Have you ever tried the tropical fruit guava? Well, today we are not going to talk about the fruit, but the leaves which are extremely healthy if prepared in the right way.
Guava leaves have been used in traditional medicine for treating numerous health conditions, such as inflammation, fever, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Here, you’ll find the top health benefits of guava leaves, as well as the best way to prepare them in order to reap their amazing benefits – in the form of tea.
4 Health Benefits of Guava Leaves
1. Anti-Diabetes Properties
The journal Nutrition and Metabolism published a study that shows guava leaf tea can lower post-meal blood sugar levels. Apparently, it can hinder the action of the enzyme alpha-glucosidase which breaks down starch and other carbs into glucose.
What’s more, the study shows that guava leaf tea has almost the same effect as the commonly used alpha-glucosidase inhibitor – voglibose. This one’s widely used in the treatment of diabetes.
As researchers explain, consuming guava leaf tea with each meal improves hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and other diabetes symptoms.
Besides controlling blood sugar levels, the tea can also reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Guava leaves can help reduce serum triglyceride and serum phospholipids as well.
According to the study, taking the tea along with diabetes medication is safe and comes with no side effects.
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Guava leaves contain compounds that can help reduce rapid heart rate and blood pressure levels, according to a 2016 study.
Also, Nutrition and Metabolism published a 2010 study that shows guava leaf tea can help reduce unhealthy triglycerides and blood cholesterol levels in people. Still, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
3. Improves Intestinal Health
The leaves of this tropical fruit contain carotenoids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. The Revista Do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo published lab research in 2008 which shows some of its compounds can have natural antibacterial effects.
Namely, a guava leaf tea can help destroy diarrhea-causing pathogens. Another Chinese study showed that guava leaf tea can help people recover more quickly from infectious diarrhea than their counterparts.
4. Weight Loss
Consuming this tea supports the weight loss process by preventing complex starches from converting into glucose. In this way, it prevents glucose to store in the fat cells and leads to weight gain.
How to Make Guava Leaf Tea
First, get rid of any dirt from the leaves by washing them under running water. We’ll need just a few leaves and a cup of boiling water. Put the leaves in the hot water and let them heat for a few minutes. Then, strain and let the tea cool before drinking it.
Note – It’s best to consult a doctor before considering using this natural remedy.
