The guava plant belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is cultivated in a number of sub-tropical and tropical countries for its fruit. You can eat it raw or even use it in cooking. Guava is full of fiber, folic acid, vitamin A and C, potassium, copper, and manganese. Studies show that, a single guava fruit contains about four times the amount of vitamin C as an orange. Guava leaves are used for traditional medicine its leaves contain a number of beneficial substances, including antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids such as quercetin.
7 Health Benefits Of Guava and Its Leaves
Beat Wrinkles
Guava leaves contains strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that can damage your body at the cellular level. This can lead to signs of aging like wrinkled and saggy skin, dryness and a dull complexion. The vitamin C in guava stimulates production of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that help keep your skin firm and elastic.
Fight Cancer
Due to high quantities of the antioxidant lycopene, guava leaves can help fight cancer, especially breast, prostate, and oral cancers. Research reveals that guava extract helps inhibit the production of androgen, the male hormone that is responsible for promoting the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Diabetes
Compounds in guava leaf tea inhibit the absorption of two types of sugars, maltose and sucrose, helping to control blood sugar levels after meals.
Prevent Wound & Infection
Minor cuts such as abrasion or scrapes can be treated with crushed guava leaves in order to prevent wound infections. Guava leaf tea can help outer ear infection heal faster. Just drop guava tea cooled to room temperature on the affected area.
Improves Immunity
Guavas are actually one of the richest sources of vitamin C available to us, containing 4 times what you would find in an orange. Vitamin C is well known for its role in bolstering your immune system and assisting your body to fight off colds and infection.
Skin Allergy
By halting the creation of histamine, guava leaves can reduce side effects of allergies. They can also be a welcomed remedy for minimizing the swelling of insect bites.
Prevent Hair Loss
Guava leaves can be boiled and massaged onto the scalp to put a stop to hair loss. Make sure the water is cool to the touch before applying it to the scalp.
Sources:
2) http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-guava-leaf-tea-3347.html
3) http://omtimes.com/2013/02/guava-leaves-serious-medicine-for-modern-health-challenges/
4) http://www.lifehack.org/295655/15-health-benefits-guava-leaves-that-you-shouldnt-miss
