Guava: Medicinal Uses And Health Benefits

Guava is used as a traditional remedy for a number of health problems. Studies revealed that its fruits and leaves may have a number of benefits.

Present in guava fruit is significant amounts of fiber, vitamin C, and other substances that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants work by slowing down or stopping the harmful effects of oxidation, a chemical reaction in which oxygen is added to a chemical element or compound. Aside from the fruit, guava leaves also have components with antioxidants and other beneficial effects (1).

Below are some of the known health benefits of guava to our health.

May Help Lower Down Blood Sugar Levels

Being low in glycemic index, guavas may help prevent the development of diabetes.

A study involving 19 people showed that intake of guava leaf tea can lower blood sugar levels up to two hours after a meal (2).

Another study in 20 people with type 2 diabetes found that drinking guava leaf tea reduced blood sugar levels after a meal by more than 10% (2).

May Help Treat Diarrhea

Many people around the world have been using guava leaf tea as a home remedy for diarrhea. Animal studies showed that the leaf extract may have the potential to treat infectious diarrhea.

Extracts from the fruits and leaves have been found to possess antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties (10).

In a 2015 study, results showed that infectious diarrhea cleared in mice was cleared more quickly in mice who consumed guava leaf extract when compared to those who did not. This shows that guava leaf extract shows promise as a treatment for this illness (3).

Guava leaf extract may also help control diarrhea in chickens with Escherichia coli infections, according to another study. (3)

Good For Heart Health

Guava contains antioxidants that and vitamins in guava leaves may help protect your heart from damage by free radicals (4). The polysaccharides (a type of carbohydrate) in guava leaves act as antioxidants and fight oxidative stress which is one of the major causes of heart failure (8, 9).

It contains high amounts of potassium and soluble fiber that may help boost heart health in a number of ways.

Consumption of guava leaf extract has been linked to lower blood pressure, a decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol, and a rise in “good” HDL cholesterol (5).

A 12-week study in 120 people found that eating ripe guava before meals caused an overall decrease in blood pressure by 8–9 points, a reduction in total cholesterol by 9.9%, and an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol by 8% (6).

May Help Deal With Menstrual Cramps

There were studies showing that taking supplements containing guava leaf extract may reduce menstrual cramps.

A study from 2007 noted that women with primary dysmenorrhea may find relieve from menstrual pain by taking guava leaf extract supplements. As compared to those who took ibuprofen or a placebo, less menstrual pain have been experienced by those who are taking 6 milligrams (mg) of the extract each day (7).

Helps Relieve Tooth Pain

Having anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, guava may help relieve toothache. The leaves can be of use in the treatment of periodontal disease (11).

Preparation: (12)

A warm decoction is used for gargle.

Freshly pounded leaves are used for toothache. Wash guava leaves and chop. Boil for 15 minutes at low fire. Do not cover the pot. Cool and strain before use.