Nothing tastes quite like a guava. Slightly tangy with a mild -like tropical sweetness, its vibrant flavor and color only hint at the nutritional benefits the guava brings to the table. Guavas, which are native to Mexico, as well as other areas in Central and South America and the Caribbean, can be used in both sweet and savory dishes alongside other tropical fruits, cheese, baked goods and .
The brightly-colored fruit holds a particularly special significance in Filipino culture, Grace Derocha, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells TODAY.com. Not only is guava found in many traditional dishes, she says, "but it's also a symbol of resilience because guava can grow in tough conditions, and they're often found in rural areas all throughout the Philippines.
" And there are plenty of health reasons to eat more guava, too, Shelly Wegman, registered dietitian at UNC Rex Nutrition Services, tells TODAY.com. "Guavas are also very high in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium and fiber," she says, which means they can aid in gut health, heart health, immunity and a lot more.
One contains: With a good helping of gut- and heart-healthy fiber with relatively low sugar content, guavas are a nutrient-packed fruit with a lot of possible health benefits. Guavas come with a ton of nutritional benefits, including major doses of , fiber, antioxidants and more. One guava fruit provides , which exceeds your daily recommended value and is about double .