Apart from the distinctive flavour and fragrance, guava is actually a super fruit because of its numerous health-promoting qualities. Along with the fruit, the bark and leaves of guava trees also provide numerous health benefits. Guava has a high content of vitamins C and A.
In fact, one guava fruit contains 4 times more vitamin C than an average-size orange and 10 times more vitamin A than a lemon. With all the nutrition that it provides, guava hardly contains any fats. Moreover, it is one of the least chemically treated and sprayed fruits. Here are the top health benefits of guava and guava leaves:
CONTROLS DIABETES:
The rich fiber content and low glycemic index of guava are extremely beneficial for diabetic people. While fiber helps regulate sugar levels, the low glycemic index inhibits a sudden spike in sugar levels. Eating 1 to 2 guavas without the peel can be helpful in maintaining your blood sugar level. Those who are at risk of developing diabetes can help prevent it by drinking guava leaf tea. To make guava leaf tea, dry the guava leaves in sun and grind them to powder. This powder can be boiled in water and filtered.
IMROVES HEART HEALTH:
Regular guava fruit intake can help decrease blood pressure and blood lipids. This is due to its higher potassium, vitamin C and soluble fibre content. Potassium helps maintain a steady heartbeat and control high blood pressure, while vitamin C keeps the small blood vessels healthy. Drinking guava leaf tea prepared by steeping the dried leaves in hot water helps lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol) levels and triglycerides. This helps keep your heart and vascular system healthy.
IMPROVES VISION:
Vitamin A is essential for good eyesight and guava is a rich source of this vitamin. Vitamin A helps maintain a healthy, clear cornea and protects the cells in your eyes. Night blindness is one of the diseases associated with vitamin A deficiency. In addition, the vitamin C in guava promotes healthy capillaries and helps maintain proper functioning of retinal cells.
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 wrinkled and saggy skin, dryness and a dull complexion. The vitamin C in guava stimulates production of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that help keep your skin firm and elastic.
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 in turn regulates thyroid functioning. To prevent thyroid-related problems, make guava fruit and guava leaf tea an important part of your diet.
TREATS DIARRHEA:
Guava leaf tea may help inhibit diarrhea-causing bacteria. When suffering from diarrhea, drink guava leaf tea a few times a day. This tea will cause fewer stools, lessen abdominal pain, lessen watery stools and promote a quick recovery. Guava fruit is also good for the digestive tract. Its antibacterial property helps clean the digestive tract, discouraging bacterial and microbial growth. To prevent stomach-related problems, chew guava leaves or eat a raw guava daily.
Consume guava and guava leaves tea on a regular basis to remain healthy!