Guavas are tropical fruits that thrive both in dry and humid seasons. Both the fleshy fruit and the leaves of the guava plant are edible. The fruit is eaten as a snack, the leaves are boiled to make herbal tea and the leaf extract is used as an alternative supplement. Guavas are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. This remarkable nutrient content can give various health benefits.
According to a 2010 review of evidence from clinical trials and animal studies, Guava leaf tea may help improve insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels. The extract may help improve blood sugar levels among people with diabetes or those at risk. A study from 2007 also revealed that taking guava leaf extract supplements may relieve menstrual pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea. In many parts of the world, Guava leaf tea is also used as a traditional remedy for diarrhea. Guavas may help boost heart health. The higher level of potassium and soluble fiber in guavas can help to improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, decreasing “bad” LDL cholesterol, and increasing “good” HDL cholesterol levels respectively.
Moreover, guavas are also an excellent source of fiber. Fiber has been shown to aid digestion by solidifying as well as softening the stool. This can help with both diarrhea and constipation symptoms. Guava leaf extract has also been shown in studies to help reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea. People suffering from digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome may benefit from including guava in their diet. Guavas are high in fiber and low in calories, so they may help you feel full and lose weight. Guava may also help boost your immunity. In addition to its high Vitamin C content, guava is also packed with other nutrients, including iron, calcium, vitamin A and potassium. Its antioxidants may protect your skin from damage, slowing the aging process and preventing wrinkles.
There are no notable adverse effects recorded in eating guava fruit, consuming guava leaf tea, or taking leaf extract supplements. However, there is insufficient evidence to rule out the possibility. Any remedies or supplements that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may have negative side effects. So, it is better to consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements to keep you safe!
-PNFP Rowence F. Zorilla
References:
1. 8 Health Benefits of Guava Fruit and Leaves
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-guavas#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
2. Health Benefits of Guava
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-guava#2
3. Effect of a Psidii guajavae folium extract in the treatment of primary dysmennorhea: a randomized clinical trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17112693/
4. Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of guava leaf extract
https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-7075-7-9
