This tea, which is obtained from the leaves of the tropical guava fruit, is now a popular natural remedy for treating intestinal problems such as diarrhea. The leaves are also full of vital nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium.
An article about the drink published on the Mexican news site El Universal says, "In addition, the leaves of the guava plant also offer significant health benefits that often go unnoticed compared to the fruit derived from this tree."
Various studies have looked at its effects on blood sugar levels. A study reviewed in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism found that drinking guava leaf tea lowered blood sugar levels after a meal, with the effect lasting up to 2 hours.
And as Healthline reports, another study mentioned in the same review found that drinking guava leaf tea reduced blood sugar levels in diabetics after a meal by more than 10%.
According to scientists, the high antioxidant and vitamin content of guava leaves may help protect the heart from free radical damage. The high levels of potassium and soluble fiber in guava are also thought to contribute to improved heart health.
One study found that guava leaf extract was associated with lowering blood pressure, reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol and raising "good" HDL cholesterol. Both high blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for heart disease.
The fruit itself is also thought to have many health benefits. A separate 12-week study of 120 people found that eating ripe guava fruit before meals led to an overall reduction in blood pressure and total cholesterol. | BGNES
