Unlock These Health Benefits of Guava Leaves

I’ve tried everything!

If your thighs have been stubbornly refusing to get any skinnier despite your best efforts, this sentence will be familiar to you.

Here’s something you probably haven’t tried yet.

Guava leaves.

I’m not kidding. Is it worth the effort? Let’s have a look.

What can guava leaves do for your health?

Apparently quite a lot. Guava trees have been grown in many tropical areas like India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and South America. 

In these countries the whole plant has been used to treat conditions like abdominal pain, diabetes and diarrhoea.

The dark green, oval leaves have been used to treat certain respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, and to increase platelets in patients suffering from dengue fever, among others.

Back home, if you do get sick, it’s unlikely you’ll grab your nearest guava leaf – most of us will pay a visit to our GP. But for improving your general health this dark green oval-shaped leaf can come in handy.

Check out these Guava health benefits:

• Guava leaves have been found to provide relief for the symptoms for type 2 diabetes. It helps to moderate glucose absorption after a person consumes food.

• A study back in 2007 saw women responding well to taking guava leaf to aid in menstrual pain. In this study guava leaf was more effective than painkillers and placebos.

• A few animal studies confirmed the potential of guava leaves to cure infectious diarrhoea.

• According to a 2016 study using rats, guava leaf could aid in lowering blood pressure.

• Another animal study suggested that guava leaf could help those affected by osteoarthritis.

• Your cholesterol levels may potentially benefit from the consumption of guava leaves.
  A study during which participants drank guava leaf tea for eight weeks left these participants with lower cholesterol levels.

• Containing large quantities of the antioxidant lycopene, guava leaf can play a role in the fight against cancer.

• Some sources claim that guava leaf can help you wave goodbye to annoying colds and coughs.
  It contains high levels of vitamin C which is known to boost immunity, it helps to get rid of mucus and disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.

• Guava leaves are said to have antiseptic properties that kill bacteria that cause acne. You need to grind up guava leaves and mix with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to affected areas.

• If you happen to have a toothache, grind some extra leaves. Delhi-based nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat says that you can apply the paste to your gums and teeth as a home remedy to soothe pain.

• Some scientists believe that your heart health could benefit from the high levels of antioxidants and vitamins that guava leaves contain.

So what’s the verdict on weight loss?

Going online, you will certainly find articles promising that guava leaves are the key to a flat tummy. But it’s not that simple. It never is, is it?

Some studies with rats showed that guava leaves can improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but this is not directly related to weight loss. 

There are claims that the antioxidants contained in guava leaves can boost weight loss by fighting oxidative stress which is linked to weight gain.

While there may be some truth hidden here, the fact is that it only contains a very small amount of these compounds. It won’t really make a difference.

Guava leaves are a healthy addition to your meal plan, but there are no published human studies that show that consuming guava leaves will help you shed the pounds.

How are guava leaves taken?

Guava leaves are most commonly consumed in the form of tea. Simply add a handful of washed guava leaves to a pot of boiling water. Use a spatula to press the leaves down into the water if they float. Boil for 10 minutes.

Some health and wellness stores stock dried leaves or guava leaf tea. On Takealot you can purchase 120 guava leaf powder capsules for R200 (price correct at the time of writing).

Are there any risks to consuming guava leaf?

Guava leaves might not be able to do much to get your body bikini-ready, but it can improve your health virtually risk-free.

There are no documented adverse effects from the consumption of guavas, their leaves or tea made from the leaves. 

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or using chronic medication, it’s always advised that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about making changes in your diet. 

Conclusion

The guava fruit is packed with nutrients and a popular choice among those who enjoy its distinct flavour and texture. If you prefer sticking to what you know, the fruit is a very healthy choice.

But, it’s great to know that nature provides us with an abundance of healthy choices, many of which have loads of potential. Who knows, guava leaves might just turn out to be the cancer-fighting ingredient we were waiting for.