Acca sellowiana, commonly known as feijoa, guavasteen or pineapple guava, is neither a pineapple nor a guava. But what it is is a bona fide superfood. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research shows that pineapple guava’s antioxidant properties can protect the intestines from damage caused by oxidative stress. This means that consuming pineapple guava lowers your risk of oxidative damage-related diseases like cancer.

Pineapple guava comes from a shrub or small tree that’s native to South America but is also grown in large quantities in New Zealand and other parts of the world. The fruit has a unique flavor and aroma that makes it stand out among other fruits. Pineapple guava is highly sought after due to its impressive array of nutrients and health benefits. One of the most important properties of pineapple guava is its ability to aid the digestive system.

Pineapple guava can protect your digestive system

Pineapple guava contains large amounts of dietary fiber. Just 100 grams of it can provide you with roughly 17 percent of your daily recommended intake of dietary fiber. This means that pineapple guava can optimize your digestion by stimulating peristaltic movements which help your food descend further down your digestive tract. The dietary fiber in pineapple guava can also soothe the symptoms of indigestion, cramping, constipation, bloating and many other conditions that upset your stomach.

After treating human intestinal cells with pineapple guava extracts, researchers from the University of Naples Federico II and the Sapienza University of Rome reported that the fruit can protect your cells from oxidative damage by preventing lipid peroxidation. This harmful event is triggered by free radicals damaging cell membranes. The researchers also found that pineapple guava can help address intestinal disaccharidase deficiency, a digestive disorder that causes a wide range of gastrointestinal problems. Disaccharidases are important enzymes that break down complex sugars into simple sugars.

Other health benefits of pineapple guava

Pineapple guava deserves to be called a superfood because it can do so much more than just protect your digestive system. Pineapple guava is also a great source of nutrition. A 100-gram serving of pineapple guava provides only 55 calories plus plenty of vitamins, such as vitamins E, K and A, and some B-vitamins. The same serving also contains over 50 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. In addition, pineapple guava is loaded with calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, copper and manganese. It also offers a wide variety of antioxidants and phenols.

Pineapple guava can also boost your immunity, thanks to its high vitamin C content. Meanwhile, the fiber and potassium in pineapple guava can help keep your heart healthy by reducing your blood cholesterol and regulating your blood pressure, respectively. The fruit’s antioxidant content also helps protect not only your digestive system, but also other parts of your body, from oxidative stress. In fact, research suggests that eating pineapple guava can help reduce your risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The nutrients in pineapple guava can also strengthen your bones, improve your metabolism and even regulate your blood sugar levels.

To experience all the health benefits of this one-of-a-kind superfruit, add pineapple guava to your daily diet and boost your nutrient intake in the process.

Sources:

OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com

OrganicFacts.net

Education.QuestDiagnostics.com