Should people with high blood pressure drink guava leaf tea?

One thing that not everyone knows about guava is that this fruit has a much higher vitamin C content than oranges. Not only guava fruit but guava leaves also contain many nutrients that are beneficial to health.

Numerous research studies have shown the positive effects of guava leaves on high blood pressure. Some animal studies have found that guava leaf extracts have the effect of lowering blood pressure in cases of hypertension caused by high salt intake. This benefit is due to the extracts' ability to reduce sympathetic nerve activity and regulate inflammatory responses, especially enhancing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Guava leaf tea contains nutrients that help regulate blood pressure.

PHOTO: AI

Meanwhile, another study in the Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology demonstrated that polyphenols in guava leaves have the ability to inhibit vasoconstrictor enzymes, reduce oxidative stress and protect the vascular endothelium. In addition, tests on diabetic mice also noted that guava leaves improved vasodilation and regulated blood lipids.

Guava leaves have a positive effect on blood pressure through several mechanisms. First of all, guava leaves are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols and tannins. These are all antioxidant compounds that can reduce oxidative stress, protect the endothelium of blood vessels, thereby improving the ability of blood vessel walls to dilate.

Additionally, guava leaf extract has been shown to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. This helps to slow the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce the burden on the heart and blood vessels.

Some substances in guava leaves, when tested on animals, also help improve vascular reactivity, meaning that the blood vessels contract and dilate more smoothly, reducing the risk of sudden increases in blood pressure.

With the above mechanisms, guava leaf tea can help reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, improve blood lipids and protect blood vessel walls. One thing to note is that people who are taking blood pressure lowering medication should consult their doctor before using guava leaf tea. This is because when taking medication combined with guava leaf tea, there is a risk of excessive blood pressure drop or drug interactions.

Guava leaf tea is considered a supportive measure but should absolutely not replace medication. People with high blood pressure should consult a doctor before using guava leaf tea, monitor blood pressure regularly, combine it with a low-salt diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nguoi-huet-ap-cao-co-nen-uong-tra-la-oi-185250914134912508.htm