AboutMichael Polidori Expertise I can answer questions about food safety issues and benefits vs risks issues related to the growing, environmental effects and health effects of conventional, organic and gene altered food, both plants and animals.
I can answer questions related to the cause and treatment of nutritionally related disease (especially immune related diseases) and nutritional problems related to healing a body that has been injured through accident or bad eating habits.
Experience As a member of a group in Raleigh North Carolina I have been studying food growing methods, the regulatory efforts to influence these methods and the changes in our food supply due to genetic engineering and organic agriculture since 1998. I have prepared and participated in Public Television talk and radio shows, and debated in college forums with professors about the safety of gene altered foods. I have helped to manage booths at major North Carolina events (including the Raleigh State Fair)since 2000 giving out information concerning safety issues on nutrition and the possible dangers of genetically engineering our food supply. I have an extensive understanding of the regulatory practices of the FDA and the USDA along with the selection of personnel to craft regulatory legislation. I have participated in the preparation of the materials to be passed out at the booths we have set up. I have been involved in health care, prescription drugs, disease and wellness issues since 1997 reading and writing extensively on the internet and in daily life. I have directed friends, family and acquaintences along a path leading to health and fitness since 2000, including helping a friend to no longer need thyroid medication and assisting two acquaintenances with a poisoning they experienced in 1989 (tainted tryptophan) to be properly diagnosed and treated.
Organizations North Carolina Citizens For Safe Food, Public Citizen, Organic Consumers Association.
Education/Credentials No Degree but some college in the sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics).
Expert: Michael Polidori Date: 2/24/2008 Subject: Skin of Guavas
Question Hi Michael,
Is it safe to eat the skin and outer mesocarp of guavas?
Sincerely,
Angel
Answer Hi Angel,
The entire guava is safe to eat.
It use to be thought that the guava was safe for diabetics but some research from India suggests that the skin will raise blood sugars dramatically (some research shows 91% increase within a few minutes).
The skin is added to some recipes to increase the intensity of the guava flavor.
Thorough cleaning of the guava is required as the majority of these are imported and not subject to the same extensive standards regarding pesticide and herbicide exposure that Hawaiian and Florida farmers comply with.
I always use baking soda to clean my fruit and vegetables. I keep a restaurant style sugar shaker filled with baking soda on my kitchen sink so it is handy and dry. I wet the produce, sprinkle enough baking soda to make a paste which helps me thoroughly scrub and detoxify the outside peel or skin. I do this even for fruit and vegetables that I will peel, like oranges and cucumbers, to ensure I don't contaminate my hands or utensils with whatever toxins may be present.
A little bit more about the guava, it has three times the vitamin C of an orange, the most important anti-oxidant we can consume. The guava, like many tropical fruits, is a good source of flavonoids. There is plenty of evidence flavonoids are important for us. We haven't proved that to FDA standards yet. Most nutritionists are convinced many of these phyto-nutrients, classified as polyphenols, are essential to human health.
If you have any further questions please feel free to ask.
