GUAVA LEAVES BENEFITS FOR HEALTH

We grew quite a number of fruit trees back in the days, one of which was a guava tree. On several occasions when we complained of tummy upsets, my dad would advise that we washed some guava leaves and chew on them. Surprisingly, it always worked. A few minutes after swallowing the leaves, the pain stopped and we stopped stooling. I had

never done any research on why it worked, but, any time I had a tummy upset, I happily went to the tree and plucked off some leaves to chew.

Guava is full of fiber, folic acid, vitamin A and C, potassium, copper, and manganese. Studies show that, a single guava fruit contains about four times the amount of vitamin C as an orange. Guava leaves are used for traditional medicine in tropical countries.

Guava Leaves Benefits For Health:

1. Aid in Weight Loss:

Guava leaves aid in weight loss by preventing the complex starches from being converted into sugars. For this purpose, the carbs must be broken down in the liver for use by the body and guava leaves prevent the transition of carbohydrates to usable compounds.

2. Beneficial for Diabetics:

According to research conducted by the Yakult Central Institute in Japan, guava leaf tea can effectively lower blood glucose in diabetics by reducing the alpha-glucosidease enzyme activity. Moreover, it prevents the absorption of sucrose and maltose by the body, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Drinking guava leaf tea for 12 weeks lowers the blood sugar levels without increasing insulin production.

3. Lower Cholesterol:

Research has proved that drinking guava leaf tea for 3 months can lead to reduction in LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides without any adverse effect on good cholesterol. Besides, the guava leaves are a great liver tonic.

4. Treatment of Diarrhea and Dysentery:

Guava leaves are herbal remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. For treating diarrhea, boil 30 grams of guava leaves with a handful of rice flour in 1-2 glasses of water and drink this concoction twice a day. In case of dysentery, cut the roots and leaves of guava plant and boil them for 20 minutes at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. Strain the water and drink in moderation until relieved.

5. Aids in Digestion:

Guava leaf tea aids in digestion by stimulating digestive enzyme production. The powerful antibacterial agents kill bacteria in the lining of the gut and stop proliferation of toxic enzymes by bacteria. Guava leaves are particularly beneficial in case of food poisoning as well as soothing, vomiting and nausea. To relieve stomach ache, boil 8 pieces of guava leaves in 1.5 liters of water and drink thrice a day.

6. Treatment of Bronchitis:

Guava leaf tea is effective in treating bronchitis by opening up the lungs, loosening mucus and soothing coughs.

7. Treatment of Toothaches, Sore Throats and Gum Disease:

Due to their anti-inflammatory qualities, fresh guava leaves can relieve tooth ache, heal gum and mouth sores and treat sore throats when used for gargling. The antibacterial agent in these leaves protect the teeth and gums and therefore, guava leaves are used as an ingredient in toothpastes and mouth fresheners. Guava leaves can even be made into a natural paste at home for brushing the teeth and gums.

8. Beneficial in Dengue Fever:

Guava leaves are considered a natural remedy for dengue fever. This is because guava leaf extract can increase the number of platelets in the blood and is not toxic at all. For this purpose 9 pieces of guava leaves should be boiled in 5 cups of water until 3 cups of water is left. After straining and cooling, a cup of this concoction should be given to the patient thrice a day.

9. Prostate Cancer:

Guava leaves can be beneficial in case of prostate cancer and enlargement.

10. Reduction of Allergies:

Guava leaves prevent the release of histamine. Moreover, the compounds found in guava leaves are effective in blocking all allergic reactions.

11. Sperm Production:

Consumption of guava leaf tea has proven to be effective in increasing sperm production, thus helping with conception.

12. Treatment of Wounds and Infections:

Guava leaves have great healing properties that can treat wounds such as cuts, impact abrasion etc. The antibacterial agents prevent infection and reduce inflammation of the uterus to accelerate the healing of wounds. Guava leaf tea can help in curing ear infections as well.

HOW TO PREPARE GUAVA LEAVE TEA.

= GET GUAVA LEAVES, AND WASH THEM.

= BOIL FOR 20MINS

= ENJOY YOUR TEA.