Guava consumption helps lower blood sugar - Nutritionist

Hajiya Jummai Abdul, a nutritionist at Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, on Tuesday said consuming guava daily helps lower blood sugar levels.

Abdul told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the hypoglycemic effect of guava is useful in the treatment of diabetes.

According to her, those who are at risk of developing diabetes can help prevent it by eating and drinking guava leaf tea.She also added that guava was a super fruit due to its numerous health promoting qualities and high contents of vitamins A, C and others which helps maintain healthy weight.

She encouraged the consumption of guava and its leaves in people with gum problems due to its anti plaque properties, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which help reduce gum inflammation.

She also stated that consumption of guava could help decrease blood pressure as well as blood lipids due to its high content of potassium, Vitamin C and fibre.

"Drinking guava leaf tea helps lower cholesterol levels and triglycerides, prevents bad breath as well as promotes healthy skin and hair.

"Guava and its leaves helps treat diarrhoea, promotes digestion, controls diabetes, prevent heart disease and also helps boost the immune system.

"Guava is rich in antioxidants components such helps lower the risk of developing some certain cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, mouth, skin and stomach also colon cancer.

"Guava tea aid weight loss, treat bronchitis, treat sore throats, cough, cold and also scurvy,’’ she added.

Besides, Abdul stated that guava was special in such that it required no excessive use of chemical pesticides to preserve it.The expert advised pregnant women to consume guava due to its high content in folic acid which helps in the development of the baby’s nervous system as well as protect the baby from neurological disorders.

She mentioned guava as one of the major fruits that helps in maintaining good vision and also brain health due to its richness in VitaminB3 and B6.

She suggested the intake of guava juice, adding that it helps in relaxation, aid sleep and also helps slow down ageing symptoms.

However, Abdul also advised that guava should be consumed moderately, warning that excessive amounts may be harmful due to its high contents in fructose.