Health & Life

The Ultimate Guide to Nature’s Power: 3 Leaves to Brew for a Healthy Beverage – Lower Cholesterol and Manage Diabetes.

The three humble staples, found in most households, offer a plethora of nutritional benefits. They are the unsung heroes of health, aiding in the regulation of cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

Administrator

24 August, 2024

1. Guava Leaves

Guava leaves are renowned for their blood sugar-regulating properties, attributed to compounds that slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and inhibit various enzymes that convert carbohydrates in the digestive tract into glucose.

In Japan, guava leaf tea is an approved food for medical purposes, used to prevent and treat diabetes. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism reported lower cholesterol levels in participants who consumed guava leaf tea for eight weeks.

Additionally, a 2011 study in the Journal of Chemistry and Physics revealed that compounds in guava leaves aid in dissolving “bad” cholesterol. Further research concludes that regular consumption of guava leaf tea for three months can positively impact blood lipid profiles, stabilize blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and maintain cardiovascular health.

Guava leaf tea is an approved food for medical purposes in Japan, used to prevent and treat diabetes.

To brew guava leaf tea, steep 2.5-5g of dried guava leaves in 250ml of boiling water for about 10 minutes. If using fresh guava leaves, rinse 5-10 leaves and add them to 500ml of boiling water. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Guava leaves are also used in culinary dishes such as steamed snails, braised fish, and spring rolls.

2. Green Tea Leaves

A review of studies suggests that green tea may help lower blood sugar levels and could play a role in preventing type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Green tea also shows potential in improving insulin sensitivity and is part of the acclaimed Mediterranean diet praised by nutrition experts for its anti-cancer, anti-aging, and fat-burning properties.

Daily consumption of green tea helps reduce bad cholesterol and protects against heart disease, according to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. This beverage also aids weight loss, enhances cognitive function, and promotes healthy gut and kidney function.

3. Moringa Leaves

Moringa is recognized as a highly nutritious tree, with its leaves, roots, and seeds offering various health benefits.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that moringa leaves can lower blood sugar levels due to the presence of chlorogenic acid and isothiocyanates. The zinc content in these leaves also contributes to blood sugar control and diabetes prevention.

Moringa leaves can lower blood sugar levels and have beneficial effects on blood glucose control, helping to prevent diabetes.

Additionally, moringa effectively lowers cholesterol levels, as evidenced by several studies. Moringa also exhibits atherosclerosis-preventing properties and supports cardiovascular health.

Moringa leaf powder can be blended with fruits and yogurt or infused with warm water to create a nutritious beverage. Moringa is also prized for its anti-aging, skin-enhancing, liver-protecting, and stomach-soothing properties.

Frequently asked questions

The leaves of basil, guava, and bitter melon are touted for their potential health benefits, particularly in managing diabetes and lowering cholesterol levels. They are also believed to aid in weight loss and promote overall well-being.

Basil leaves are known to have anti-diabetic properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Guava leaves contain compounds that can inhibit the absorption of sugar in the body, thus helping to control blood glucose levels. Bitter melon leaves, a traditional remedy for diabetes, are said to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar spikes.

The leaves of all three plants are rich in antioxidants and have hypolipidemic properties, which help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Specifically, basil leaves are known to reduce LDL cholesterol, while guava leaves can improve HDL cholesterol levels. Bitter melon leaves have been shown to reduce total cholesterol and protect against heart disease.

Yes, the article also highlights the weight loss benefits of these leaves. Basil leaves are said to boost metabolism and aid in burning fat. Guava leaves can help suppress appetite and improve digestion, while bitter melon leaves are believed to reduce fat accumulation and promote a healthy weight.

The article suggests brewing these leaves into a healthy beverage. You can easily make a tea by infusing hot water with fresh or dried leaves. You can also add these leaves to your cooking, such as using basil in pasta dishes or adding chopped bitter melon leaves to stir-fries.