In addition to the tasty fruit, guava leaves are also often used for their medicinal properties. However, even with its therapeutic properties, it is essential to know its contraindications and the correct way to prepare it to enjoy its benefits safely.
Check out the main reasons to include the guava tea in your routine and what precautions to take to make the most of its benefits:
Main benefits of guava tea
In an interview with CNNnutritionist Angelica Grecco, from Clínica Eduardo Grecco, detailed the main positive effects of consuming guava tea on the body. Among them:
- Antidiarrheal and antispasmodic: This effect is due to the presence of quercetin, a type of flavonoid that helps relax the intestinal muscles and prevent contractions, combating intestinal cramps and .
- Anti-inflammatory: Guava leaves contain compounds capable of helping to reduce inflammation caused by conditions that affect the body.
- Reduction of glucose levels: This factor can contribute to the control of glycemia (blood sugar levels), helping to treat .
- Improvement of dyslipidemia: The presence of flavonoids in guava leaf is excellent for cardiovascular health, as it contributes to reducing blood levels.
- Antioxidant function: Quercetin and other flavonoids present in guava leaves have antioxidant action, which is essential for protecting cells against oxidative damage, strengthening the immune system and delaying aging.
Due to the vitamins and antioxidants present, the properties of the leaves can be used topically to strengthen hair and prevent hair loss.
Contraindications
As a rule, tea can be consumed by everyone. However, some specific groups need to seek professional guidance before consuming it to check for possible health risks.
This is the case for pregnant and breastfeeding women. “There are not enough studies that guarantee the safety of use during pregnancy and pregnancy. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid consumption without medical advice”, explains Angelica. The same goes for children, whose consumption should always be cautious and always under medical supervision due to the greater sensitivity of children’s bodies.
Elderly people and people with pre-existing medical conditions or who use medications should consult a health professional before starting consumption, to avoid possible drug interactions or adverse effects, advises the nutritionist.
Preparation mode
For safe consumption of tea, it must be prepared as follows:
- separate 3 to 4 young guava leaves;
- boil 150 ml of water;
- add the leaves to infuse for 10 minutes;
- strain the liquid before consuming.
“It is recommended to drink the tea, at most, twice a day for five consecutive days. Continuous consumption is not recommended for prolonged periods without medical supervision”, warns the nutritionist.
