This is a detailed guide on the benefits of + how to use guava leaves for hormonal imbalance.
In a rush?
Short answer: guava leaves were shown by several studies to help stabilize leptin, normalize insulin, and in the management of thyroid disorders. To use the leaves, just prepare guava leaf tea and drink 1 to 2 times daily.
You can click here to learn how to prepare guava leaf tea.
Keep reading for a more detailed explanation.
Click here to learn a complete guide to the botany of guava
But, before we jump into the main content, it is important to shed light on the main causes of hormonal imbalance.
What are the Causes of Hormonal Imbalance?
Following are the causes of hormones imbalance:
- Birth control drugs
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Menstruation
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Cancers
- Cushing syndrome
- Hypogonadism
Having these causes at the back of your mind, let us look at the roles guava leaves can play in balancing hormones.
Manage Thyroid Disorders
Inflammation of the thyroid gland, poor intake of copper, and iodine are among the leading factors that cause hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Several studies have shown the anti-inflammatory benefits and high minerals content of guava. These minerals include copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Learn more about the nutritional facts of guava
Copper is one of the essential minerals required for maintaining a healthy thyroid gland.
Therefore, taking guava leaves can help stabilize or normalize thyroid problems due to copper deficiency.
Additionally, guava with its anti-inflammatory property can also help manage inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis).
Main points: thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) are caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland and poor mineral intake. And supplementation with guava can help normalize thyroid imbalance by preventing inflammation and copper deficiency.
Normalize Insulin
Low or high glucose levels in the bloodstream are associated with how insulin functions in the body.
Increased levels of glucose in the bloodstream cause an imbalance of insulin, which is termed insulin resistance.
The amount of glucose is too excessive to the extent that the insulin can not be able to convert the glucose molecules into glycogen for storage in the liver. This later causes diabetes to the affected body.
Several studies have shown the role of guava leaves in the management of glucose levels in the body.
For instance, one study like this suggested that the extract of guava leaves can be used to inhibit chronic postprandial blood glucose elevation in type 2 diabetic patients.
In a separate study, it was also shown that guava fruit excluding the peels significantly reduced blood sugar levels and total serum cholesterol.
This study also showed the antihyperglycemic health benefits of guava leaves extract in type 2 diabetic rats.
Moreover, another study also reported that the leaves extract of guava improved significantly the metabolism and insulin sensitivity in rats’ skeletal muscles.
Main points: guava leaves are good for reducing excess glucose in the bloodstream, which helps normalize the functions of insulin.
Stabilize Leptin
Leptin is a hormone that regulates the amount of food you can take by sending a signal to the brain that you are satisfied with.
However, taking sugary foods was found to disable the normal function of leptin. This makes you eat more and more foods without your brain takes notice. This in turn leads to more sugars in the body and dormant brain.
It was shown that taking less sugary foods can help improve the functions of leptin, and therefore increase proper communication between the brain and hormone.
Guava leaves tea is one of the less sugary drinks rated with the least glycemic index. Drinking guava leaves tea is good for the brain, nervous, and immune systems.
Learn more about the health benefits of guava
Main points: guava leaves are a good source of less sugary food, which improves the functions of leptin.
Can Guava Leaf Balance Hormones?
Guava leaves possess numerous health benefits, which include preventing thyroid disorders. The leaves contain copper, which promotes hormone glands and help in the production and absorption of hormones.
What can I drink to Balance my Hormones?
- Drink guava leaves tea
- Take green tea
- Eat healthy fats
- Eat healthy proteins
Can Guava Leaves Cure Diabetes?
Several academic research papers reported that guava leaves can be used to manage diabetes. It was shown that guava leaves can help reduce blood glucose levels and prevent insulin resistance.
Conclusion
In this article, we looked at some of the different ways guava leaves help balance hormones while citing different case studies.
We even went ahead to also discuss some of your frequently asked questions. We hope that the guide was of excellent help for you in understanding the health benefits of guava leaves for hormonal imbalance. So, do write to us with your view in the comment section below.
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References
FC, Shen SC, Wu JS. Effect of guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaf extract on glucose uptake in rat hepatocytes. J Food Sci. 2009;74(5): H132‐H138. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01149.x
Kaur, Manpreet & Singh, Jatinder & Mirza, Anis. (2018). Pharmacological and Medicinal Properties of Psidium guajava: A Review.
Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, Md. Faruk, Md. Mizanur Rahman, Kamrun Nahar, Fariha Kabir, 2019. High Carbohydrate High Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Dyslipidemia Were Ameliorated by Psidium guajava Leaf Powder Supplementation in Rats. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine | 1897237 |
Deguchi Y, Miyazaki K. Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of guava leaf extract. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010;7:9. Published 2010 Feb 2. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-7-9
Kumari S, Rakavi R, Mangaraj M. Effect of Guava in Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile in Healthy Human Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Study. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016;10(9):BC04‐BC07. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/21291.8425
Shen, Szu-Chuan & Cheng, Fang-Chi & Wu, Ning-Jung. (2008). Effect of Guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) Leaf Soluble Solids on Glucose Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic Rats. Phytotherapy research: PTR. 22. 1458-64. 10.1002/ptr.2476.
Guo, X., Yoshitomi, H., Gao, M. et al. Guava leaf extracts promote glucose metabolism in SHRSP.Z-Leprfa/Izm rats by improving insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. BMC Complement Altern Med 13, 52 (2013).
