A Guava A Day...

Guava fruit kitchen


Growing up in a time where almost all homes and schools in Nairobi had a mango, louquat or guava tree in the compound which served well for play time, keeping us fit and out of mischief. A juicy treat, where we had to time it for perfect ripeness, and just before the birds peck their way into the sweet fruit flesh. We never even washed the fruit, straight off the tree and into our mouths! Mango and guava slices would sometimes be dipped in a salt and red chilli powder mixture, a tantalizing medley of sweet, tart, salty and fiery leaving us confused, giddy but satisfied. In those days it was unthinkable to actually pay money (gasp!) for such fruits.

I recently read that guava is derived from the Spanish word guyaba and that the guava tree was native to Central, South America, Mexico, Peru. Interesting, I would have never imagined it travelled from such a distance as the guava is so familiar to our environment. The guava plant is one of the few tropical trees that can be grown to fruiting size in pots indoors. [1]

The entire guava fruit is edible, from the skin and flesh to its seeds. Though you should consume the seeds with awareness, they have a vicious tendency to lodge in between your teeth – ouch! from personal experience. Raw guava fruit or juiced, jam or chutney all taste super delicious. For best absorption of nutrients, guava fruit should not be consumed on an empty stomach. Guava leaf tea is a traditional remedy for upset stomach and particularly for easing abdominal pains and diarrhea. [2]


Guava Leaf tea
Which fruit immediately comes to mind when Vitamin C is mentioned? Oranges right, perhaps you could stretch to lemons. Did you know that guava has 4 times more Vitamin C than oranges, it is a rich source of Vitamin A, E and Potassium. Guava flesh comes in different colours, from white to pinkinsh and blood red. The pink and red varieties contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from UV rays and possibly toxins from pesticides. I guess we could reword the old proverb to “a guava a day…”.
[3]

Vitamin C is easily the King of Vitamins. Most likely it was the first vitamin you learned of, sailors at sea, scurvy and all that history lesson. An antioxidant essential for immunity, joints, collagen production, teeth and gum health, energy and healthy skin.

What are vitamin C’s benefits for skin?

In short: everything. For one, “vitamin C promotes collagen production, which has the potential to thicken the dermis, diminish fine lines, and is essential for firm, youthful skin,” Wexler (Dr. Patricia Wexler, a dermatologist in New York City) says. On top of that, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure.

It also inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance. Finally, “vitamin C helps to repair damage from sun exposure and collagen loss by encouraging healthy cell turnover and regeneration,” says Wexler.
Source: CNN Underscored [3]

The ever innovative folks at Dr. Organic have created an Advanced Vitamin C Guava Skincare range which can best be described as luscious. 

The Guava range explores and utilises the dynamic properties of the lusciously-scented, exotic guava fruit which is abundant in vitamin C. 

Dr. Organic Guava products can provide luminosity and radiance while also helping to brighten and replenish.

Dr Organic Guava skincare


Guava Eye Serum
helps brighten and illuminate the area around your eyes for a simply radiant look.

Guava Facial Serum
already a favorite, gives skin a fresh, tropical glow. Perfect to perk up your skin after a long day.

Guava Gel Moisturizer
hydrates and brightens the skin.

Guava Body Wash
uplifts and energises you with a luscious scent. Shortlisted for Healthy Awards 2020

Guava Gel Face Mask
with a blend of sunflower seed oil, coconut oil and sweet almond oil gives a burst of luminosity and radiance.

Guava Face Wash with natural plant-based exfoliants for a deep cleansed and brightened look.

Healthcart Kenya Guava Skincare Offer

Healthcart has a special introductory offer on the Dr. Organic Guava range of products.

Click on Guava15 for an automatic 15% discount at checkout, valid until Sept 30, 2020
While stocks are available
Courier charges apply
Healthcart delivers within Kenya

Dr Organic Guava


References
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guava 
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324758
[3] https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/15-incredible-benefits-of-guava-leaf-tea-1445183
[4] https://us.cnn.com/2019/10/15/cnn-underscored/vitamin-c-benefits-for-skin

Guava Image by SweetMellowChill from Pixabay
Tea Image by Marina Pershina from Pixabay