The young leaves of the guava plant are traditionally used as herbal medicine in many countries. These leaves contain numerous antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids such as quercetin as well as anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterial, and even tannins. Drinking a tea made from its leaves may help in treating various health problems including diarrhea, constipation, and colds, and help prevent diabetes and lower down cholesterol levels.
Guava Leaf Tea And Diabetes
Guava leaf extract contains compounds that may help to moderate glucose absorption after a person eats a meal. A tea made from the leaves of guava may help prevent blood sugar spikes and improve symptoms in people with type 2 diabetes.
In one study involving 19 people, it was found that drinking guava leaf tea lowered blood sugar levels after a meal and these effects lasted up to two hours. Moreover, results also demonstrated that drinking guava leaf tea reduced blood sugar levels after a meal by more than 10% in people with type 2 diabetes.
An article published in Nutrition & Metabolism describes two studies that showed the positive effects of guava leaf tea on blood sugar levels. One study found that guava leaf tea contains compounds that can inhibit the absorption of two types of sugars, maltose, and sucrose, thereby helping to control blood sugar levels after meals. Another study showed that participants (with either prediabetes or mild Type 2 diabetes ) who drank guava leaf tea had lower fasting blood sugar levels than before they started drinking the tea.
A 2010 review of evidence from clinical trials and animal studies suggests that guava leaf tea may help improve insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels.
How To Make Guava Leaf Tea
Using Fresh leaves
Take 6 fresh guava leaves and wash them thoroughly with tap water. Now, boil the leaves with about 1 liter of water in a medium flame. After boiling for about 10 minutes, pour the water and strain to remove any piece of leaf. The tea is now ready to drink. We may add a little honey on it as a sweetener.
Using Dry Leaves
Dry some young guava leaves under a shade and crush them into powder. Add one tablespoonful of powdered guava leaves to one cup of hot water and allow it brew for about 5 minutes. Strain and drink it once a day.
