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Guava vs. Pear — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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Article author photo Erna Harutyunyan by Erna Harutyunyan | Last updated on November 24, 2023
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Guava
vs
Pear

Summary

Guava has more vitamin C,  folate, copper,  potassiumfibervitamin B5vitamin B6, and vitamin B3 than pears. Guava delivers a massive 249% higher daily requirement for vitamin C coverage than pears. The difference is most noticeable in Vitamin B5, where guava has 0.451mgnine times higher than pears' 0.049mg.

Introduction

Guavas are members of the Myrtaceae family and the genus Psidium. Meanwhile, pears come from Western Asia's Caspian Sea region. Different pear cultivars were cultivated by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans and spread over Europe. Guava, a tropical fruit native to southern Mexico and Central and South America, has spread worldwide to warm regions․

Appearance and Varieties 

Pears have a traditionalrounded-bottom shape with a tapering neck, while guavas are round or oval, with a smooth or granular exterior and seed-filled interiors

The most common pear varieties are the bell-shaped Bartlett Pear, known for its golden skin and sweet flavor; the short-necked and rounder Anjou Pear, with green or red skin; and the elongated and russeted Bosc Pear.

The most common kind of guava is the common apple guava or lemon guava. Guavas are distinguished by their round shapeyellow or green skin, and pink flesh

Nutrition 

Guava and pear are both high in nutrients. But guava has a relatively higher nutritional value than pear.

A typical serving is a middle-sized pear weighing roughly 166g. One serving of guava is one whole fruit, weighing around 55 grams.

Macronutrients and Calories

Guava fruits are higher in caloriesprotein, fat, and fiber than pear fruits. Pears have a somewhat higher carb content and more thiamin and riboflavin

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Guava
3
:
2
Pear
Contains more Protein +608.3%
Contains more Fats +578.6%
Contains more Other +345.2%
Equal in Carbs - 15.23
Equal in Water - 83.96
3% 14% 81%
Protein: 2.55 g
Fats: 0.95 g
Carbs: 14.32 g
Water: 80.8 g
Other: 1.38 g
15% 84%
Protein: 0.36 g
Fats: 0.14 g
Carbs: 15.23 g
Water: 83.96 g
Other: 0.31 g
Contains more Protein +608.3%
Contains more Fats +578.6%
Contains more Other +345.2%
Equal in Carbs - 15.23
Equal in Water - 83.96

Vitamins

Compared to pears, guavas contain a greater concentration of vitamins, particularly vitamin A and vitamin C. Guava also contains more vitamin E and vitamins B1B2, B3B5, and B6. On the other hand, pears are higher in vitamin K. Both fruits are devoid of vitamin Dvitamin B9, and vitamin B12.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Guava
9
:
1
Pear
Contains more Vitamin A +2396%
Contains more Vitamin E +508.3%
Contains more Vitamin C +5209.3%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +458.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +53.8%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +573.3%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +820.4%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +279.3%
Contains more Folate +600%
Contains more Vitamin K +69.2%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 38% 15% 0% 761% 17% 10% 21% 28% 26% 37% 0% 7%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 2% 3% 0% 15% 3% 6% 4% 3% 7% 6% 0% 11%
Contains more Vitamin A +2396%
Contains more Vitamin E +508.3%
Contains more Vitamin C +5209.3%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +458.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +53.8%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +573.3%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +820.4%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +279.3%
Contains more Folate +600%
Contains more Vitamin K +69.2%

Minerals

Guava contains more minerals, such as ironcalciumpotassiummagnesiumcopperzinc, and phosphorus. Pears have half the salt content of guava, with pears having 1mg and guava having 2mg.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Guava
9
:
1
Pear
Contains more Calcium +100%
Contains more Iron +44.4%
Contains more Magnesium +214.3%
Contains more Phosphorus +233.3%
Contains more Potassium +259.5%
Contains more Zinc +130%
Contains more Copper +180.5%
Contains more Manganese +212.5%
Contains more Selenium +500%
Contains less Sodium -50%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 6% 10% 16% 18% 37% 1% 7% 77% 20% 4%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 3% 7% 5% 6% 11% 1% 3% 28% 7% 1%
Contains more Calcium +100%
Contains more Iron +44.4%
Contains more Magnesium +214.3%
Contains more Phosphorus +233.3%
Contains more Potassium +259.5%
Contains more Zinc +130%
Contains more Copper +180.5%
Contains more Manganese +212.5%
Contains more Selenium +500%
Contains less Sodium -50%

Glycemic Index

Even though guavas and apples have low GI, the GI of pear (38) is somewhat more significant than the GI of guava (31). 

Glycemic Load

Guava has a more significant glycemic load of 8, classifying it as low, but pears have a lower glycemic load of 2, likewise classifying it as low.

Acidity

Guava has a PRAL (potential renal acid load) of -2.1, suggesting it is alkaline. On the other hand, pears have a slightly higher alkaline PRAL value of -6.8. Guava (about 3-4) and pear (3.5-4.6) acidity levels are within the usual pH range for fruits, with lower values being more acidic. 

Weight Loss and Diets

Guavas and pears assist in weight loss due to their low-calorie and high dietary fiber content. Pears are a weight-loss-friendly meal because they are low in calories, water, and fiber (1,2)Combining fiber and water promotes satiety, reducing the probability of overeating. Studies have shown that eating pears daily can reduce your waist circumference and help you lose weight. Guavas contain 12% of your daily fiber needs and only 37 calories per fruit, making them an ideal snack. The fiber content of guavas contributes to a feeling of fullness, making them an excellent weight-loss choice. Both fruits are filling and healthy additions to a low-calorie diet.

Health Benefits

Cardiovascular Health

Guavas and pears both benefit heart health in different ways. Pears, which are abundant in antioxidants including procyanidins and quercetin, have been shown to reduce heart tissue stiffnesslower LDL (bad) cholesterolenhance HDL (good) cholesterol, and lower heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels (3,4,5,6,7). Regular pear eating has been demonstrated to reduce stroke risk significantly (8). On the other hand, Guavas are known for their high quantities of antioxidants and vitamins, especially in guava leaves, which are thought to protect the heart from free radical damage (9). Guavas' high potassium and soluble fiber content also help to improve heart health, with guava leaf extract showing promise in decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels (10, 11).  

Diabetes

Guava, notably its leaf extract, has been shown to improve blood sugar levels, long-term blood sugar management, and insulin resistance, making it potentially advantageous for people with or at risk of developing diabetes (12, 13). Several studies have found that drinking guava-leaf tea lowers blood sugar levels, indicating that it affects post-meal glucose management (14). Pears, on the other hand, particularly red types high in anthocyanins, may help reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes (15). Pear anthocyanins have been linked to a decreased incidence of diabetes in primary research (16). Furthermore, the pear's fiber helps delay digestion, allowing for improved blood sugar management (17).

Digestive Health

Guavas and pears are both high in dietary fiber and beneficial to digestive health. Diarrhea and constipation may be prevented or decreased by guavas or guava leaf extract (18, 19). A single guava can supply 12% of the necessary daily fiber consumption, and research indicates that guava leaf extract has antibacterial effectsneutralizing dangerous microorganisms in the stomach (20). On the other hand, pears are high in soluble and insoluble fiber, which is necessary for maintaining intestinal regularity (21, 22). With 6g of fiber per medium-sized pear, approximately 21% of daily fiber requirements are satisfied. 

Cancer

Although data from test tubes and animal studies suggests that guava and pears may have anticancer qualities, further study is needed to determine their efficacy in human cancer treatment. Guava, particularly its leaf extract, has shown promise in preventing and suppressing cancer cell proliferation, owing to its high antioxidant content. In vitro studies revealed that guava leaf oil may be more effective than certain cancer medications in inhibiting cancer cell development (23, 24, 25). Pears, too, contain substances shown to protect against cancer, such as anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid (26, 27). According to population research, diets high in fruits, particularly pears, may protect against malignancies such as lungstomachbreast, and ovarian cancer (28, 29, 30, 31).

Downsides and Risks

Allergies

While pears are typically nutritious, they can be dangerous for people with pear allergies, especially those with birch-fruit syndrome. This cross-reactivity between birch pollen and certain fruits, such as pears, is more common in northern Europe (32). Notably, the allergen responsible for this response is heat-sensitive, allowing some people with this allergy to ingest cooked pears. This condition frequently causes cross-reactions with applesapricotsand cherries. Another kind of pear allergy, more frequent in Mediterranean areas, causes severe symptoms but does not cross-react with birch pollen. Pyr c 1Pyr c 3Pyr c 4, and Pyr c 5 allergens are concentrated in the peel, making it more allergenic. Mild oral allergy syndrome and severe responses, including anaphylactic shock, are all possible (33). Guava allergies, on the other hand, are uncommon, with just a small body of research indicating possible hypersensitivity in children with seasonal asthma symptoms (34). According to some accounts, guava tea leaves might induce sensitive skin dermatitis due to pollen and latex allergens (35). 

Article author photo Erna Harutyunyan
Education: General Medicine at YSMU
Last updated: November 24, 2023
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian

Infographic

Guava vs Pear infographic
Infographic link

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Guava
2
:
1
Pear
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +326.6%
Contains less Saturated Fat -91.9%
Equal in Monounsaturated Fat - 0.084
36% 11% 53%
Saturated Fat: 0.272 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.087 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.401 g
11% 42% 47%
Saturated Fat: 0.022 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.084 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.094 g
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +326.6%
Contains less Saturated Fat -91.9%
Equal in Monounsaturated Fat - 0.084

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Guava Pear
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in price ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Rich in minerals ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Cholesterol Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Guava Pear Opinion
Net carbs 8.92g 12.13g Pear
Protein 2.55g 0.36g Guava
Fats 0.95g 0.14g Guava
Carbs 14.32g 15.23g Pear
Calories 68kcal 57kcal Guava
Fructose 6.42g Pear
Sugar 8.92g 9.75g Guava
Fiber 5.4g 3.1g Guava
Calcium 18mg 9mg Guava
Iron 0.26mg 0.18mg Guava
Magnesium 22mg 7mg Guava
Phosphorus 40mg 12mg Guava
Potassium 417mg 116mg Guava
Sodium 2mg 1mg Pear
Zinc 0.23mg 0.1mg Guava
Copper 0.23mg 0.082mg Guava
Manganese 0.15mg 0.048mg Guava
Selenium 0.6µg 0.1µg Guava
Vitamin A 624IU 25IU Guava
Vitamin A RAE 31µg 1µg Guava
Vitamin E 0.73mg 0.12mg Guava
Vitamin C 228.3mg 4.3mg Guava
Vitamin B1 0.067mg 0.012mg Guava
Vitamin B2 0.04mg 0.026mg Guava
Vitamin B3 1.084mg 0.161mg Guava
Vitamin B5 0.451mg 0.049mg Guava
Vitamin B6 0.11mg 0.029mg Guava
Folate 49µg 7µg Guava
Vitamin K 2.6µg 4.4µg Pear
Tryptophan 0.022mg 0.002mg Guava
Threonine 0.096mg 0.011mg Guava
Isoleucine 0.093mg 0.011mg Guava
Leucine 0.171mg 0.019mg Guava
Lysine 0.072mg 0.017mg Guava
Methionine 0.016mg 0.002mg Guava
Phenylalanine 0.006mg 0.011mg Pear
Valine 0.087mg 0.017mg Guava
Histidine 0.022mg 0.002mg Guava
Saturated Fat 0.272g 0.022g Pear
Monounsaturated Fat 0.087g 0.084g Guava
Polyunsaturated fat 0.401g 0.094g Guava

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Guava Pear
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
80%
Guava
5%
Pear
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
19%
Guava
7%
Pear

Comparison summary

Which food contains less Sodium?
Pear
Pear contains less Sodium (difference - 1mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Pear
Pear is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.25g)
Which food is cheaper?
Pear
Pear is cheaper (difference - $0.1)
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Guava
Guava is lower in Sugar (difference - 0.83g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Guava
Guava is lower in glycemic index (difference - 7)
Which food is richer in minerals?
Guava
Guava is relatively richer in minerals
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Guava
Guava is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Guava - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173044/nutrients
  2. Pear - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169118/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.