15 Reasons To Eat More Guavas (We Didn’t Know The Leaves Were So Healing!)

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2. Super Fruit for Pregnant Women

Guavas are loaded with folic acid, otherwise known as vitamin B-9, which is important for pregnant women. Folic acid is vital to the healthy development of your baby’s nervous system and for protecting your newborn from neurological problems. Eat a few guavas daily or drink a glass of juice each day.

3. Supports Oral Health

One of the major culprits behind poor oral health is dental plaque. The leaves of guava trees contain natural anti-plaque forming compounds that can treat existing, and prevent future, dental problems. Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic compounds that can reduce inflammation of the gums and give you clean, fresh breath. If you are lucky enough to have a guava tree, simply chew one or two of the younger, tenderer leaves each day. Alternatively, you can boil a half dozen mature leaves in about two cups of water for about five minutes. Cover and cool. Strain out the leaves and use this water as a mouthwash.

4. Supports Heart Health

The Journal of Human Hypertension published a study in 1993 finding that people who consumed guavas or juice had lower blood pressure levels and lower cholesterol levels than those who did not indulge. This is due to guavas’ high potassium compounds, vitamin C, and soluble fiber. Potassium binds with salt to remove it from the body, lowering blood pressure. Vitamin C is vital for keeping blood vessels flexible and healthy. Guavas that have pink flesh also contain lycopene, which is well-known for reducing heart disease. Even the leaves can fight cholesterol. Make a tea from the leaves to lower the bad (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides for super heart health.

5. Treats Constipation

Just one little guava will give you 12 percent of your daily recommended consumption of fiber. This makes guavas super for your entire digestive system, allowing your body to naturally detox itself. Guavas can help keep things moving along, if you know what we mean, and relieve constipation.

6. Controls Diabetes

Guavas have been used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetes for thousands of years. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine published a study in 1983 finding that guava juice had a hypoglycemic effect, which is very useful for the treatment of diabetes. Guavas also have a low glycemic index and high fiber levels, making it the perfect fruit for diabetics. You can also drink guava leaf tea by boiling the leaves and drinking the tea twice a day for the prevention of diabetes.

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