Despite being a tropical fruit with distinctive flavor and fragrance, the guava is also known for the various health-improving properties. What isn't common knowledge is that the bark and leaves are also useful to improving our health.
Source: Health Adore
The guava fruit is one of the least chemically treated and sprayed fruits, and is now easily available around the world. It's packed with vitamins and minerals - 4 times the Vitamin C of an oranges and 10 times more Vitamin A than a lemon. And that is not all; it also contains Vitamins B2, E and K, Calcium, Folate, Fiber, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Manganese and Phosphorus.
All around the world, it is used in cooking both sweet and savory dishes. Guava juice is also a refreshing beverage, and is also used in sauces, candies, jams and jellies.
Here are the top 10 health benefits of guava and guava leaves.
Maintains Oral Health
With dental plaque being the principal factor in many oral health problems, guava comes as the solution. Guava leaves are extremely efficient in preventing and treating oral problems because of the anti-plaque properties. Herbalists recommend the use of tender leaves of guava to maintain oral hygiene. The leaves have antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which aid in the reduction of gum inflammation and refreshment of your breath. Additionally, you can use guava leaves to cure swollen gums, toothaches and oral ulcers. You can also use the twigs of guava trees as a toothpick or as a chewing stick for cleaning your teeth. To maintain oral hygiene chew 2 tender guava leaves on a daily basis.
You can also make a homemade mouthwash by boiling 6 tender guava leaves in water. Remove the pot and allow the solution to cool to a warm temperature and then add some salt. Swish the mouthwash thoroughly around your mouth and teeth twice daily.
Improves Heart Health
Studies show that regular consumption of guava can decrease blood pressure and blood lipids. The reason behind this is that guava is rich with potassium, soluble fiber content and vitamin C. Potassium can help regulate and steady the heartbeat and high blood pressure while vitamin C keeps the blood vessels healthy. Eating pink-fleshed guava on regular basis can decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Guava leaves tea helps lower ‘’bad’’ cholesterol and triglycerides. This will keep your cardiovascular system healthy.
Treats Diarrhea
According to a study, guava leaf extract impedes the growth of staphylococcus aureus bacteria which is a common cause of diarrhea. Guava leaves tea is actually a common cure for diarrhea. The tea will cause fewer watery stools, decrease abdominal pain allowing for a quicker recovery. The antibacterial effects of guava fruits aid in the cleaning of the digestive tract, impeding microbial and bacterial growth. While the fiber improves proper excretion and digestion. As prevention you should chew some guava leaves on daily basis
Controls Diabetes
For a long time guava has been used for the treatment of diabetes in Chinese medicine. Studies conducted in Japan are showing that the hypoglycemic effect of guava juice is beneficial in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Being rich in fibers and low glycemic index, guava is extremely useful people with diabetes. The fibers are regulating the sugar level while the low glycemic index protects from a sudden spike in sugar levels.
Even more if you are at risk of developing diabetes you can try drinking this tea as prevention on a daily basis. Follow these simple steps to make it.
- 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 the cup letting it steep for 5 minutes
- Now strain it and enjoy drinking it.
Improves Your Immunity
Being rich with vitamin C, guava can greatly boost your immunity protecting you from inflammations and infections. In addition, guava’s anti-inflammatory action and its ability to inhibit inflammatory molecules like prostaglandins help keep you disease free. Consumption can be of your choice, whether it is smoothies, salads or tea it is totally up to you.
Lowers Risk of Cancer
Quercetin, lycopene and vitamin C are the reason why guava is useful in cancer treatment and cancer prevention. These components neutralize free-radical that are damaging the body, which can cause cancer. A study printed 2010 in the Nutrition and Cancer Journal; researchers claimed that guava extract can reduce the size of prostate tumors. Regular intake of guava extract can reduce the appearance of prostate cancer in men. Regular intake of guava can also help prevent several types of cancer like skin, breast, stomach, mouth, lung and colon cancer.
Improves Vision
With vitamin A being the essential vitamin for good eyesight, guava becomes the help we needed because of the high levels of vitamin A it contains. Vitamin A maintains a healthy, clear cornea and protects the cells in your eyes. Vitamin A deficiency causes the common problem known as night blindness. Additionally, the vitamin C in guava promotes healthy capillaries and maintains proper functioning of the retinal cells. Regular intake of this fruit will help improve your eyesight. It can also help slow down the development of cataracts and macular degeneration, two common vision problems that occur with age. Include raw guava or guava juice in your diet to enjoy good eyesight for years.
Stimulates Cognitive Function
You can keep your brain, one of the major organs of your body, healthy with guava. Guava stimulates cognitive functions and sharpens our focus. Being rich in vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants, this fruit helps nourish the brain and mental functioning. Additionally, the vitamins B3 and B6 in guava improve blood circulation to the brain. The potassium in guava also helps maintain the electrical conductivity of the brain, which is important for improving thinking as well as recall capacity. To give your brainpower a boost, do not forget to include this tropical fruit in your diet.
Keeps Skin Healthy
Guava, especially red guava, contains strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that can damage your body at the cellular level. This can lead to signs of aging like wrinkles and saggy skin, dryness and a dull complexion. The vitamin C in guava stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that help keep your skin firm and elastic. Furthermore, the astringent properties in unripe guava and the guava leaves improve skin texture, protect it from sun’s ultraviolet rays and prevent the appearance of acne and pimples. Consume guava daily to improve healthy skin. You can also rinse your skin with a concoction made of immature fruit and leaves.
Regulates Thyroid Health
Guava is a good source of copper, which is important for thyroid health, one of the most important glands in the body for regulating hormones and organ system function. Copper helps control hormone production and absorption, which inadvertently regulates the functioning of the thyroid. Guava also contains potassium and powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve thyroid functioning. Furthermore, guava supports weight loss and decreases fatigue. As a prevention for thyroid related problems, you can start consuming guava fruit or drinking guava leaves tea.
