Drinking guava tea is a common practice in tropical parts of the world, but it can deliver a wealth of nutrients to anyone who seeks out this tasty beverage.
What is Guava Tea?
Guava tea is a medicinal beverage that is produced by soaking or steeping the leaves of the guava plant in water. Guava is scientifically known as Psidium guajava Linnaeus, and its fruit has a wealth of nutrients, making it one of the most sought-after tropical fruits. However, many people don’t realize that the leaves of this plant are also packed with nutrients and antioxidants, including quercetin and other flavonoids. While this tea is popular in countries like Mexico and other parts of South America, it is a relatively new phenomenon in North America and Europe.
How to Make Guava Tea?
It is easy to make guava tea, provided you have access to the proper leaves; it is far more common to find these leaves in their natural forms in South America. However, you can often find pre-bagged guava tea in import stores and natural health grocers.
- Step 1: Bring a pot of water to boil on the stove.
- Step 2: Add a handful of freshly picked guava leaves, if available.
- Step 3: For fresh leaves, steep for 15 minutes; tea bags only require 4-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Strain the leaves from the mixture and serve hot.
- Step 5: You may add honey, cinnamon or lemon for flavor, as desired.
Guava Tea Benefits
There are a number of benefits to drinking guava tea, including the following:
- Aiding weight loss
- Improving heart health
- Treating diabetes
- Skin care
- Stimulating brain health
- Preventing diarrhea
Stomach Issues
If you regularly suffer from diarrhea or have a sensitive stomach, you may be able to clear up your symptoms by regularly consuming this antibacterial tea.
Diabetes
Many studies have shown that guava has a remarkable ability to regulate the release of blood sugar in the body.
Heart Health
By lowering your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, in addition to lowering blood pressure, this tea can protect you against atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart diseases.
Skin Care
The various phenolic compounds found in guava give it a powerful antioxidant profile, which can cut down on oxidative stress in the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Weight Loss
With metabolism-boosting properties and a rich mineral profile to satisfy some of the body’s need for food, this can help you create a calorie deficit.
Sleep Issues
Some of the active ingredients are known to improve hormone levels and induce sleep and relaxation.
Guava Tea Side Effects
There are a few unwanted side effects of guava tea, including the following:
- Complications for pregnant women
- Constipation
- Interactions with other drugs
More specifically, if you are taking diabetes or blood pressure medication, be sure to speak with your doctor before adding guava tea to your daily diet. When it comes to pregnant and breastfeeding women, there simply hasn’t been enough research done, so it is generally not recommended.