Guava is a delicious and nutritious fruit found year-round in most warm and temperate states. They are tasty and have a low glycemic index (GI), which measures how quickly carbohydrates are broken down and released as glucose in the system.
This means that guavas can be especially helpful in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Additionally, guavas are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America and can ripen at any time of the year.
As a diabetic patient, following a strict diet is essential to keep your
Studies have shown that inadequate levels of vitamin C can put individuals at increased risk of disease and infection. Additionally, guava has antibacterial properties, helping to eliminate dangerous bacteria and viruses that could lead to disease.
It is important to regularly consume adequate amounts of vitamin C because its depletion is a common occurrence.
Additionally, guavas promote a robust immune system and manage chronic diseases like diabetes. Thus, guava is often considered a necessary fruit for the regulation of diabetes.
Low in sodium and high in potassium
People with diabetes need to be very careful with their sodium intake, as too much salt can harm their health.
Guavas are a great option because they are high in potassium and low in sodium, two essential nutrients needed to manage diabetes. Therefore, including guava in your diet can benefit your health and help maintain nutrient balance.
Cell repair
Guavas contain phytonutrients such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamin C, which function as natural antioxidants in the body.
Antioxidants help prevent or delay oxidative damage caused by free radicals produced by our body. In addition, they also prevent oxidative stress due to toxins in our environment. Research indicated that this damage can lead to inflammation and disease.
Note from The Fitness Freak
Including guava in a healthy diet can help improve blood sugar control and overall health for people with diabetes. Guava is a nutritious fruit that has potential benefits for people with diabetes. It’s a great source of fiber, which can help slow carbohydrate absorption and improve blood sugar control. Guava is also high in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases like diabetes. Plus, its low to moderate glycemic index (GI) ensures slower absorption and is less likely to cause a sudden spike in blood sugar.
Ways to eat guava for people with diabetes
There are many ways to incorporate guava into a healthy diet for people with diabetes. Here are some ideas:
- Eat guava as a snack: Enjoy fresh guava on its own, or slice it up and pair it with nuts or cheese for a satisfying snack.
- Add guava to your meals: Add guava to your morning oatmeal or yogurt, or use it as a topping for your morning toast. You can add it to salads or use it as a garnish for grilled chicken or fish.
- Add guava to your smoothie: Add fresh or frozen guava to your smoothie for a burst of flavor and nutrition.
- Try guava in pastries: Use guava puree or jam to add flavor to muffins, cakes or other baked goods.
It is important to remember that guava, like all fruits, contains carbohydrates and people with diabetes should manage their carbohydrate intake as part of their overall blood sugar control. Therefore, it’s a good idea to track your carbohydrate intake, including those from fruit, and work with an expert nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount for you.
Does guava cause side effects?
Excess consumption of guava can cause blood sugar levels to rise. The low calorie, protein and fat content of the food can cause you to crave more. Guava seeds are a common cause of diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
Eating guava skin without the skin can help lower blood sugar effectively. Studies have shown that guava skin contains high levels of glucose, which can directly affect our metabolism.
Conclusion
Consumption of guava may provide various health benefits for people with diabetes. This fruit is low in sugar and high in fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar.
Additionally, guava is a rich source of antioxidants and many other beneficial nutrients. Research also suggests it may have a positive effect on cholesterol and even reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Considering all of this, adding guava to a balanced diet may be beneficial for managing diabetes and promoting overall health.
It is always best to consult a medical professional before making any dietary changes. A HealthifyMe nutritionist can help you determine the appropriate amount of guava that is safe for an individual to consume.
Moreover, the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) helps to understand the impact of eating a food on your blood sugar. It can be a great way to manage your blood sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does guava raise blood sugar?
A: Guava is a nutritious and healthy snack, unlikely to cause a spike in blood sugar. However, if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes, it is essential to consult a health care practitioner before consuming guava.
Q: How to use guava for diabetes?
A: You can add guava to your diet to use for diabetes in the form of fresh guava, guava smoothie or guava tea. Eat fresh guava as a snack or incorporate it into meals. You can also add guava to your smoothies, salads, and other dishes. Prepare guava tea by boiling guava leaves in water and then straining the liquid.
When adding guava to your diet, monitor your blood sugar regularly. Ask your doctor or dietitian for advice on how much guava to include in your diet.
Q: Can diabetics eat guava at night?
A: Yes, people with diabetes can eat guava at night. Guava is a low glycemic fruit, which means it won’t cause a sudden spike in blood sugar. However, it is still vital for people with diabetes to monitor their food intake and pay attention to portion sizes.
Q: Is guava full of sugar?
A: A cup of raw guava contains about 11 grams of total carbohydrates, including 8 grams of natural sugars. Although naturally sweet, guava is not a high-sugar fruit compared to other common fruits, such as apples and grapes, which contain more carbohydrates and sugar.
Q: Who should not take guava?
A: There is no known group of people who should not eat guava. Guava is a nutritious fruit that can benefit most people’s diets. However, it is essential to consider individual tolerance and potential allergies or sensitivities when introducing guava to the diet. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women can consult a nutritionist or healthcare professional before adding guava to their diet.
Q: When is the best time to eat guava?
A: You can enjoy guava as a snack or as part of a meal any time of the day. Eating guava as a between-meal snack can help control hunger and aid blood sugar control, or you may prefer to include it as part of a larger meal. Ultimately, the best time to eat guava depends on your health status, food preferences, and eating habits.
Q: How much guava can a diabetic eat?
A: Consider a person’s age, gender, weight, level of physical activity, and general health to determine the appropriate amount of guava for someone with diabetes. As a general rule, people with diabetes should follow a healthy diet that focuses on portion control, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity tailored to their needs.
Research sources
1. The United States Department of Agriculture
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173044/nutrients
2. Verma AK, Rajkumar V, Banerjee R, Biswas S, Das AK. Guava (Psidium guajava L.) powder as an antioxidant dietary fiber in mutton nuggets. Asia-Australas J Anim Sci. 2013 Jun;26(6):886-95. doi: 10.5713/ajas.2012.12671. PMID: 25049864; PMCID: PMC4093245.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4093245/
3. Daswani PG, Gholkar MS, Birdi TJ. Psidium guajava: a single plant for multiple health problems of the rural Indian population. Pharmacogn Rev. 2017 Jul-Dec;11(22):167-174. doi: 10.4103/phrev.phrev_17_17. PMID: 28989253; PMCID: PMC5628524.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5628524/
4. Shaik-Dasthagirisaheb YB, Varvara G, Murmura G, Saggini A, Caraffa A, Antinolfi P, Tete’S, Tripodi D, Conti F, Cianchetti E, Toniato E, Rosati M, Speranza L, Pantalone A, Saggini R, Tei M , Speziali A, Conti P, Theoharides TC, Pandolfi F. Role of vitamins D, E and C in immunity and inflammation. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2013 Apr-June;27(2):291-5. PMID: 23830380.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23830380/
5. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/antioxidants-in-depth
6. Kumari S, Rakavi R, Mangaraj M. Effect of guava on blood glucose and lipid profile in healthy human subjects: a randomized controlled study. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Sep;10(9):BC04-BC07.Doii:10.7860/JCDR/2016/21291.8425. Epub 1 Sep 2016. PMID: 27790420; PMCID: PMC5071920.
