Almost all of us like guava, a sweet, slightly tangy fruit packed with vitamin C and a great ingredient for juice, jam or spreads. But now guava leaf tea is in the spotlight, gaining popularity for its remarkable health benefits.

From improving digestion to controlling blood sugar, this refreshing, earthy tea is rich in goodness as well as flavour. Here is why a hot cup of guava leaf tea could be a beneficial drink for you.

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, guava leaf extract reduces insulin resistance, increases expression of the adiponectin receptor gene and prevents fat building up in the liver. It plays a direct role in lowering the risk of fatty liver.

Guava leaves are rich in antioxidants such as quercetin and vitamin C, which remove the free radicals that damage reproductive cells. Put simply, it helps improve the quality of sperm and eggs. According to the African Journal of Biomedical Research, guava leaf tea has a positive effect on reproductive hormones in animals. A study published in the Highland Medical Research Journal found that guava leaf extract raised levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone in male rats.

Had a heavy meal? Suffering from indigestion, acid reflux or bloating? Guava leaf tea may help with all kinds of digestive problems. Guava leaves contain compounds such as tannins and flavonoids that reduce stomach inflammation and soothe the stomach lining. In many cultures guava leaf tea is also used to treat gastritis and diarrhoea. Drink a cup 30 minutes after a meal and enjoy its magical effect.

According to research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food (2010), guava leaf extract can lower blood sugar and inflammation. The quercetin and other natural antioxidants it contains increase insulin sensitivity and help reduce the absorption of sugar in the gut, especially after meals, which matters for people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Guava leaf tea helps lower "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raise "good" cholesterol, keeping the heart healthy. Its antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to heart disease.

Guava leaf tea is very good for the skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties clear acne, brighten the skin and help fade blemishes. Used cold as a toner, guava leaf tea detoxifies the skin and restores its natural glow.

Guava leaf tea does not burn fat directly, but it boosts metabolism and controls appetite. Drinking it twice a day keeps blood sugar stable and reduces insulin resistance, which helps reduce weight and belly fat. It is a calorie-free, refreshing and hydrating drink.

• Boil water.
• Add guava leaves, and cloves or cinnamon to taste.
• Let it simmer gently for 10–12 minutes.
• Strain and drink it hot.

You can drink it once or twice a day, in the morning or at night before bed. Add this easily available but beneficial drink to your daily routine and you will surely feel the benefit.

The report drew on the Times of India.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.