Nutritional value and se of guava
- 1g of protein.
- 200mg of vitamin C.
- 0.06 mg of vitamin A.
- 15 mg of calcium.
- 0.05 mg of vitamin B1.
Nutritional value of guava.
The vitamin C content in guava is five times higher than that in oranges. Consequently, the numerous health benefits of guava for humans encompass:
- Beneficial for heart health due to its vitamins A and C content, fiber, and minerals like manganese, potassium, copper, with very low amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol.
- Cancer prevention by safeguarding healthy cells from free radical damage.
- Support for weight management by promoting a prolonged feeling of fullness without adding excessive calories to the body.
- Reinforcement of the immune system to prevent common colds and fevers.
Guava has many good health benefits.
100g of guava provides an energy level of 68 calories, which is relatively low, considering its numerous nutritional components. This makes guava a fruit that you should consider incorporating into your daily diet.
Is Guava Safe for Individuals with Gestational Diabetes?
As for pregnant women with gestational diabetes, the answer is yes, they can consume guava. However, it should be in moderation, and excessive consumption should be avoided. Interestingly, guava itself offers benefits in effectively managing gestational diabetes.
It’s worth noting that guava contains tannins, which may not be favorable for the digestive system. Overindulgence in guava may lead to symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and loss of appetite among pregnant women. To ensure their well-being, pregnant women should consume guava in moderation.
Can pregnant women with diabetes eat guava?
The Beneficial Effects of Guava for Pregnant Women with Diabetes
Guava fruit is renowned for its ability to help manage blood sugar levels. Here are some advantages of including guava in the diet for pregnant women with gestational diabetes:
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Guava is rich in dietary fiber, which can help prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes and reduce cholesterol absorption.
- Insulin Resistance Reduction: Guava leaves and fruit contain components with inhibitory activity on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B. This substance is effective in treating type 2 diabetes and reducing insulin resistance in diabetic individuals.
- Low Glycemic Load: Despite having a glycemic index of 78, guava has a low sugar load, approximately 4/40. This makes guava a suitable choice for diabetics to help control blood sugar levels while providing essential nutrients.
Benefits of guava fruit for people with gestational diabetes.
How Should Mothers with Gestational Diabetes Consume Guava?
If you have gestational diabetes and wish to include guava in your diet, it’s crucial to consume it correctly to avoid worsening your condition. Here are some essential guidelines for pregnant women with gestational diabetes when consuming guava:
- Peel Guava: To prevent potential constipation, it’s advisable to peel guava before consumption. Although guava peel contains antioxidants, it can lead to digestive discomfort in pregnant women.
- Avoid Guava Juice: Opt for whole guava instead of guava juice during pregnancy. Consuming whole guava allows you to benefit from its fiber content, helping balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Guava juice may cause blood sugar spikes.
- Consume in Moderation: Pregnant women should limit their guava intake to approximately 140g of ripe guava per serving, equivalent to two small fruits. It’s best to have guava as a snack and avoid eating it immediately after main meals. Allow at least a 6-hour gap between meals.
- Choose Ripe Guava: Select ripe guavas that are not overly ripe or crushed. Avoid consuming young and green guavas. Before eating, wash and soak guava in salt water, and peel the skin to ensure food hygiene and safety.
- Consider Guava Leaves: Guava leaves also offer potential benefits in diabetes management. Pregnant women can prepare a decoction using young guava leaves and drink it daily.
How should pregnant women eat guava?
Some Fruits Suitable for Individuals with Gestational Diabetes
In addition to incorporating guava into their diet, pregnant women with gestational diabetes can benefit from a variety of fruits to ensure their bodies receive essential nutrients. Here are some suitable fruits that expecting mothers can consider:
Citrus Fruits:
Oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits are rich in fiber, vitamins such as A, C, and B9 (folic acid), as well as several essential minerals like calcium and potassium. These fruits are known to boost immunity, reduce the risk of fetal malformations, and help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. Additionally, they contribute to bone health.
Oranges are very good for people with gestational diabetes.
Avocado
Avocados are an excellent choice for pregnant women with gestational diabetes because they are rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates. As a result, they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
Pregnant women with diabetes should eat avocados.
Kiwi
Kiwi is a highly nutritious fruit that pregnant women should incorporate into their diet. It is rich in folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects in the unborn baby. Kiwi also contains ample amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, all of which contribute to the health of both the mother and the baby. Additionally, the low carbohydrate content in kiwi helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels.
Kiwi contains many nutrients that are good for pregnant women with diabetes.
Hopefully, the information provided above has offered expectant mothers a comprehensive answer to the question, ‘Can women with gestational diabetes consume guava?’ Pregnant women are advised to schedule regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor their blood sugar levels and ensure a healthy pregnancy
Johnny Jacks was born in 1985 in Texas, USA. He is the founder of Good Health Plan and is passionate about helping people improve their health and physical well-being. With over a decade of experience working in the healthcare industry, he currently works at Goodheathplan.com – a blog that shares knowledge on beauty and health.