Along with the fruit, the bark and leaves of guava trees also provide numerous health benefits. Guava has a high content of Vitamins C and A. In fact, one guava fruit contains 4 times more Vitamin C than an average-size orange and 10 times more Vitamin A than a lemon.
It also contains vitamins B2, E and K, fiber, calcium, copper, folate, iron, manganese, phosphorus and potassium. With all the nutrition that it provides, guava hardly contains any fats. Moreover, it is one of the least chemically treated and sprayed fruits.In different cuisines, this fruit is used as an ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Guava juice is also a refreshing drink. You can also enjoy guava in sauces, candies, jams and jellies.
Diarrhea
Guava leaf tea may help inhibit diarrhea-causing bacteria. According to a 2008 study published in the Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, guava leaf extract inhibits the growth of staphylococcus aureus bacteria, a common cause of diarrhea.. People suffering from diarrhea who drink guava leaf tea may experience less abdominal pain, fewer and less watery stools, and a quicker recovery, according to Drugs.com. Add the leaves and root of guava to a cup of boiling water, strain the water and consume it on an empty stomach for quick relief.
This tea will cause fewer stools, lessen abdominal pain, lessen watery stools and promote a quick recovery.
Guava fruit is also good for the digestive tract. Its antibacterial property helps clean the digestive tract, discouraging bacterial and microbial growth and its fiber content promotes digestion and proper excretion.
To prevent stomach-related problems, chew guava leaves or eat a raw guava daily.
Lowers Cholesterol
According to an article published in Nutrition and Metabolism, study participants who drank guava leaf tea had lower cholesterol levels after eight weeks.
Manages Diabetes
Japan has approved guava leaf tea as one of the foods for specified health uses to help with the prevention and treatment of diabetes. The compounds in the tea help regulate blood sugar levels after meals, by inhibiting the absorption of two types of sugars - sucrose and maltose. According to an article published in Nutrition and Metabolism, guava leaf tea inhibits several different enzymes that convert carbohydrate in the digestive tract into glucose, potentially slowing its uptake into your blood.
Chinese medicine has used guava for the treatment of diabetes for years. According to a 1983 study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, the hypoglycemic effect of guava juice is useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Those who are at risk of developing diabetes can help prevent it by drinking guava leaf tea.
Promotes Weight Loss
Guava leaves help prevent complex carbs from turning into sugars, promoting rapid weight loss. Drink guava leaf tea or juice regularly to reap the benefits.
To prevent thyroid-related problems, make guava leaf tea an important part of your diet.
Fights Cancer
Dr. Anju Sood says, "Guava leaves can lower the risk of cancer”- especially breast, prostate, and oral cancers - due to high quantities of the antioxidant lycopene. Various studies have revealed that lycopene plays a significant role in lowering the risk of cancer.
Heals Cold and Cough
Guava leaves contain high levels of Vitamin C and iron, and a decoction of guava leaves is very helpful in relieving cough and cold as it helps get rid of mucus. It also disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.
Reduces Acne
Due to their high percentage of Vitamin C, guava leaves can help get rid of acne when crushed and applied to trouble spots.
Improves Skin Texture
Guavas have high astringent properties, and guava leaves rank even higher. Apply a decoction of the leaves on your skin to help tone and tighten facial muscles.
Prevents Hair Loss
Suffering from hair loss? Guava leaves can be boiled and massaged onto the scalp.
Note: Make sure the water is cool before applying it to the scalp.
Beats Toothache
"Guava leaves are anti inflammatory in nature and help in maintaining good oral health", says Delhi-based Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat. Guava leaf tea works as a fantastic home remedy for toothache, swollen gums and oral ulcers due to the powerful antibacterial agents. You can also grind the leaves into a paste and apply it to your gums and teeth to cure these problems.
Improves Quality of Sleep
"Drinking guava leaf tea regularly helps improve quality of sleep", says Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical Operations and Coordination Manager at Baidyanath. It calms your nerves and quietens your mind, making it easier to slip into slumber.
Boosts Immunity
According to Bangalore-based Nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood, "guava leaf tea helps boost the immune system", thereby reducing the risk of various illnesses.
Soothes Gastrointestinal Issues
Guava leaves are useful in treating gastrointestinal issues because they reduce the production of extra mucus that can irritate the digestive system, and prevent further microbial growth in the intestines due to anti-bacterial properties.
Promotes Heart Health
"Guava leaf tea may also benefit your heart and circulatory system", says Anshul Jaibharat. According to a 1993 study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension, regular guava fruit intake can help decrease blood pressure and blood lipids. This is due to its higher potassium, Vitamin C and soluble fiber content. Potassium helps maintain a steady heartbeat and control high blood pressure, while Vitamin C keeps the small blood vessels healthy.
In addition, the lycopene found in pink-fleshed guava helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people who eat this fruit on a regular basis. Drinking guava leaf tea prepared by steeping the dried leaves in hot water helps lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol) levels and triglycerides. This helps keep your heart and vascular system healthy
Good for Your Brain
"Guava leaves contain Vitamin B3 (niacin) and Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves", remarks Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.
To make the tea:
Dry the tender guava leaves and crush them into a powder.
Add 1 tablespoon of crushed guava leaves to a cup of hot water.
Cover and allow it to steep for 5 minutes, then strain it.
Drink this tea once daily.
Note: Please consult a doctor.
