Although guava, Psidium guajava, originated in Central America, it is now grown in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The small oval shape of the guava fruit is covered with light green or yellow skin. Inside are many tiny edible seeds surrounded by white, pink, or red flesh. The fruit is delicious and the leaves make a health-promoting tea. However, it is the leaf extract that is becoming important for numerous therapeutic uses.
History
Guava has been used for years to treat many ailments, particularly in the tropical regions where they grow. In the rural areas of India, Ayurvedic practices have used guava successfully for treating infections, malaria, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, malnutrition, pain, and fever.Benefits
Today, guava’s nutrient content and medical applications are becoming increasingly recognized. The fruit, bark, seeds, and especially the leaves have phytochemicals, giving them medicinal properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer.Research confirms the worldwide potential of guava leaf extracts for the treatment of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, parasitic infections, and the regulation of glucose levels. These are the most prevalent conditions threatening the world’s health today.
