Are Guava Leaves Beneficial?

Did you know that guava leaves are edible and packed with loads of nutrients? This tropical plant grows in a warm climate; it is commonly found in Mexico, Africa, and Asia. These leaves have medicinal functions; you could make tea with them, or add them to your salads. They contain highly beneficial compounds, some of which are flavonoids, eugenol, saponins, and tannins. Let`s discuss the benefits of guava leaves.

13 Benefits of Guava Leaves

Enhances Weight Loss

Guava leaves contain quercetin and catechin; the former inhibits the growth of fat cells, while the latter burns excess body fat. Regular consumption of guava leaf tea helps you burn fat faster to achieve your weight loss goals.

Controls Allergic Reactions

The eugenol and polyphenolic compounds in guava leaves strengthen the immune system and combat allergies.

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the main culprit which contributes to plaque and atherosclerosis in the blood vessels. It may result in cardiovascular problems such as hypertension. Guava leaf tea can help prevent the adverse effects of LDL, and improve your heart health.

Maintains Oral Health

Plaque builds up in the gums, and this may cause oral problems if you don`t get rid of them. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of guava leaves kill bacteria that grow in the dental plaque. This reduces gum inflammation and unpleasant mouth odor.

Treats Acne

Guava leaves get rid of acne as a result of the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties they possess. People who drink guava leaf tea regularly can boast of acne-free skins.

Contains Antioxidants

Guava leaves contain antioxidants which destroy free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Its antioxidant property protects your organs and prevents organ failure. It also strengthens your immune system and eliminates infectious bacteria and cancerous cells.

Treats Bronchitis

Guava leaf tea combats bronchitis, as it prevents constant cough, and clears the lungs. The antioxidant content in guava leaves eliminates inflammation that causes respiratory disorders.

Maintains Cholesterol Levels

Guava leaves are bursting with phytochemical compounds such as gallic acid and catechin which control cholesterol production and maintain healthy levels of it.

Prevents Diarrhea

Diarrhea occurs as a result of the failure of the colon to absorb water due to a bacterial infection. Guava leaf tea contains tannins, an active antibacterial compound which inhibits diarrhea. Regular consumption of this tea prevents and treats diarrhea.

Treats Infections

Infectious bacteria cause fever, diarrhea, dizziness, and some other conditions. You can prevent infections with guava leaves as a result of its antibacterial properties. Guava leaf tea will leave you refreshed and boost your energy levels.

Controls Glucose Levels

The hypoglycemic effect of guava leaves makes it perfect for managing glucose levels in the bloodstream. Consuming it regularly wards off type-2 diabetes.

Eliminates Toxins

Guava leaves promote hepatoprotective activity, hence protects the liver by eliminating toxins and chemicals that may have adverse effects on it.

Promotes Hair Growth

Guava leaves hinder hair loss and give your hair a soft, lustrous appearance. It also makes it grow faster. We will discuss in detail how guava leaves can improve your hair.

Guava Leaves for Hair

Guava leaves enhance hair growth and give your hair an awesome appearance. Ever heard of a guava leaf hair solution? Let`s talk about it.

What Do You Need?

• A handful of guava leaves
• A liter of water
• A pot
• A stove
• Strainer

How to Make it

• Pour the water into the pot and get it to boil on the stove.
• Add the guava leaves to the boiling water.
• Let it boil for 20 more minutes with the guava leaves in it.
• Strain the liquid and let it cool.

How to Apply the Solution

• Wash your hair with shampoo.
• Once your hair is almost dry, and the solution is at room temperature, start applying it to your hair.
• Massage the solution into your scalp for at least 10 minutes, and saturate all of your hair with it.
• Pay extra attention to the roots and tips of your hair as you apply the solution.
• You may wrap your hair in a towel and sleep with the solution in it.
• Rinse the solution off your hair with lukewarm water.
• Apply this solution twice a week if you use it for hair growth, however, apply it thrice a week if you use it for hair fall problem.

Hair Benefits of the Guava Leaf Hair Solution

• The vitamin C content of guava leaves boost collagen activity, hence helps hair grow faster and healthier.
• Guava leaves contain antioxidants which fight free radicals and prevent damage.
• Lycopene in guava leaves provides protection from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
• Massaging the leaf care solution into your scalp improves blood pressure and enables the follicles to receive more nutrition.
• The solution eliminates the buildup of dirt and grime from the hair and unclogs follicles, hence prevents dandruff and oiliness.
• The solution makes the hair soft and shiny.

Tips for Drinking Guava Leaf Tea

• Use guava leaves in moderation when making tea; 5-6 leaves would suffice.
• Ensure you don`t consume guava leaves tea more than twice a day.
• Always drink the tea fresh; don`t store it for reuse.
• Drinking the tea before having any meal yields better results.
• You are advised to consult your healthcare professional before drinking this tea, to be sure it`s safe for you.

Quick Guava Facts

• Guava grows in the form of an evergreen shrub or small tree. Cultivated varieties can be as tall as 20 feet in height.

• Guava has glossy, dark green leaves that are elliptical or oval in shape; these leaves are arranged oppositely on the branches.

• Guava produces white flowers which have many stamens and tiny pistils that appear individually or are arranged in clusters.

• The guava fruit is oval, round or pear-shaped. When ripe, the fruit is covered with yellowish, greenish or maroon skin. Its flesh can be white, pink, yellow, or red colored.

• The guava tree starts producing fruit 2 to 8 years after planting.

• The guava fruit contains 100 to 500 miniature seeds which are located in the middle of the fruit. The seeds are edible. Some varieties of guava are seedless.

• Guava can be sliced and consumed raw, or used for smoothies, ice creams, syrups, jellies, marmalades, and jams. Guava is also used in making various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

• Guava leaves are used as a source of black pigment used in the textile industry.

Side Effects of Guava Leaves

Possible Complications with Pregnancy

There isn`t adequate research on how safe guava leaves are for a fetus. Pregnant women are advised to speak with their doctors before using them.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers should avoid guava leaves because they contain medicinal contents that are not safe for babies. Remember that during breastfeeding, mothers pass on nutrients to their babies.

Risk of Anemia

Guava leaves thin the blood when you consume them excessively. This can result in anemia along with severe headaches and kidney complications.

Drug Interference

Guava leaves may interfere with drugs that work for blood pressure and some other functions. You are advised to consult your doctor before consuming guava leaves together with medications.

Now That You Know…

It is not enough to know the benefits of guava; knowing what its leaves can do for you is equally important. Now you just may stop ignoring those guava leaves, knowing how beneficial they are.