Guava is a tropical fruit which are oval in shape, contains tiny edible seeds, and is covered with greenish skin. These tropical trees originate in Central America. Guava, which is botanically called Psidium guajava, has been used traditionally to cure certain ailments.
It’s fruit and leaves are have tremendous benefits, but we’ll discuss more on the health benefits of guava leaves in this article. Guava leaves could be used to make tea or extracts for supplements. [1]
Nutritional Value of Guava Leaves
Guava leaves contain rich nutrients, dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, folic acid, and dietary minerals, potassium. One medical study stated that guava contains an extremely high amount of powerful antioxidants. [2]
A 2021 study found that guava leaves possess numerous health benefits due to their abundance of phytochemicals, including but not limited to quercetin, avicularin, apigenin, guaijaverin, kaempferol, hyperin, myricetin, gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, and caffeic acid.
Health Benefits of Guava Leaves
The guava plant parts are used
for the development of various industrial and pharmaceutical products. The leaves of the guava plant have similar health benefits to the fruit. Here are some of the health benefits of guava leaves.
1. Improves heart health
Guava contains vitamins and antioxidants, which are known to protect the heart from damages. It also reduces bad cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of having a stroke and other heart problems.
One 2005 study boldly stated that guava leaf extract can lower blood pressure, as well as decreasing “bad” LDL cholesterol and raising “good” HDL cholesterol. [3]
2. Relieves constipation and diarrhea
Dietary fiber, which is present in guava leaves, helps in digestion, and improves bowel movement. They also help reduce the intensity and duration of diarrhea.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine reported that a decoction of guava leaf was effectively use to treat acute infections diarrhea. [4]
3. Helps in weight loss
Guava leaf extract are also helpful in weight loss as it prevents complex starches from converting into sugar. Consuming fewer carbs aids in weight loss, and guavas are healthy fruits that aid weight loss.
4. Boosts your immunity
Guavas are one of the plants that are an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for strengthening your immune system. Guava leaves has an abundance of vitamin C; thus, you should take it to boost your immune system.
They also help in treating toothaches, sore throats, and other mouth diseases. Guava leaves extract are used in making toothpaste due to the antibacterial agent which protects the gum and teeth. Gargling this extract also helps improve sore throats and mouth sores.
5. Might reduce cramping during menstruation
It has been said that women who consume guava daily have low chances of painful menstruation and stomach cramping. One study was done to show this. The study claimed that 197 women who experienced painful menstruation took guava leaf extract, which reduced the pain even better than pain killers. It could also be useful in dealing with uterine cramps. [5]
6. Prevents cancer
Studies have shown that the high amounts of powerful antioxidants present in guava might prevent cancer growth. One study found out that guava leaf oil was effective in destroying cancerous cells. [6]
A 2023 study on the potential anticancer properties of guava leaves extract found that the extract was able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce cell death in vitro. The extract also showed promise in reducing tumor growth in mice.
7. Reduces blood sugar level
Medical evidence has shown that guava leaves can reduce blood sugar level. People who suffer from diabetes might consider taking guava leaf tea as it is useful in blood sugar level control.
One study reported that 20 people who have type 2 diabetes drank guava leaf tea, which resulted in blood sugar levels reduced by more than 10% after a meal. [7]
As you have learned, guava leaves have many vital nutrients and health benefits. One of the most convenient ways to consume guava leaves is by taking guava leaf tea.
How to Make Guava Leaf Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1 handful guava leaves, preferably fresh
- Turmeric or ginger for flavour.
Steps:
1. Pour 2 cups of water into a clean pot and heat.
2. Add washed guava leaves and boil for 5 minutes.
3. For flavour or colour, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of ginger or turmeric and boil for another 5 minutes or more.
4. Sieve to filter the leaves, and you have your tea ready.
Bottom Line
Apart from the fact that guava tastes incredibly amazing, they have so many amazing health benefits. The health benefits of guava leaves discussed in this article should spur you to enjoy this healthy plant. Taking guava leaf tea on an empty stomach aids in weight loss and protects the body against diseases.
Fantastic