The Guyabano fruit is produced by the Graviola tree which is a native of Philippines and South Korea. This fruit is not very common, particularly because the immense health benefits of this fruit and also of the guyabano leaves are not well known. From ancient times, not only the guyabano fruits and leaves but every part of the graviola tree, including the bark, seeds and the roots has been used for medicinal purposes. The guyabano fruits are known for their potent anti-cancer properties.
Guyabano is a rich source of Vitamin C and a range of essential B vitamins like niacin, thiamine and riboflavin. It also supplies valuable minerals like iron and calcium to the body. This article will present you with a brief account of the health benefits of the Guyabano fruits and leaves.
Prevents cancer
One of the most important health benefits of the Guyabano leaves and fruits is that they are filled with potential compounds with active anti-cancer properties. According to studies the extract of guyabano fruits and leaves attacks the malignant cells and can be most effective to ward off cancer at the earlier stages. This fruit has also been found to be effective in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy, which is again a great benefit. Studies have also noted that there is a particular compound in the graviola tree which is 10,000 times more potent in killing cancer cells compared to some of the popular chemotherapy drugs.
Controls diabetes
The ability of guyabano fruit and leaf extract to control diabetes is another magical property of it. Studies have shown that this extract is highly effective is controlling diabetes mellitus in rats. Consumption of this extract can increase the amount of antioxidants in the blood remarkably which reduces the oxidative stress on the liver and can be effective to better regulate the insulin level as well as insulin sensitivity in the body. This extract most expectedly increases insulin production and thus controls the diabetes.
Helps in reducing inflammation
Guyabano leaves have been found to have effective anti-inflammatory properties. They can reduce joint inflammation as well as inflammation of different internal organs, which make them effective to treat bronchial irritations and allergies. The extract of the guyabano fruit and leaves can also be used topically to get the anti-inflammatory benefits.
Controls depression
Another effective health benefit of guyabano fruit and leaf extract that has been observed through studies is that, some of the active compounds of this extract binds with some receptors in the brain and helps in alleviating mood. It can also be effective to calm and relax the nerves. Insomnia can also be treated with this extract.
Cures UTI
Guyabano extract makes a potential medicine for treating urinary tract infection. This extract has high vitamin C content and apart from that it is also known for its antibacterial properties both of which can be highly effective to kill the infection causing bacteria present in the urinary tract and to get rid of the infection.
Improves immunity
A healthy immunity system is vital for a healthy life. It can keep many common diseases at bay and can prevent falling ill often. Guyabano fruit is loaded with vitamin C. One cup of Guyabano fruit extract can give you as much as 77% of the daily requirement of vitamin C in the body. Vitamin C is known for its ability to boost the immunity system and can be most helpful to have a strong immunity.
Promotes bone health
Guyabano fruits are rich in calcium content, and they also have some good amount of copper. Copper helps in the absorption of calcium in the bone and hence the calcium that you get from this fruit is actively absorbed into the body ensuring a better bone health and preventing bone density loss.
Prevents anemia
Anemia can be dangerous and it affects the life of people in the worst possible ways by hampering ones fitness and energy levels. Guyabano is known for its high iron content and taking the extract of this fruit can actually help in preventing anemia that is caused due to iron deficiency.
Promotes digestive health
Guyabano fruit and leaves are high in B vitamins that are known for promoting the function of the digestive system by helping in secretion of different enzymes. Apart from that the fiber content of it also helps in better digestion, bowel formation and bowel movement. It also helps in treating irritable bowel syndrome and digestive problems like acidity. Guyabano fruit extract can also be ideal to treat constipation.
Boosts energy
If you are feeling lethargic and weak, consuming the guyabano fruit and leaf extract can be a good way to boost your energy levels. It contains high amount of vitamin C and a bunch of B vitamins that are known to boost the metabolism rate of the body propelling the energy production. Guyabano extract is often used in folk medicine for treating weakness.
Promotes heart health
Guyabano also contains potassium, the vital mineral for your heart health. The potassium content of this fruit is not very high, but it can provide decent amount of this essential mineral to your body. Potassium ensures better heart health and promotes overall cardiovascular well being.
Treats common fever and cough
Common fever, cough and cold can be effectively treated with guyabano fruit and leaf extract. It has effective antibacterial properties that help in killing the infection, on the other hand the high vitamin C content of this extract works for decongesting the respiratory tract. The anti-inflammatory property also helps in soothing the respiratory system giving relief from common fever and cough.
Treats eczema and acne
The potent anti-bacterial and antifungal properties of the guyabano fruit and leaf make them ideal for treating a range of skin infections including eczema. It can also be used topically for treating acne. It reduces the inflammation of acne and due to its antibacterial properties helps in killing the infection causing bacteria.
Effective for killing head lice
If you have got lice on our head and you do not really want to use those chemical filled harmful products to get rid of the lice, using the extract of guyabano fruit and leaves can be the best natural treatment. This extract is known for its ability to eliminate the lice from head and also to heal the damages caused by the lice on your scalp.
