it in all those sports drinks). Guava is rich in magnesium too, which is also required for correct muscle function. Magnesium is essential for many important for many cellular functions; magnesium deficiency is often undiagnosed and can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
  
  
• Lycopene: The same active ingredient that makes tomatoes a potent cancer-fighting food is also abundant in guava. In a group of 48,000 men participating in a Harvard University study, 45% less risk of prostrate cancer was found in the group with additional lycopene in their diets.

So the title of "super fruit" is well earned and may even be an understatement! One guava has 260% of the daily RDI for vitamin C. I suggest you eat two.

Sources: Wikipedia; Guava & Vitamin C & Potassium, Magnesium: Nutritional Aspects, Health Benefits of Guava, The Daily Plate