7 health benefits of guava fruit and leaves
Story by Jessica Mbamah
Guava fruit and leaves contain nutrients, including vitamin C and potassium, that may help support your heart, digestion, and other body systems.
Guavas are tropical trees originating in Central America.
Their fruits are oval in shape with light green or yellow skin and contain edible seeds. What’s more, guava leaves are used as an herbal tea and the leaf extract are used as a supplement.
Guava fruits are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
The nutrient content may give them many health benefits.
Here are eight evidence-based health benefits of guava fruits and leaves.
May help lower blood sugar levels
Some evidence suggests that guava can improve blood sugar control.
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Several cell culture and animal studies, including those from 2020 and 2022 found that guava leaf extract improved blood sugar levels, long-term blood sugar control, and insulin resistance
This can benefit people with diabetes or those at risk of the disease. Similar responses have been recorded in studies on people
May boost heart health
Guavas may help boost heart health in a number of ways.
Many scientists believe that the high levels of antioxidants and vitamins in guava leaves may help protect your heart from damage by free radicals.
The higher levels of potassium and soluble fiber in guavas are also thought to contribute to improved heart health.
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Additionally, guava leaf extract has been linked to lower blood pressure, a decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol, and a rise in “good” HDL cholesterol.
Since high blood pressure and high levels of LDL cholesterol are linked to higher risks of heart disease and stroke, taking guava leaf extract could lead to valuable benefits.
What’s more, the fruit may have benefits for heart health as well.
Another 2022 study found that eating ripe guava caused an overall decrease in blood pressure. This supports findings of older studies.
May help relieve painful symptoms of menstruation
Many experience dycemenorrhea painful symptoms of menstruation, such as abdominal cramps.
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However, there is some evidence that guava leaf extract may reduce the pain intensity of menstrual cramps.
Some research suggests that taking guava leaf extract may reduce menstrual pain intensity, as well as uterine bleeding and other symptoms.
May benefit your digestive system
Guavas are an excellent source of dietary fibre.
Eating more guavas may aid healthy bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Just one guava can provide 12% of your recommended daily intake of fiber.
Additionally, guava leaf extract may benefit digestive health. Research suggests that it may reduce the intensity and duration of diarrhea.
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Several studies have also shown that guava leaf extract is antimicrobial. This means that it can neutralize harmful microbes in your gut that can cause diarrhea.
May aid weight loss
Guavas are a weight loss friendly food
With one fruit containing 12% of your recommended daily fiber intake, they are a filling, low calorie snack.
Unlike some other low-calorie snacks, they are packed with vitamins and minerals so you aren’t losing out on important nutrients.
May have an anti-cancer effect
Guava leaf extract has been shown to have an anticancer effect. Lab and animal studies show that guava extract can prevent and even stop the growth of cancer cells
This is likely due to the high levels of powerful antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging cells, one of the causes of cancer.
Although the results of lab experiments are promising, it doesn’t mean that guava leaf extract helps treat cancer in people. Further studies are needed before any claims can be made.
Eating guavas may be good for your skin
The wide range of vitamins and antioxidants packed into a guava may work wonders for your skin.
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Its antioxidants may protect
your skin from damage, which can slow down its aging process, helping prevent wrinkles.
What’s more, guava leaf extract may help treat acne when applied directly to your skin.
More studies are needed to confirm the role of guavas and guava extract in maintaining healthy skin.
Guavas are incredibly delicious and packed with nutrients.
This tropical fruit is low in calories, loaded with fiber, and an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Many studies also support the benefits of guava leaf extracts, which are taken as dietary supplements.
Together, guava fruit and leaf extracts may boost your heart health, digestion, and immune system, in addition to other benefits.
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