Guava is a sweet exotic fruit native to Mexico, Central and South America. This fruit is also very common in Asian countries. One guava fruit contains three times the daily vitamin C requirement, potassium, fiber, vitamin A, and lycopene.
The leaves of the guava tree are used in traditional medicine in tropical countries. The leaves are full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterial, and even tannins that can have significant health benefits, from treating stomach troubles to chronic diseases like cancer. The health benefits of guava leaves are given below.
Hair – The vitamin B complex (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine) in guava leaves can prevent hair loss and promote its growth. (1) As a hair and scalp treatment, follow the recipe below.
- 1. Boil a handful of guava leaves in a quart of water for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- 2. Strain the leaves from the water.
- 3. Massage the guava leaf tea into your scalp and apply to hair, starting at the roots and working through to the ends.
- 4. Leave on for 2 hours (or more), then rinse.
Diabetes – The high content of fiber in guava leaves help manage diabetes by slowing down the absorption of sugar in the blood.
Obesity – Guava is very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising their intake of proteins, vitamins and high fiber content. Guava has no cholesterol and a low number of digestible carbohydrates. The leaves drunk in a tea can make you feel full and support weight loss.
Moderates cholesterol – A research published in a 2013 by the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, guava leaf extract was shown to effectively reduce triglycerides (fat) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol) and increase high-density lipoproteins (“good” cholesterol).
Digestive health – 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 three times a day.
Cancer – Guava leaves are also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to inhibit the growth of the male hormone androgen, an over-abundance of which is responsible for some varieties of prostate cancer risk. Some phytochemicals block certain proteins to mediate cell proliferation:
“…guava leaves can interfere with multiple signaling cascades linked with tumorigenesis and provide a source of potential therapeutic compounds for both the prevention and treatment of cancer.”
Male fertility – A Nigerian study found guava leaf extract has proven to be effective in increasing sperm production in rats without toxic side effects and with implications for humans.
Allergies – Guava leaves are an instant cure for getting rid of itchiness as they contain quercetin, the flavonoid antioxidant yellow/orange pigment that is a potent antihistamine reducing allergic response. (This same antihistamine action makes it effective in relieving the sting and itch of insect bites.
Respiratory ailments – Quercetin as found in guava leaves can also relieve asthma and other respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis and chronic cough by opening up the lungs, loosening mucus and soothing coughs.
Dengue fever – Guava leaf extract has been shown an effective remedy for dengue fever. Boiled 9 pieces of guava leaves in 5 cups of water until 3 cups of water is left. After straining and cooling take this 3 times a day.
Mouth health – Guava leaves have an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties that help reduce gum inflammation. You can use to cure toothaches, swollen gums and oral ulcers. Also by chewing a leaf is effective in promoting oral health.
Skin – You can use guava leaves as facial scrub. It eliminates acne and black spots from the skin because guava leaves contain an antiseptic that kill acne causing bacteria in the skin. For this purpose, crush some leaves in a little water until of a paste-like texture and wash your face with the mixture. This should be done daily until the skin is clear.
Antiseptic – Guava leaves have great healing properties that can treat wounds such as minor cuts, and scrapes. Because of its microbial properties it can prevent infection and reduce to accelerate the healing of wounds.
Source: dailyhealthpost
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