In this article, we are going to focus on providing you information about the antioxidants in guava leaves and fruits as analyzed by the U.S Department of Agriculture.
But, before you go, what are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are biological molecules or compounds that have the potential to reduce the levels or eliminate free radicals in the body.
Both guava fruits and leaves are reservoirs of antioxidants with powerful health benefits.
These antioxidants in both guava leaves and fruits are:
- Flavonoids
- Terpenoids
- Lycopene
- Carotene
- Vitamins
- Tannins
- B-sitosterol
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are groups of guava fruits or leaf metabolites that are proven to provide antioxidant benefits against a wide variety of free radicals.
They are soluble polyphenols with 15 carbon atoms containing two benzene rings that are linked by a short carbon chain.
Flavonoids were considered important antioxidants and they were shown to provide other health benefits such as antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic benefits.
Read also: Guava Vs Pomegranate: An Indepth Nutrition Comparison And Analysis
Terpenoids
These are also group of plant metabolites with antioxidants properties.
Terpenoids are the most common natural products found in most plants. Terpenoids are sometimes called Isoprenoids, which are derived from the compound Isoprene.
Apart from the antioxidant property other benefits of terpenoids uncle anticancer, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral, antiallergenic, antispasmodic, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory. Terpenoids also play a role in the regulation of immune systems.
Read also: Guava Vs Pear: Comparison And Analysis Of Nutrients
Lycopene
Lycopene is also a polyphenol molecule that is found in both guava fruits and leaves. Lycopene also possesses an antioxidants property.
It is a bright red carotenoid hydrocarbon mostly found in fruits and vegetables. Lycopene also has other properties, which include the treatment of cancers and the prevention of skin from the effects of radiation.
Read also: Guava Vs Orange: Is Guava Better Than Orange?
Carotene
Carotene is a biological molecule that is important for photosynthesis to take place. It is also one of the powerful antioxidants in plants with numerous health benefits.
And these benefits of carotene include anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Vitamins
Vitamins are among the most important natural molecule which is only present in some organisms and other organisms that do not have must source them from foods in small quantity to carry out proper metabolism.
They also provide powerful antioxidant benefits in the body and improve other diseases like high blood pressure, renal failure, respiratory problems, and immune systems abnormalities.
Important vitamins in guava leaves and fruits include Vitamin B complexes, A, C, and K.
In addition to the above-mentioned antioxidants, the essential oil of guava leaves also contains other biological molecules that possess antioxidant properties.
These molecules include sesquiterpene hydrocarbons caryophyllene, b-bisabolene, aromadendrene, b-selinene, nerolidol, caryophyllene oxide, and sel-11-en-4x -ol, also some triterpenoids and b-sitosterol.
Frequently asked Questions
Is Guava an Antioxidants?
Guava is a plant, not antioxidants. But, the products obtained from guavas such as carotene, lycopene, flavonoids, and terpenoids are antioxidants.
Can Guava Leaves Help to Conceive?
Guava is high in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, water, and folate. Several studies have highlighted that women with a high amount of folate have a chance of becoming pregnant than women with a low amount of folate.
Therefore, taking guava fruits may help increase chances of pregnancy.
Can Guava Leaves Increase Sperm?
Guava leaves were shown to improve sperm viability and count.
You can find more information about the health benefits of guava leaves and fruits for fertility here
Conclusion
In this guide, we looked at the different antioxidants that can be found in both guava leaves and fruits. We hope this article helps you understand the different antioxidants in guava leaves and fruits.
We would like to hear your questions and views about this guide. So, do write to us in the comment section below.
Recommended reading:
>Nutrition Facts Of Guava And Health Benefits
>Health Benefits Of Guava Leaves For Inflammation
>Guava Leaves For Kidney Problems: Is There Any Health Benefits?
References
“What are Flavonoids” retrieve on 30/06/2020
Wikipedia contributors. (2020, June 23). Terpenoid. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:56, June 30, 2020, from
Heras, Beatriz & Rodríguez, B & Boscá, Lisardo & Villar, A. (2003). Terpenoids: Sources, Structure Elucidation and Therapeutic Potential in Inflammation. Current topics in medicinal chemistry. 3. 171-85.
Thoppil RJ, Bishayee A. Terpenoids as potential chemopreventive and therapeutic agents in liver cancer. World J Hepatol. 2011;3(9):228-249.
Wikipedia contributors. (2020, June 29). Lycopene. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:25, June 30, 2020, from
Wikipedia contributors. (2020, May 5). Carotene. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:39, June 30, 2020, from
Wikipedia contributors. (2020, June 24). Vitamin. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:48, June 30, 2020,
