- Make It Yourself Lavender Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs!
- 20 Things You Never Knew About “Down There”
- 12 Best Foods For Those Suffering From Arthritis Pain
- 12 Personal Hygiene Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes (Mom Never Told You About #4!)
- 15 Medicinal Plants And Herbs From The Cherokee People
- 12 Mind-Blowing Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy
- 12 Outstanding Winter Foods That Won’t Fatten You Up Like A Christmas Turkey
15 Reasons To Eat More Guavas (We Didn’t Know The Leaves Were So Healing!)
Photo credit: bigstock.com
7. Stops Toothaches
Guava leaves contain analgesic compounds, which can stop common mouth pain, such as toothaches or canker sores. They also contain powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Make a tea by boiling a half dozen or so leaves in some water, then use the tea as a mouthwash after it cools. You can also try mashing the leaves with a bit of water until you have a paste, then apply the paste directly to the affected area.
8. Lowers the Risk of Cancer
The quercetin, lycopene, vitamin C, and high levels of polyphenols in guavas make them one of the most perfect anti-cancer foods on the planet. All of these compounds work in the body as potent antioxidants, neutralizing free radical damage in the body, which can lead to cancer. The journal Nutrition and Cancer published a study in 2010 which found that guava extract reduced the size of cancerous prostate tumors. Other studies have found that regular consumption of guava extract can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Eating guavas or drinking guava juice regularly can help to prevent numerous other types of cancer including oral cancer, skin cancer, stomach and colon cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer.
9. Treats Diarrhea
The Revista De Instituto de Medicine Tropical in Brazil published a study in 2008 which found that guava leaf extract inhibited the growth of a common type of bacteria that was behind diarrhea (staphylococcus aureus). If you are suffering from diarrhea, try drinking guava leaf tea two or three times each day until you get relief from your symptoms.
10. Supports Healthy Vision
For good eyesight, you need to consume vitamin A regularly. Guavas are a great source of vitamin A. This vitamin works to keep clear corneas and protects the cells in your eyes from damage. A deficiency in this important vitamin is associated with a disease called Night Blindness. Guavas also contain high levels of vitamin C, which improves the blood vessels that give the retinas oxygen. Regular consumption of this delicious fruit can also slow or prevent the development of age related macular degeneration and cataracts.
11. Supports a Healthy Immune System
Guavas, although they are small, are one of the richest sources of vitamin C on the planet. One medium guava has double the amount of vitamin C you need each day. Vitamin C is vital for your immune system to function properly. This fruit also has anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
12. Regulates Thyroid Health
One mineral you do not hear much about is copper — at least, not in terms of your health! Copper helps to control hormone production, as well as hormone absorption, which regulates the function of the thyroid gland. Your thyroid controls so many systems in your body, when it doesn’t function right, you can have numerous problems. Guavas are also high in potassium, which helps to support healthy thyroid function.
Continue to Page 4
