Guyabano trees have gained a lot of attention due to the health benefits associated with their leaves. For example, Guyabano leaves tea has the potential to kill cancer cells and thus invokes the interest of many medical studies across the globe. Though Guyabano trees are native to Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and the sub-Saharan African countries, they have been cultivated for ages for their fruit-soursop in the Southeast Asian region, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Known by various names such as guanabana, Graviola, pawpaw, Mullainathan, hanumanfal, la manual, and soursop, guyabano trees thrive well in tropical regions. Guyabano tree has oval, dark green, smooth and shiny leaves of 7-20 cm length with pointy ends. The leaves have been found to contain many beneficial compounds such as niacin, vitamin B, vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, iron, and others. In addition, the leaves also contain polyphenols, fiber, and pantothenic acid.
List of top Benefits of drinking Guyabano leaves tea
The most convenient and familiar way to get the numerous health benefits associated with the leaves is to steep them in boiling water and have them as tea. It can be a hot or cold tea, up to 8 hours after soaking. Some of the most vital health benefits that one can derive from drinking Guyabano leaves tree are-
1. Guyabano leaves for cancer
The growth of cancer cells can be inhibited by drinking the soursop tree leaves. So drinking Guyabano leaves tree is a much more economical way to beat cancer and is more effective than chemotherapy. The fact that it does not cause any side effects is an additional bonus.
Guyabano leaves contain anti-cancer compounds such as annonacin, annohexoling, annonacin, anonol, anomurine, and others that gradually cure cancer. To derive the benefits, have Guyabano leaves tea for at least 3-4 weeks twice daily.
2. Guyabano leaves for diabetes
Soursop leaves have been traditionally used to control blood sugar levels by people native to the Southeast Asian regions. Tea is prescribed as a medicine for sugar patients, and people have reported positive outcomes when paired with a healthy diet. Additionally, research on diabetes Mellitus-induced rats also yielded positive results.
Soursop leaves are believed to have compounds that stabilize blood sugar levels and maintain them in the normal range. However, the fact to be noted is there has not been any study on the effect of Guyabano leaves tea on diabetes in humans.
3. Cure UTIs with Guyabano tea
If you have been infected with UTIs, you can treat them by drinking tea made from soursop tree leaves. Being rich in Vitamin C and possessing antibacterial properties, the acidity of the urine increases when one consumes guyabano tea. This helps in treating urinary tract infections without the need for allopathic medicines.
Soursop extracts is known to act against bacteria responsible for urinary tract infection (UTI). It could also be used for multidrug resistance bacteria, for which further study needs to be done.
4. Lose weight with Guyabano tea
Guyabano leaves tea contains a high content of vitamin C that keeps your metabolism up, and you end up losing more weight. In addition, a generous amount of fiber in the tea ensures that your appetite is well-managed.
Given the nutritional benefits of tree leaves tea, you don’t have to worry about dietary deficiencies when going on a diet. Just keep on having guyabano tea twice daily, and you will notice a considerable difference in weight coupled with some exercise and healthy eating.
5. Treat liver damage
The liver is the key to our health – and it is pretty vulnerable to being exposed to toxins and chemicals every day. Unfortunately, this continuous exposure also makes it likely for the liver to develop cancer. Though liver cancer is not very common, yet, the fact remains that many forms of cancer usually metastasize in the liver. This is so because the liver filters volumes of blood daily, and it may carry cancer cells.
Soursop leaves are rich in soluble fiber and antioxidants like Vitamin C, all of which play essential roles in maintaining a healthy liver. Guyabano leaves also contain cancer-fighting compounds, which can fight cell degeneration. Soluble fiber is another benefit that keeps the liver from accumulating fat and toxins and remaining healthy.
6. Boosts your immune system
Guyabano leaves are rich in vitamin C, vital for a robust immune system. Additionally, guyabano leaves also contain antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of cells due to free radicals. Antioxidants also promote the development of white blood cells, which are vital for your body when fighting an infection.
Drinking the tea leaves regularly will boost your immunity and make you healthy overall.
7. Get better sleep and rest
The stress and anxiety of living by the clock in this modern era have consequences on the human body. If you cannot shut your brain and find it difficult to sleep even though you are tired, you will discover guyabano leaves tea as a savior. Drinking a cup of tea after a stressful, tiring day will calm your body and mind, relax you and help you sleep better.
Soursop leaves the tree with anti-anxiety effects and natural sedatives that alleviate stress and anxiety. In addition, it has been found that the leaves contain anti-depression compounds that can stimulate the serotonin receptors making you feel happy.
8. Helpful for gastrointestinal disorders
Guyabano leaves in the tree have diuretic properties and thus help flush toxins, excess salt, and other harmful chemicals from the body. This expulsion helps maintain the gastrointestinal tract’s health, promoting better digestion and relief from other related disorders.
9. Guyabano for constipation
With the modern lifestyle taking over, we consume junk food and do very little physical activity. As a result, many of us suffer from irregular bowel movements or often struggle with constipation. Prolonged constipation can harbor many other ailments that can make life difficult.
To combat constipation and promote regular bowel movements, guyabano tea should be consumed. It contains fiber, which helps bind the stool, and vitamin C, which stimulates your gastrointestinal system effectively. Traditionally, leaves tea is used as an alternative medicine for constipation.
10. Guyabano tea for Herpes
Since herpes is prevalent among people with low immunity, guyabano leaves tea can help in more than one way. Studies have confirmed that oral herpes can be treated with tea from its leaves. Additionally, genital herpes also needs a topical application of the leaves extract.
Guyabano tea boosts the immune system so that you can stay away from herpes. If you contract it, tea leaves have been found to inhibit the growth of infection owing to the antibacterial properties it possesses. The virus is attacked by the antibacterial compounds of soursop tea and does not spread.
11. Alleviates back pain and leg cramps
Other benefits of guyabano tea include alleviation of back pain and leg cramps. If you constantly struggle with back pain due to prolonged sitting hours or get leg cramps often, drink a cup or two of guyabano tea daily. Guyabano tea has anti-inflammatory benefits that soothe inflammation and benefit back pain and leg cramps.
Additionally, invest in an ergonomic chair and watch your posture, giving your legs a mild workout by walking every few hours.
Guyabano leaves tea safe for pregnant women?
Traditionally, guyabano leaves tea is consumed by couples planning for a baby. It is believed that tea improves the motility and sperm quality in men and facilitates the menstruation process in women. This makes it easier to conceive a baby when both men and women have good health.
During pregnancy, soursop tea can help pregnant women to sleep at ease, relieve back pain and leg cramps, and work wonders for their respiratory health. Generally, a moderate amount of soursop tea is safe for pregnant women, but it is advised to check with your doctor since specific studies on the subject have not been done.
Guyabano leaves FAQs
Is it safe to drink guyabano leaves every day?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the person’s individual health condition and diet. However, consuming guyabano leaves every day may not be wrong if you are healthy and do not have any other medical conditions.
Guyabano leaves are high in antioxidants, which may help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. These harmful molecules are responsible for cell damage and can lead to cancer.
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If you are healthy and consume guyabano leaves in moderation, they may provide benefits such as improved cognitive function, better skin quality, and reduced inflammation. Speaking to a doctor before starting any new dietary regimen is always better.
How often should you drink Guyabano leaves tea?
Overuse might cause neurological issues. Avoid its ‘excessive’ consumption. Short-term use and intake in moderate amounts might be good. Guyabano leaves tea an excellent drink for people who want to increase their energy levels and improve overall health.
The best time to have Guyabano leaves tea is in the morning, before breakfast. It is also an excellent drink when you feel tired or stressed in the afternoon or evening.
What are the possible side effect of Guyabano leaves?
The side effects of Guyabano leaves include:
- Movement problem or even nerve damage with long term use
- It can also cause severe neuro disorders like stiff muscles and tremors
- People with kidney and liver problems should always avoid it
- Talk to your doctor if you want to use it regularly
People with the below conditions should also avoid this tea –
- High blood pressure patients
- People taking high blood pressure medications
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
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