Guava is a tropical fruit with unique fragrance and flavor, but it is also known for its many health benefits. Not only is the fruit beneficial, but its leaves and bark too.
Guava is the least chemically sprayed and treated fruit, and you can now easily find it in America and Asia. It is loaded with minerals and vitamins, and it’s very low in fats.
It contains 10 times the amount of vitamin A in lemon, and 4 times the amount of vitamin C in orange. Guava also includes calcium, fiber, folate, iron, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B2, E, and K. Guava is used in world-wide cuisines for preparing both, savory and sweet dishes. Another way to enjoy guava is preparing a refreshing juice, or include it in jams, candies, jellies, and sauces.
We present you the top 10 health-improving benefits of this fruit and its leaves.
1. Improves Heart Health
According to studies, if you consume guava regularly, you will help your blood pressure and blood lipids reduce. This is due to the potassium, vitamin C, and fiber content within the fruit. Potassium helps in the regulation of high blood pressure and heartbeat, and vitamin C maintains healthy blood vessels.
If you regularly consume pink-fleshed guava, you can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, the tea prepared from guava leaves helps reduce the LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This maintains a healthy cardiovascular system.
2. Preserves Oral Health
Guava leaves have anti-plaque properties, so they are excellent for prevention and treatment of oral problems, such as dental plaque. According to herbalists, usage of tender guava leaves are great for maintaining oral hygiene. Guava leaves possess analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce your gum inflammation, and refresh your breath.
Moreover, use these leaves to cure ulcers, toothaches, and swollen gums. Guava tree’s twigs can be used as chewing sticks for cleaning teeth, or as toothpicks. To preserve your oral hygiene and health, chew two tender leaves of guava every day.
If you boil six tender leaves of guava in water, you will get a homemade mouthwash. After removing the pot from the heat, let the solution cool, and add some salt. Use this homemade mouthwash twice a day.
3. Regulates Diabetes
The Chinese medicine has long used guava in the treatment of diabetes. According to Japanese studies, guava juice possesses hypoglycemic effect which is useful in treating diabetes mellitus. Thanks to its low glycemic index and rich fiber content, guava is especially beneficial for people with diabetes. The low glycemic index prevents a sudden spike in the levels of sugar, and the fibers control the sugar levels.
4. Treats Diarrhea
Guava leaf extract has been shown to hamper the development of staphylococcus aureus bacteria- a common reason for diarrhea. The tea prepared from guava leaves is a common remedy for diarrhea, as it reduces the stomach pain and causes fewer watery stools. Guava’s antibacterial properties help clean the digestive tract, hampering bacterial and microbial growth. The fiber content improves digestion and enables proper excretion. Chewing some guava leaves daily can prevent diarrhea.
Prepare the following drink to prevent and reduce the chances of diabetes. Consume it every day.
Crush dried guava leaves into a powder. Add one tablespoon of the powder in a cup of hot water. Cover and let it soak for 5 minutes. Strain it, and your drink is ready.
5. Improves the Immune System
The abundance of vitamin C in guava can improve your immune system, preventing infections and inflammations. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of guava, and its ability to prevent prostaglandins and other inflammatory molecules will keep diseases away from you. You can consume it in salads, smoothies, tea, etc.
6. Reduces Risk of Cancer
Lycopene, quercetin, and vitamin C contained in guava make it beneficial for prevention and treatment of cancer. They neutralize the harmful free-radicals which can cause development of cancer. The Nutrition and Cancer Journal has published a study in 2010, according to which guava extract is able to shrink prostate tumor. Men who consume guava extract on a regular basis, can lower their chance of prostate cancer.
Also, intake of guava on a regular basis can help prevent breast, skin, mouth, stomach, Hopkins Medicine, and lung cancer.
7. Stimulates Cognitive Function
Guava is beneficial for your brain’s health. It sharpens our focus and stimulates our cognitive functions. Guava is loaded with potent antioxidants like vitamin C, which nourish the brain and the mental functioning. Moreover, guava contain vitamin B3 and B6 which enhance the blood circulation to the brain. The potassium content helps keep the brain’s electrical conductivity, which improves the recall capacity and the thinking process. Include guava in your diet to boost your brainpower.
8. Enhances Vision
Guava is rich in vitamin A – the essential vitamin for good eye vision. This vitamin keeps the cornea healthy and clear, and protects the eye cells. Lack of this vitamin causes the condition known as night blindness. What’s more, the vitamin C in this fruit encourages healthy capillaries, and keeps our retinal cells function properly. If you consume guava on a regular basis, you will improve your eye vision.
In addition, it can slow down the two most common sight problems that appear with age, macular degeneration and cataracts. Enrich your diet with guava juice or raw guava to have a good eye vision for years.
9. Controls Thyroid Health
Thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the human’s body for controlling hormones and functions of the organ systems. The copper content in guava helps regulate the production and absorption of hormones, which inadvertently controls the functioning of the gland.
This fruit also includes anti-inflammatory properties and potassium which help improve the functioning of the thyroid. Another benefits from guava, is that it reduces fatigue and supports weight loss. Eat guava fruit or drink tea prepared from guava leaves as a prevention for thyroid related problems.
10. Maintains Healthy Skin
The potent antioxidants in guava, particularly red guava, help neutralize the harmful free radicals that can cause damage to our body at the cellular level. The results can be appearance of aging signs like saggy skin, wrinkles, dull complexion and dryness. Guava contains vitamin C which encourages collagen and elastin production. These proteins are essential for firm and elastic skin.
Moreover, guava leaves and unripe guava contain astringent properties which improve the texture of the skin, protect it from ultraviolet rays of sun, and prevent pimples and acne appearance. To preserve a healthy skin, consume guava on a daily basis. Another way is to prepare a concoction from immature guava and guava leaves and to rinse your skin with it.
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