Little-known tea could prevent diabetes and heart disease
Most Brits love a cup of tea. It’s a staple of our daily routines, with approximately 100 million cups of the stuff consumed every day. However, experts have revealed that a specific type of herbal tea could provide a number of impressive health benefits. According to research, guava leaf tea could help prevent type 2 diabetes and even heart disease.
This tea, which comes from the leaves of the tropical fruit guava, is already a popular natural remedy for gut issues such as diarrhoea. The leaves are also packed with vital nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium.
An article on the drink, published on Mexican news site El Universal, said: “Additionally, the leaves of the guava plant also offer significant health benefits that often go unnoticed compared to the fruit obtained from this tree.”
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Various studies have looked into its impact on blood sugar levels. Research, reviewed in Nutrition and Metabolism journal, found that drinking guava leaf tea lowered blood sugar levels after a meal, with the effects lasting up to two hours.
And, as reported by Healthline, 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 percent.
The tea also has the potential to boost heart health, with scientists saying the high levels of antioxidants and vitamins in guava leaves may help protect your heart from damage by free radicals. High levels of potassium and soluble fibre in guavas are also thought to contribute to improved heart health.
One study found that guava leaf extract has been linked to lower blood pressure, a decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol, and a rise in “good” HDL cholesterol. Both high blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for heart disease.
The fruit itself is also thought to carry many health benefits. A separate 12-week study of 120 people found that eating ripe guava fruit before meals caused an overall decrease in blood pressure and total cholesterol.
To prepare guava leaf tea:
Boil five to 10 guava leaves in one litre of water
Let it steep for 10 minutes to extract all its properties
Strain before serving to separate the leaves
If you don't like the taste, you can add cinnamon or pieces of guava.
It is recommended to drink one or two cups a day of this infusion. Guava leaves and pre-made guava leaf tea can also be bought on Amazon.