Guavas are tropical trees native to Central America and have oval-shaped fruit, somewhat like a pear, with light green or yellow skin and edible seeds inside. In addition, guava leaves are used as an herbal tea, the syrup is used to treat coughs and the leaf extract is used as a food supplement.

1. May help lower blood sugar levels.

One study involving 19 people showed that drinking guava leaf tea reduced blood sugar levels after meals. The effects lasted up to two hours. Another study involving 20 people with type 2 diabetes showed that drinking guava leaf tea reduced post-meal blood sugar levels by more than 10%

2. Can boost heart health.

Guava can help boost heart health in a number of ways. Many scientists believe that the high levels of antioxidants and vitamins in guava leaves can help protect your heart from free radical damage, and the high levels of potassium and soluble fibre in the fruit are thought to contribute to improving heart health.

3. May help reduce painful menstrual symptoms.

A study involving 197 women who experienced painful menstrual symptoms showed that taking 6 mg of guava leaf extract daily reduced the intensity of pain. The effect seemed to be more powerful than some painkillers. Guava leaf extract is also thought to help reduce the pain of sarcoma.

4. May benefit your digestive system, guava is an excellent source of dietary fibre. Guava alone can provide 12% of the recommended daily fibre intake, yet guava leaf extract is known to be antimicrobial.

5. May have anti-cancer effects.

Evidence suggests that guava leaf extract may have anticancer effects. Test-tube and animal studies show that guava extract can prevent the growth of cancer cells. This is likely due to its high levels of potent antioxidants, which prevent free radicals from damaging cells - one of the main causes of cancer.

6. Eating guava can be good for your skin.

The wide range of vitamins and antioxidants 'packed' into guavas can do wonders for your skin. Its antioxidants can protect the skin from damage, which can slow down the ageing process and help prevent wrinkles. What's more, guava leaf extract can even help treat acne when applied directly to the skin.

In Egypt, the guava season runs from September to October and November.