8 Basic Health Benefits of Guava Fruit.
Guava is a tropical tree native to Central America. The fruits are ovoid and contain edible seeds with light green or yellow skin.
What’s more, guava leaves are used as an herbal tea and as a supplement to leaf extract. Guava fruit is astonishingly rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
These remarkable nutrients give them many health benefits. Here are 8 proof-based health benefits of guava fruit and leaves.
1. Guava Fruit May Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels
There is some evidence that guava can truly improve blood sugar control. Several test-tubes and animal studies have shown that guava leaf extract improves blood sugar levels, long-term blood sugar control, and insulin resistance.
It is good news for people with diabetes or at risk. Several studies involving humans have also shown impressive results. A 19 people study found that drinking guava leaf tea lowered blood sugar after meals.
The effect truly lasted for more than two hours. Another study of 20 people with type 2 diabetes found that drinking guava leaf tea reduced blood sugar levels by more than 10% after meals.
2. Guava Fruit May Boost Heart Health
Guava can help improve heart health in a variety of ways. Many scientists believe that the rich levels of antioxidants and vitamins in guava leaves can protect your heart from damage by free radicals.
In Guava, high levels of potassium and soluble fiber are considered to be effective contributors to the improvement of heart disease. (Health Benefits of Guava Fruit)
Furthermore, guava leaf extract has been associated with low blood pressure, a decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol, and an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol.
Since high blood pressure and high levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, taking guava leaf extract can have valuable benefits. What’s more, the fruit can also be beneficial for heart health.
A 12-week study of 120 people found that eating ripe guavas before meals reduced overall blood pressure by 8-9 points, increased “good” HDL cholesterol by 8%, and reduced total cholesterol by 9.9%. This same effect has been seen in several other types of research.
A 12-week study in 120 people found that eating ripe guava before meals caused an all-inclusive 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%. This same effect has been seen in several other types of research.
3. Guava Fruit May Help Relieve Painful Symptoms of Menstruation
Many women experience dysmenorrhea – painful symptoms of menstruation, such as abdominal cramps.
However, there is some proof that guava leaf extract can reduce the pain intensity of menstrual cramps.
Research on 197 women who experienced painful symptoms found that taking 6 mg of guava leaf extract per day reduced the severity of pain.
It seemed to be stronger than some painkillers. Guava leaf extract is also believed to help relieve uterine cramps.
4. Guava Fruit May Benefit Your Digestive System
Guava is truly a great source of dietary fiber. Therefore, eating more guava helps in healthy bowel movements and can prevent constipation.
Just one piece of guava can provide 12% of your recommended daily intake of fiber. Additionally, guava leaf extract can be beneficial for digestive health.
Studies suggest that it may reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea. Several types of research have also shown that guava leaf extract is antimicrobial.
This means it can neutralize harmful germs in your stomach that can cause diarrhea.
5. Guava Fruit May Aid Weight Loss
Guava is a mentionable weight-loss-friendly food. With only 37 calories in fruit and 12% of your recommended daily fiber, these are a full, low-calorie snack.
Unlike some other low-calorie snacks, they contain vitamins and minerals – so you’re not missing out on valuable nutrients.
6. Guava Fruit May Have an Anticancer Effect
An anti-cancer effect has been observed in the guava leaf extract. Test-tube and animal studies show that guava extract can inhibit and even stop the growth of cancer cells.
It is one of the leading cancer prevention facts, due to its high levels of powerful antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging cells.
A test-tube study found that guava leaf oil was four times more effective than certain cancer drugs in preventing the growth of cancer cells.
Although the results of test-tube tests are promising, this does not mean that guava leaf extract helps treat cancer in humans. Further study is needed before making any claim.
7. Guava Fruit May Help Boost Your Immunity
Low levels of vitamin C are associated with an increased risk of infection and illness. Guavas are a great way to get these nutrients, as they are one of the richest food sources of vitamin C.
Guava provides twice as much reference daily intake (RDI) for vitamin C as it does to double the amount you get from eating oranges.
Vitamin C plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Although it is not proven to prevent common colds, vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration of a cold.
It is associated with antimicrobial benefits. This means it helps break down bad bacteria and viruses that can cause infections. (Health Benefits of Guava Fruit)
Vitamin C can be easily eliminated from your body, so it is important to get adequate amounts of it regularly through your diet.
8. Eating Guava Fruit May Be Good for Your Skin
The wide range of vitamins and antioxidants packaged in guava can work wonders for your skin.
Its antioxidants can protect your skin from damage, which slows down its aging process and helps prevent wrinkles.
What’s more, guava leaf extract can even help cure acne when applied directly to your skin.
A test-tube study found that guava leaf extract was effective in killing acne-causing bacteria – probably due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Further studies are needed to confirm the role of guava and guava extract in maintaining healthy skin.
Conclusion
Guava is incredibly tasty and nutritious. These tropical fruits are a great addition to a low-calorie, fiber-loaded and healthy diet.
Many studies also support the benefits of guava leaf extract, which is taken as a dietary supplement.
Together, guava fruit and leaf extracts can boost your heart health, digestion, and immunity, among other benefits.
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