The first thing that comes to our mind thinking about tropical fruits is Guava. Of course, we are all aware of the natural benefits associated with the consumption of Guavas. But are you aware of the benefits of Guava leaves? From supporting weight loss to controlling blood sugar, the Guava leaf benefits are attributed to tannins, flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols and therapeutic plant compounds. Let us go through the article to learn more about the Guava leaf benefits and side effects. Read on!
Excellent Health Benefits of Guava Leaves:
We have prepared a list of all the benefits associated with the consumption of Guava leaves regularly. Let us go through them thoroughly before incorporating them into your daily routine.
1. Helps in Boosting Immunity:
The high amounts of Vitamin C in Guava leaves help to protect your body against infections and illness. This is because Vitamin C is a nutrient that improves the overall immune system efficiently (1). Guava leaves also help prevent diseases because they possess anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit inflammatory molecules like prostaglandins.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Activity:
The benefits of Guava leaf tea include an anti-inflammatory activity attributed to the other chemical compounds and numerous polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the Guava leaves are attributed to these compounds (2).
3. Helps in Better Eyesight:
The high amounts of Vitamin A available in Guava leaves and fruits can help improve an individual’s eyesight. It can also prevent cataract development or macular degeneration and prevent vision loss (3). Therefore, you can include Guava leaf tea or fruit into your diet and improve your eyesight significantly.
4. Reduces Cholesterol Levels:
The benefits of drinking guava leaf tea for three months have shown not to cause any adverse effect on good cholesterol by lowering LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides (4). Compared to people with normal or low LDL levels, people with high LDL cholesterol levels are at a higher risk of heart disease. However, more research is warranted to confirm the claim. For optimal results, drink Guava leaf tea regularly. You can add honey to the concoction if you don’t like the taste.
5. Beneficial for Diabetic People:
According to research, guava leaf can be effective for people with diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels (5). In addition, it helps lower blood sugar levels by preventing the body’s absorption of maltose and sucrose. Therefore, you might be able to lower your blood sugar levels without increasing insulin production by drinking Guava leaf tea for 12 weeks.
6. Helps in the Treatment of Cancer:
Guava leaf extracts might help prevent the development and growth of cancer cells with the help of high amounts of antioxidants, as per test-tube and animal studies (6)(7). One of the leading causes of cancer is cell damage due to free radicals, and high levels of powerful antioxidants can help prevent cell damage.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of Guava leaf oil in stopping cancer cell growth is four times more effective than certain cancer drugs, as per a test-tube study (8). However, there is a need for more research to prove the effectiveness of Guava leaves on cancer cells in humans.
7. Promotes Weight Loss:
Guava leaves help prevent the conversion of complex starches into sugars, making them a perfect option for weight loss. In addition, these leaves contain the carbohydrate transition to usable compounds, which must be broken down in the liver for your body to use productively (9). Therefore, include Guava leaf extracts into your daily routine to reap all the benefits.
8. Can Treat Diarrhea and Constipation:
The positive effects of Guava leaves include treating dysentery, diarrhoea and constipation by acting as herbal medicine. Here is a simple recipe you can follow to receive maximum benefits.
Ingredients:
- 30 grams of Guava leaves.
- One cup of water.
- A handful of rice.
Preparation:
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl and boil them until the rice becomes smooth for about 15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a glass and drink it.
9. Natural Remedy in Dengue Fever:
The health benefits of Guava leaves tea include acting as a natural remedy for dengue fever. This is because the leaves are non-toxic and increase the number of platelets in the blood (10).
Ingredients:
- Nine pieces of Guava leaves.
- Five cups of water.
Preparation:
- Place the leaves into the five glasses of water until the three glasses of water are left.
- Strain the liquid and let it cool down.
- Give the dengue patient a cup of this concoction three times a day.
10. Helps to Reduce High Blood Pressure:
If you want to lower high blood pressure, the consumption of Guava leaf extract is an excellent solution. According to a test tube study conducted in 2016, there is a potential reduction in blood pressure with the help of the Guava leaf extract’s antihypertensive effect in rat tissues. This effect where there is an expansion of blood vessels is attributed to the antioxidant properties of Guava leaf extracts (11). However, there is a need for more human studies to prove the same.
11. Improving Blood Circulation to the Brain:
One of the significant health benefits of guava leaves is improved blood circulation to the brain. Guava leaves might help stimulate cognitive function, relax the nerves, and improve the blood circulation to the brain because they contain Vitamin B3 and B6 (12).
12. Provide Relief from Menstrual Pain:
Guava leaves can play an essential role in relieving the intensity of pain associated with menstruation. According to a study conducted on 197 women, there is a reduction in pain intensity with the daily consumption of 6 mg of Guava leaf extract. Compared to some pain killers, this was more powerful (13). In addition, many people are said to have helped relieve uterine cramps by consuming Guava leaf extract (14).
13. Good for Liver and Kidney:
The importance of guava leaves is attributed to flavonoids, which can significantly decrease the liver and kidney indexes. As per studies conducted on diabetic mice, the results showed significant anti-diabetic and liver protective activities.
14. Helps in Cold and Cough:
Guava leaf tea is very effective in relieving coughs and colds because it helps eliminate mucus. After all, these leaves contain high levels of Vitamin C and iron. In addition, the consumption of Guava leaf tea can assist by disinfecting the lungs, throat and respiratory tract (15).
15. Help You to Get Rid of Your Mouth Ulcers:
The antibacterial nature of Guava leaves can be beneficial in maintaining the health of your oral cavity. In addition, the potent antibacterial agents in the leaves can work efficiently as a home remedy for mouth ulcers. You can deal with the issue by applying a paste on the affected area made with Guava leaves.
16. Provide Quick Relief from Toothache:
Guava leaves are effective in relieving toothache, gum and mouth sores and also treat sore throats with the help of its anti-inflammatory qualities. In addition, the mouthwash or mouth rinse that has Guava leaf extract has a profound effect on gingivitis, according to a study (16). Guava leaves can be a prominent ingredient in many mouth fresheners and toothpaste which help protect teeth and gums due to the presence of antibacterial agents.
17. Help in Reducing Dental Plaque and Cavities:
Guava leaves can help maintain good oral health because of their anti-inflammatory nature. So whether it is a toothache, oral ulcers or swollen gums, Guava leaf tea works as a perfect home remedy because of its antibacterial agents. You can grind the leaves into a paste and apply it to your gums to cure all these issues. You can also prepare a Guava leaf mouth wash which helps minimize plaque, swollen gums and inflammation with the help of their antibacterial properties. Here is a simple recipe to prepare a mouth wash.
Ingredients:
- 5 to 8 Guava leaves.
- One glass of boiling water.
- A tbsp of salt.
Preparation:
- Boil the leaves in the water for about 15 minutes, then let the mixture cool down.
- Once the mixture cools down, add a little salt and have your homemade mouthwash.
18. Can Treat Your Acne:
The appearance of your skin can be adversely affected by acne and black spots. Guava leaves can eliminate black and acne marks from the skin effectively (17). In addition, according to a study, the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of Guava leaf extracts are efficient in eliminating acne-causing bacteria (18). Apply the mashed guava leaf paste onto your acne or dark spots, then rinse your face with water. To keep your skin clear, repeat the process daily.
19. Help Improve Your Skin Texture:
The antioxidants in Guava leaves help to destroy the free radicals in your body, which help prevent the skin from damage and premature ageing by protecting your skin (19). You can also improve the skin tone and texture with the consumption of Guava leaves. Another way is to apply the concoction to your face, which makes your skin tight.
20. Helps Fight Hair Loss:
Guava leaves can benefit hair loss because they are packed with many therapeutic plant compounds and polyphenols. In addition, their benefits are attributed to the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Guava leaves. As a result, these leaves can help strengthen and control hair loss, even hereditary. It also makes your hair stronger by preventing further hair fall. Some of the ways you can use Guava leaves for your hair are:
Prepare a paste with dried guava leaves and apply it to your scalp before shampooing. For visible results, wash your scalp after 15 to 20 minutes. Use this remedy every week for good results.
Another method to stop hair loss is to boil a handful of Guava leaves for 20 minutes in a litre of water. Then apply the concoction to your scalp and massage rigorously after cooling.
How To Prepare Guava Leaves Tea?
The best way to consume guava leaves is in the form of tea. Here are the simple steps you can follow that will help you prepare Guava leaves tea:
Ingredients:
- Five to ten fresh guava leaves.
- Two cups of water.
Preparation.
- Wash the guava leaves with cold water and eliminate any dirt from them.
- Boil water and then add guava leaves to it.
- Simmer the contents for about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Pour the liquid into the strainer after removing the heat.
- Eliminate the leaves.
- You can go to speciality health stores to find dried or fresh guava leaves.
Side Effects of Guava Leaves:
Although Guava leaves or extract is safe mainly even when taken in high doses, here are some possible side effects that might occur sometimes. They are:
- Appetite loss.
- Nausea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Worsening of skin conditions like Eczema.
- Indigestion.
- Burning sensation in the stomach.
Guavas are one of the incredible delicious tropical fruits with several benefits. Many studies support the Guava leaf benefits when added to your diet. From boosting heart health, and digestion to the immune system, the consumption of Guava leaves offers several advantages. We hope you found the information we have provided in this article helpful!
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is based on research and not a replacement for professional advice. The website is not responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the information.
FAQs:
Q1. Is it safe to drink Guava leaf tea daily?
Ans: Adding Guava leaf to your herbal regimen can be beneficial. It works well as anti-diarrhoea support and treats menstrual pain. You can also protect yourself against common colds and flu with regular consumption of Guava leaf tea because it boosts your immune system.
Q2. Are Guava leaves poisonous?
Ans: According to experimental studies, the Guava leaves have neither proved toxic. But to be safe, always consult the doctor before adding guava leaf extract to your routine because the extract has shown toxicity in rats at 5g/5g doses.
Q3. Is it okay to consume Guava leaf extracts or tea on an empty stomach?
Ans: Consuming guava leaf tea or extracts on an empty stomach is a perfect solution if you are looking to treat diarrhoea. This extract helps prevent the growth of diarrhoea-causing bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.
