Nowadays diabetes has become a common disease, due to which every third person is affected. This disease is not only limited to the aged people, but the youth are also fast vulnerable to it. Balanced diet is the most important to control diabetes. If you eat such fruits and vegetables, which are helpful in keeping blood sugar controlled, then this disease will not dominate your life.
A name comes in these superfoods of guava and its leaves. Guava not only helps in reducing blood sugar, but it also controls cholesterol and strengthens digestive power. Let us know how beneficial guava is in diabetes and how to consume it properly.
Guava: Superfood full of nutrition
Guava is delicious as well as a treasure of nutrition. Vitamin-C, Vitamin-B, Vitamin-A and phosphorus are very beneficial for the body. According to experts, guava as well as its leaves are extremely beneficial for diabetes patients.
Nutrients found in guava:
| Nutrients | Quantity (in 100 grams) |
|---|---|
| Calorie | 68 kcal |
| Natural sugar | 8.92 grams |
| Vitamin C | 4 times more than oranges |
| Fiber | Plentiful |
| Antioxidant | Abundant |
Benefits of eating guava in diabetes
1. Control keeps blood sugar
Guava is an excellent option for diabetes patients, as it contains a low-glycemic index. Low-glosmic foods are those that do not increase blood sugar rapidly. In addition, it also reduces calories, which reduces the risk of weight gain of diabetes patients.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of guava contains only 68 calories, making it a great healthy snack for diabetes patients.
2. Strengthens the immune system
Guava contains 4 times more vitamin-C than oranges, which is a powerful antioxidant. This not only strengthens the immune system, but also helps in protecting the body from infection and diseases.
3. Keeps the digestive system correct
Diabetes patients often have digestive problems. Guava contains plenty of fiber, which helps in improving digestion and removes constipation problem.
4. Bad cholesterol reduces
Guava reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and helps to increase good cholesterol (HDL), which reduces the risk of heart diseases. Heart health is very important for diabetes patients, so they should pay special attention to their cholesterol level.
When and how to consume guava?
Eating on empty stomach in the morning is most beneficial
According to health experts, diabetes patients should consume guava on an empty stomach in the morning. This keeps blood sugar under control and removes many stomach related problems.
The right way to eat:
- Do not peel and eat guava, because its peel also contains many nutrients.
- Do not eat seeds in large amounts, as it can cause constipation.
- Avoid eating guava at night, because it is cold and eating more can cause stomach pain.
Guava leaves also benefit
How to use guava leaves?
Guava leaves also have anti-diabetic properties, which help to reduce blood sugar rapidly. You can drink it as a decoction.
Method of making decoction of guava leaves:
- Take fresh leaves of 5-6 guava.
- Put a glass of water and boil it for 10 minutes.
- Sieve it and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning.
This decoction controls the digestive system along with controlling blood sugar.
Keep these things in mind before eating guava
- Avoid eating a large amount of guava, as it contains high fiber, which can cause stomach gas and indigestion problems.
- If you are taking blood sugar medicines, then consume guava only with the advice of a doctor.
- Avoid eating guava at night, as it is cold fruit and can affect digestive system.
