Is Guava Pulp Extract Good for Diabetics?
Guava is packed with fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fewer carbohydrates.
It has less than 15g of carbs and 5.4g of soluble fibre per 100g. The fibre, especially pectin, helps slow down glucose absorption.
Similarly, guava leaves are alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which help slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates.
However, medium-ripe Guava pulp, without the peel has more blood sugar control effect than unripe or fully ripe Guava, with or without the peel.
Guava pulp extract is beneficial in terms of lowering fasting sugar, LDL, and triglycerides, and improving HDL in diabetic patients.
Without peeling off the rind, it has no effect. Studies have shown that the peel can increase blood sugar and lipids, so take note of this.
Can people with Diabetes take Spirulina?
Spirulina Algae on the other hand is nutrient-dense, and has many health benefits – high in protein, healthy fats, B vitamins, iron, and pigments like phycocyanin and carotenoids etc.
It helps reduce fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and improve lipid profiles in diabetics – lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.
Not only that, spirulina has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic properties which reduce oxidative stress – a catalyst for complications in diabetes.
It eases insulin resistance, improves A1c, and balances sugar and lipid profiles.
How do you make Guava Pulp Extract and Spirulina Algae Drink?
How to Prepare Guava for Maximum Diabetic Benefits?
Get medium-ripe guavas, wash and peel them, cut them and remove the seeds if you like.
Cut into smaller sizes and blend with a small amount of water.
Your guava pulp extract is now ready. You can also strain through a fine mesh to have a smooth consistency.
Which type of Guava is Best for Diabetes?
Psidium guajava species – the white fleshed guava is better for diabetes.
Use the pulp only, and make sure it’s not overly ripe. Ripe Guava contains more sugar.
Again, avoid Guava varieties with much sweetness. Personally, I prefer the local green guava, harvest it when it’s slightly underripe, and tangy.
Spirulina
You can get processed spirulina algae as powder or a capsule. Just make sure you get a quality organic spirulina powder from a reliable store.
Add your spirulina powder to your Guava pulp smoothie, mix it, then add hot water till you’re satisfied with the consistency.
You can also add warm water to the guava pulp before mixing spirulina powder with it.
How to take the Spirulina + Guava pulp Drink?
Take a half teaspoon of spirulina powder (which is about 1to 2g) and mix it into 200ml of the guava pulp extract.
You can add a little more water if it becomes too thick, then you can add a few drops of lemon or a small cinnamon and drink on an empty stomach in the morning.
You can also take half of this volume before bedtime to prevent night sugar spikes.
You should check your fasting blood sugar a few hours after taking this combo, and watch your sugar level to adjust accordingly.
This is not a drink you take daily. It’s advisable to take it 2 or 3 times a week for 2 weeks, and rest for another 2 weeks before you take it again.
Some diabetic patients experience detox symptoms after taking this drink, this is nothing to worry about.
Others claim this works in controlling the sugar level for a few months, and the effects lessen afterwards.
Other Guava and Spirulina Recipes for Diabetes & Weight Loss
- Blend guava pulp, add spirulina powder and flavour it with unsweetened almond milk and a small amount of berries and chia seeds.
The fibre from berries and chia seeds helps further slow glucose absorption.
- You can boil a handful of guava leaves, allow them to cool, add a little guava pulp and spirulina powder, and drink. The leaf extract adds extra polyphenols.
- Add a sprinkle of spirulina powder over a small bowl of guava slices, add a little plain Greek yoghurt, and eat it.
- Mix guava pulp with spirulina, chia seeds, unsweetened plant milk, and refrigerate overnight.
Take it the next morning, stir and eat it as pudding. Rich in fibre and protein.
- If you don’t like the spirulina powder taste, you can buy the capsule, take it with water, and drink the guava pulp.
You can also try other fruits that are good for diabetes.
Any Side Effects of Guava pulp extract and Spirulina Algae drink?
This combo should be treated as supplementation, not a cure, and should not be combined with medications.
Taking guava pulp extract and spirulina drink while taking insulin, sulfonylureas and the like can push your sugar level too low.
Taking a fibre-and- protein combo like this can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhoea. You should adjust the intake if you experience these symptoms.
If you’re allergic to guava or spirulina, you may experience rash, mild headache, or respiratory difficulty, so it’s advisable to stop taking this supplement.