The New Complete Book of Food



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r Guaas

Nutritional Profile

Energy value (calories per serving): Low

Protein: Low

Fat: Low

Saturated fat: Low

Cholesterol: None

Carbohydrates: High

Fiber: Very high

Sodium: Low

Major vitamin contribution: Vitamin A, vitamin C

Major mineral contribution: Potassium

About the Nutrients in This Food

The guava is very high in dietary fiber (soluble pectins), a good source of

vitamin A derived from deep yellow carotenes (including beta-carotene)

and, depending on the variety, an extraordinary source of vitamin C.

One fresh two-ounce (55 g) guava has three grams dietary fiber, 343

IU vitamin A (15 percent of the RDA for a woman, 12 percent of the RDA

for a man), and 126 mg vitamin C (168 percent of the RDA for a woman,

140 percent of the RDA for a man), and 229 mg potassium, twice as much

as two ounces of fresh orange juice.

The Most Nutritious Way to Serve This Food

Fresh. Slice off the top and eat the guava out of its skin with a spoon.

Diets That May Restrict or Exclude This Food

Low-carbohydrate, low-fiber diet

Buying This Food

Look for: Ripe guavas. Depending on the variety, the color of the skin

may vary from white to yellow to dark red and the size from that of a