Guava is known as a fruit that contains a lot of vitamin C. Not only that, guava leaves also have many health benefits. Let’s find out what the effects of guava leaves are through the article below.
1 What is guava leaf? Nutritional composition of guava leaves
Guava, scientifically known as Psidium guajava L., is a tree grown in tropical regions such as India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and South America. Guava leaves are dark green, oval in shape and have a blunt tip.
Guava leaves have been studied to contain many phytochemicals such as quercetin, avicularin, apigenin, guaijaverin, kaempferol, … along with many flavonoids, tannins and abundant antioxidants. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties and bring many health benefits
Guava leaves are dark green, oval and blunt-pointed.
2 Health Benefits of Guava Leaves
Reduces Blood Sugar
Several in vitro and animal studies have shown that guava leaf extract can improve plasma insulin resistance, supporting blood sugar control in mice with type 2 diabetes.
A study of 20 patients with type 2 diabetes found that drinking guava leaf tea can reduce postprandial glucose spikes through alpha-glucosidase inhibition.
Another study in 2010 found that drinking guava leaf tea continuously with each meal helped reduce postprandial glucose spikes and improve hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Therefore, continuous consumption of guava leaf tea is expected to benefit prediabetic and diabetic patients as a nutritional therapy.
Drinking guava leaf tea may benefit prediabetic and diabetic patients
Improves Heart Health
A 2016 study found that the vitamin and polysaccharide content isolated from guava leaves have antioxidant activity, which helps to eliminate free radicals, fight oxidative stress and cell damage, and protect the heart.
The high levels of soluble fiber and potassium in guava may also contribute to improved heart health.
A 2005 study found that guava leaf extract was associated with lower blood pressure, lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, and higher “good” HDL cholesterol in the body. This may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Guava leaves have antioxidant activity, fight oxidative stress and protect the cardiovascular system.
Reduces Menstrual Cramps
A 2006 study found that taking 6 mg of guava leaf extract daily reduced pain intensity and may help control menstrual cramps.
In addition, guava leaf extract has also been studied to reduce uterine contractions, helping to control and treat menstrual cramps in women.
Improve Digestive Health
One guava can provide 12% of the recommended daily intake of fiber. Therefore, consuming more guava can support healthy bowel movements and prevent constipation.
A 2002 study suggested that using guava leaf extract can reduce the duration and intensity of abdominal pain in patients with acute diarrhea.
Several other studies have also shown that guava leaf extract has antibacterial effects, neutralizing harmful bacteria in the intestines that can cause diarrhea and dysentery. At the same time, guava leaf extract has been shown to have anti-infective effects in gastroenteritis.
Weight Loss
Each guava contains only about 37 calories and 12% of the recommended daily fiber intake. This makes guava a filling, low-calorie snack that is effective for weight loss.
Cancer Prevention
A 2007 study found that guava leaf aqueous extract contains high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, which provide anti-cancer activity. This suggests that it may be effective in treating metastatic cancers originating in the brain, such as DU-145.
Another 2012 study found that the high antioxidant content of guava leaf extract helps prevent cell-damaging free radicals, one of the main causes of cancer. Therefore, guava leaves may provide a potential source of therapeutic compounds for both cancer prevention and treatment
Boosts Immunity
Guava is an excellent source of nutrients and vitamin C. Vitamin C helps kill harmful bacteria and viruses that can lead to infections, thus playing an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system.
In addition, regular vitamin C supplementation has been shown to reduce the duration of colds.
Anti-aging
The vitamin and antioxidant content in guava helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This can slow down the aging process and help prevent wrinkles.
Another 2005 study found that guava leaf extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This may be beneficial in treating acne when applied directly to the skin.
Antioxidants
Guava leaf extract contains flavonoids such as quercetin, hesperetin, kaempferol and other compounds that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. At the same time, the antioxidant activity in guava leaves can help reduce oxidative stress and improve overall health.
Aids in treating diarrhea
Guava leaves have astringent properties, so when used, they can help reduce the frequency and severity of loose stools. In addition, the compounds in guava leaves have the ability to contract intestinal muscles, while reducing inflammation in the intestines, thus aiding in the treatment of diarrhea.
Antibacterial, antifungal
Guava leaves have antibacterial properties that help inhibit the growth and activity of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Therefore, guava leaves are used in many cases such as fighting infections, improving oral and skin health.
In addition, flavonoids and polyphenols in guava leaves have strong antifungal properties, helping to fight the growth of fungi on the skin, nails and digestive system
Improves Oral Health
Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, guava leaves are often used to improve oral health. Guava leaves also help freshen breath and prevent bad breath.
Chewing or using guava leaf extract can help reduce inflammation and gum infections. In addition, guava leaves can also reduce the risk of gum disease
Guava leaves help improve oral health thanks to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
3 Ways to Use Guava Leaves Safely and Effectively at Home
You can use guava leaves safely, effectively and achieve maximum results when applying the following methods:
Make tea to drink
Prepare a few washed guava leaves, boil them with water and use them as tea. Guava leaf tea can bring many benefits to the body such as controlling diabetes, improving cardiovascular health,…
Guava leaf tea can bring many benefits to the body
Guava leaf mask
You can use guava leaf mask to treat acne by following these steps:
- Prepare a few clean guava leaves, crush them with water to form a smooth mixture.
- Apply the mixture to the acne area.
- Leave the mixture on your face for 10 minutes.
- Rinse and dry your face.
Guava Oil
Crush a few clean guava leaves, then squeeze out the juice and discard the pulp. Guava oil can be used to help relieve local pain thanks to the pain-relieving properties of guava leaves.
4 Notes when using guava leaves
Guava leaves are usually safe to use and do not cause any side effects. However, you should still be careful when using guava leaves in the following cases:
- Eczema: Guava leaves contain compounds that can irritate the skin, especially for people with eczema. Therefore, people with eczema should be careful when using guava leaf extract.
- Diabetes: The active ingredients in guava leaves can lead to hypoglycemic effects. Therefore, people with diabetes who are being treated should monitor their blood sugar carefully when using guava leaves.
- Complications during and after surgery: Guava has the ability to reduce blood sugar, but can increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with blood sugar control before and after surgery. Therefore, you should stop using guava at least two weeks before surgery.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with the necessary information about guava leaves and their health benefits. However, people with eczema, diabetes, etc. should be cautious when using guava leaves to avoid side effects. Please share this article if you find it useful!
