Do you know that Guyabano is also known by other names such as Brazilian paw paw, soursop, and graviola? The wonder herb is native to South and Central America, and serves
as a dietary supplement for treating several health conditions. It is gaining popularity because of its natural remedy for pain relief, viruses, and some types of cancer.
Another method to attain the full benefits of guyabano leaves is to boil them and drink them as tea. It is simple to prepare the guyabano tea. You may add fresh or dried guyabano leaves to boiling water. Make sure not to have the tea cold because it then loses its effective benefits.
Below, let us learn more about the Guyabano Leaves Tea Benefits and other interesting facts.
What Is Guyabano?
Guyabano is the fruit of Annona Muricata, native to the tropical regions in America. The prickly fruit has a strong flavor and creamy texture similar to strawberry or pineapple. They are eaten raw or its leaves are brewed to make tea.
Nutritional Value Of Guyabano:
A common serving of the fruit is low in calories but high in nutrients like Vitamin C and fiber. For instance, a 100 grams serving of guyabano contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 66
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbs: 16.8 grams
- Fiber: 3.3 grams
- Vitamin C: 34% RDI
- Potassium: 8% RDI
- Magnesium: 5% RDI
- Thiamine: 5% RDI
Health Benefits Of Guyabano Leaves:
Graviola has a high content of niacin, iron, folate, and riboflavin. Several parts of the fruits are used for medical purpose, including its stems, leaves, and fruit. It can also be used topically over skin and for cooking purpose. Studies have also revealed a number of health benefits of the wonder herb in recent years. Let us now examine them.
1. High In Antioxidants:
There are several benefits of the fruit because of its high presence of antioxidants. These compounds can help neutralize harmful agents known as free radicals. Some studies reveal that antioxidants can play an important role in lowering the risk of diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart problems.
2. Kill Cancer Cells:
Research for Guyabano is currently limited to test-tube studies. Some studies have revealed that the fruit can potentially kill cancer cells. One test tube study established that it can reduce tumor size, improve the activity of immune system, and kill off cancer cells.
3. Alleviate Back Pain:
Sitting at one place for hours can lead to a decline in health, including back pain. To alleviate the pain, try a natural remedy like guyabano tea. Brew its leaves to a pot of boiling water. Have the tea daily to ease the pain.
4. Improves your Mood:
Do you know taking guyabano tea can help improve your mood and keep you relaxed? Have the tea daily to see the results.
5. Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels:
According to a rodent study in 2008, graviola can benefits diabetes by stabilizing its blood sugar levels. The study also revealed that the fruit can significantly lower glucose levels in diabetic rats. It is important to note that there are no studies made yet on the effects of the tea on humans.
6. Aids In Digestion:
Guyabano leaves have a high content of Vitamin C and fiber. It can regulate the movement of gastrointestinal system. Drinking the guyabano tea has been used traditionally as a natural remedy for constipation.
7. Boost Immune System:
The Vitamin C present in guyabano tea can boost the production of white blood cells. It serves as an antioxidant to treat free radicals and lower the chances of oxidative stress from the body organs.
8. Skin Care:
There are several astringent agents present in guyabano tea that can help tighten skin and allow the pores to shrink. This is also good for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and pore inflammation. In addition, the antimicrobial agents present in the tea can help in preventing infections and pathogens from affecting the skin.
9. Eases Anxiety, Depression, And Stress:
Guyabano leaves are popular for its sedating and calming effects. It has soothing and anti-inflammatory agents that can help in easing stress and depression. Drinking the boiled guyabano leaves tea after a stressful day can help to keep your mind and body relaxed. It also has relaxing effects to better deal with depression and anxiety symptoms.
10. Eases Gout Arthritis:
The anti-inflammatory agents present in guyabano leaves help treat gout arthritis. The main reason behind this condition is the inability of the kidney to clean purine substances. Drinking guyabano leaves tea can treat these symptoms. In fact, its leaves extract are a wonderful remedy for treating gout arthritis. Just boil five to ten leaves with two cups of water and drink it twice daily. You will soon notice a reduction in pain intensity.
Side Effects Of Guyabano Leaves:
The side effects of guyabano tea can be quite serious. It may lead to heart problems, stomach upset, neural problems, and drug interactions. While some of the benefits of the tea are amazing, the risks involved cannot be ignored, either. Hence, drink the tea in moderation whenever possible.
- Neurotoxic Effects: Studies has indicated that there are presences of neurotoxins in the fruit that may be similar to Parkinson symptoms. But, these neurotoxins are included in several foods, commonly in minimal amounts.
- Digestive disorders: The antimicrobial and antibacterial effects of the tea are effective. But prolonged use of it can lead to acidity imbalance, digestive, and gastrointestinal problems.
- Hypotension: If you are suffering from low or high blood pressure, then you should not use soupsop tea excessively. It may lead to weakness, fainting, headache, and dizziness.
- Drug Interactions: People using antidepressant medication, drugs, and sedatives for neurodegenerative diseases should consult a doctor before adding guyabano tea to your regimen.
- Pregnancy: Under no conditions should pregnant or breastfeeding woman drink the guyabano tea.
FAQ:
Q. 1. How to dry guyabano leaves for tea?
A. The simplest way to protect the guyabano leaves is to dry them. But it is not advisable to dry them directly under the sun since the UV rays can damage it. Instead allow the leaves to dry at room temperature. Place them on a flat surface and it will naturally dry in four to five days.
Also avoid washing the fresh leaves as it will delay the drying process. Instead wash them after drying.
Q. 2. How to prepare guyabano leaves tea?
A. Brewing guyabano tea is quite simple provided you have fresh or dried leaves available at home. You can also add sweeteners like sugar or honey to it. The herb is locally grown in certain American countries. But it can be purchased from natural healthy stores and herbalists.
What are side effects Of Guyabano leaves?
The side effects of guyabano tea can be quite serious. It may lead to heart problems, stomach upset, neural problems, and drug interactions. While some of the benefits of the tea are amazing, the risks involved cannot be ignored, either. Hence, drink the tea in moderation whenever possible.
- Neurotoxic Effects: Studies has indicated that there are presences of neurotoxins in the fruit that may be similar to Parkinson symptoms. But, these neurotoxins are included in several foods, commonly in minimal amounts.
- Digestive disorders: The antimicrobial and antibacterial effects of the tea are effective. But prolonged use of it can lead to acidity imbalance, digestive, and gastrointestinal problems.
- Hypotension: If you are suffering from low or high blood pressure, then you should not use soupsop tea excessively. It may lead to weakness, fainting, headache, and dizziness.
- Drug Interactions: People using antidepressant medication, drugs, and sedatives for neurodegenerative diseases should consult a doctor before adding guyabano tea to your regimen.
- Pregnancy: Under no conditions should pregnant or breastfeeding woman drink the guyabano tea.
Ingredients:
- 6 guyabano fresh or dried leaves
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tsp honey (if desired)
Directions:
- Step 1- Add the water to a stainless steel pot and bring it to a boil.
- Step 2- Add the leaves and bring the heat to simmer.
- Step 3- Steep the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Step 4- Remove the pot from the flame. Strain the mixture.
- Step 5- Add sweetener for taste.
How did you find the health benefits of guyabano tea? Do tell us how you found this post in the comments below.