Plant atlas Short
Guava & Lower Cholesterol: A 12-Week Trial
Thai Guava · ฝรั่ง · Psidium guajava
Thai Guava — ฝรั่ง (fa-rang) — Psidium guajava.
In one 12-week trial, daily guava was linked with lower serum cholesterol and blood pressure, with higher HDL also reported. The edible part is the fruit, eaten crisp with the skin and seeds. Guava is rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and folate. Its vitamin C helps your body build collagen for skin and supports normal immune function. Its fiber supports regular digestion and fullness, and fiber can slow how fast carbohydrates are absorbed. Potassium contributes to normal blood pressure and fluid balance, and folate supports normal cell division and blood formation, especially before and during pregnancy. In Thai cooking, Som Tum Farang (a spicy pounded salad) crushes crisp green guava with bird's eye chilies and lime, which you eat alongside grilled chicken. Farang Chae Buay (a chilled sweet-and-sour preparation) soaks guava slices in plum syrup and serves them cold with a dusting of spicy plum powder. Beyond the fruit, the young leaves are traditionally brewed into a tea. Tropical fruit flies love ripe guava, so it doesn't keep long. Follow Longevity Biome for a new Thai plant every day.
Som Tum Farang — ส้มตำฝรั่ง (som-tam-fa-rang)
Farang Chae Buay — ฝรั่งแช่บ๊วย (fa-rang-chae-buay)
Source: Singh RB et al. (1992). Guava intake on serum cholesterol & blood pressure. Am J Cardiol 70(15):1287-91. DOI:10.1016/0002-9149(92)90763-o (PMID 1332463)
Educational content, not medical advice! Consult your doctor before changing diet or medication.
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Food and nutrients
Rich in: vitamin C, fiber, potassium, folate
Research context
Daily guava lowered total cholesterol and blood pressure and raised HDL in a 12-week trial — Am. J. Cardiology, 1992