Think of delicious tropical fruits and the first one that comes to our mind is a Guava! This aromatic fruit is commonly available in countries like India, where it is relished as whole fruit, juice, and smoothies. However, not many of us know that Guava leaves are edible and come with a surprising amount of medicinal value to our bodies. From controlling blood sugar to treating diarrhoea and even supporting weight loss, the guava leaves benefits for health are unbelievable! Read along to know each of them in detail.
# May Lower Blood Sugar Levels:
Guava leaves are used as a traditional medicine for treating diabetes in many Asian countries. A study also proves the efficacy of these leaves in managing this condition. It is known that Guava leaf extract contains many antioxidants and phenolic compounds which exhibit anti-diabetic activity in rats. These agents work by reducing the free radical activity that interferes with insulin production in the body. However, the effect of guava leaves in humans is still under study!
# Can Treat Diarrhea:Guava leaves can be beneficial in treating many gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea, dysentery and indigestion. A study shows that Guava leaf tea at 5% and 10% concentrations were effective in fighting many types of diarrheal pathogens including bacteria and virus. Additionally, a compound called Quercetin was known to bring down diarrhoea quickly to prevent fluid loss in the body.
# May Increase Platelet Count:A 2010 study suggests that Guava leaf extract could effectively increase the platelet count in Dengue patients. Therefore, Guava leaves are used as a safe, natural remedy for preventing the severity of Dengue Haemorrhagic cases and reducing mortality rates. For best results, a guava leaf tea can be given to Dengue patients thrice a day until improvement is noticed.
# May Lower Cholesterol Levels:Guava leaves can also prevent many heart-related problems like strokes, blocks in arteries etc. with its anti-oxidant and flavonoid rich profile. A study confirms that Guava leaf extract effectively reduced the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increased HDL Cholesterol levels. Quercetin, a type of flavonoid isolated from this extract worked as a hypolipidemic or cholesterol-reducing agent.
# Can Boost Immunity:Guava Leaf tea can protect the body against several diseases with its antimicrobial properties. The high concentration of antioxidants present in this tea can play a protective role in preventing infections from bacterial and viral invasions.
# Can Improve Oral Health:Guava leaves contain many antibacterial agents that can fight pathogens in your mouth. A study attributes this benefit to certain compounds like flavonoids, Quercetin, guaijaverin present in these leaves. These agents can play a key role in treating periodontal problems like plaque, gingivitis, gum inflammation and bad breath. You can use Guava leaf tea as a mouthwash, along with regular oral hygiene practices to prevent gum and tooth-related issues.
# Have Anti-Cancer Properties:Studies show that Guava leaf extract of the red guava variety works as a potent medicine to treat Breast Cancer. Guava leaves contain many compounds that have an estrogen-like activity to treat cancerous cells in the breast and reduce the rate of mortality.
# Guava Leaves Benefits for Diabetic Patients:Elevated blood sugar levels or Diabetes Mellitus is mainly caused due to the interference of free radicals in the insulin production process. Guava Leaf extracts contain powerful antioxidants that suppress the harmful effect of free radicals to prevent diabetic complications like glucose intolerance, defective insulin production etc. It was also concluded that Guava leaf extract could protect the pancreatic, liver and renal tissues from getting damaged due to oxidative stress and thereby, lower the risk of Diabetes.
# Guava Leaves Benefits for Hair Growth:Guava leaf tea works like an elixir to hair and scalp. It contains antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that can strengthen your hair follicles and prevent them from falling off. The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of guava leaves can treat scalp conditions like dandruff to impart healthy hair growth.
# Can Protect Skin From Photoaging:A 2016 study confirms that Guava leaf extract has shown an anti-melanogenic effect on the skin. It was known that the extract was beneficial in reducing the melanin content induced by UV-B radiation. Guava leaf extract was also effective in bringing down the harmful effects of photoaging, such as premature wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dark spots etc.