Guayusa (Ilex guayusa)Is a sacred tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Humans have used the leaves of this tree for its medicinal value since ancient times due to its known health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Guayusa tea This is made by brewing the leaves of the tree. Technically, it is not tea because it does not come from the leaves of the "camellia sinensis" plant, but the consumption of this beverage, commonly referred to as tea, dates back to 2000 years in some Amazonian cultures.
Guayusa tea It is becoming more and more popular all over the world. Read on to find out everything wondering about this tea.
What is guayusa and guayusa tea?
Guayusa teaYerba, a popular energizing drink native to South America mate tea It is made from the leaves of different plants, though similar to that. Guayusa tree ( Ilex guayusa), yerba mate plant ( Ilex paraguariensis ) Is considered to be its "cousin".
The two share many similarities, including being naturally caffeinated, both come from rainforest sacred trees, and both contain other beneficial compounds.
Guayusa tree It can grow 6-30 feet tall and has bright green, oblong leaves. Although it belongs to the Amazon rainforest, it is most commonly found in the region of Ecuador.
Traditionally, the leaves are picked, dried and infused to make herbal tea. It is now also sold as a powder and extract, added to products such as energy drinks and commercial teas.
Guayusa tea, substantially kafein contains and is a rich source of antioxidants and also provides other beneficial plant compounds.
What Are the Benefits of Guayusa Tea?
Increases mood and concentration
Guayusa teaContains caffeine, a stimulant substance. It has similar amounts of caffeine as coffee.
In addition, it contains theobromine, an alkaloid that is structurally similar to caffeine. Theobromine, also chocolate and Kakao It is also found in the powder. Caffeine and theobromine together increase mood, alertness and concentration.
Although it contains caffeine guayusa teaIt is loaded with other nutrients that will alleviate the side effects of caffeine but still provide energy. Many health experts describe the stimulating effects of these foods as milder than other caffeine sources such as coffee.
Guayusa tea, which can help prevent fatigue, contains naturally energetic stimulant "methyl xanthine alkaloids", theophylline (found in green tea) and theobromine.
How much caffeine is in guayusa tea?
The caffeine content of this drink is estimated to be 240 milligrams per 66 ml serving. To make a comparison; A serving of 240 ml of black tea has about 42 milligrams of caffeine, and coffee about 160 milligrams.
Helps improve cognitive health and mental performance
Guayusa teaIt can help improve cognitive health and mental performance, as it is a source of other health-promoting compounds, including caffeine and antioxidants. Therefore, you may find that it improves attention span, focus, and learning ability without causing too many post-effects compared to drinking coffee.
Rich in antioxidants
Studies, guayusa teareveals that it has a variety of antioxidants. It is even thought to contain a similar amount of antioxidants as green tea, which is considered one of the drinks that increase longevity the most (some sources state more).
These substances reduce oxidative stress by fighting free radicals, which are unstable molecules in our body. It can help reduce the risk of several chronic diseases.
Guayusa teaa group known as catechins that can protect against inflammation, heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes polyphenol It is also rich in antioxidants.
Animal studies have found that the catechins in tea lower cholesterol.
Eliminates free radicals
Guayusa teaThe antioxidants found in it help to destroy free radicals in the body. All human cells are surrounded by an outer layer containing stable electrons. When these cells experience an imbalance in electrons, they connect to other cells to improve cellular stability.
Free radicals easily combine with these damaged cells, causing a number of problems. Free radicals have been associated with fine lines and wrinkles as well as cancer. These free radicals are caused by factors such as alcohol, smoking, and unhealthy diet.
Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which is basically the form of rust of the human body. As we age, oxidative stress increases and more systems become less efficient and the risk of disease increases.
Guayusa teaThe antioxidants in it try to remove these free radicals from the human body. It improves digestive health and supports the kidneys and intestines to destroy these harmful cells.
Helps improve digestion
Guayusa teahelps to facilitate digestive processes. Guayusa leaf and tea made from these leaves, digestive health benefits It has anti-inflammatory properties that are responsible. It reduces inflammation in the stomach that can cause stomach cramps and bloating.
Inflammation in the intestines can also cause diarrhea and poor absorption of nutrients. Guayusa teaIt helps reduce inflammation to improve digestion.
Helps improve heart health
Guayusa teaHelps protect the heart due to the concentration of theanine it contains. A study published in the Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research has shown the positive effects of theanine on heart function.
Theanine has been shown to reduce high blood pressure by reducing inflammation in the arteries and blood vessels. It also provides anti-diabetic effects by regulating blood sugar.
Balances blood sugar
If the body cannot effectively transport sugar from the blood into cells, the problem of high blood sugar can occur. If left untreated, this condition can eventually cause type 2 diabetes.
Guayusa teacan help lower blood sugar. In a 28-day study in non-diabetic mice, guayusa supplementsIt has been stated that the drug significantly reduces blood sugar levels, suppresses appetite and decreases body weight.
Guayusa tea helps slimming
Guayusa teaBecause of its high caffeine content, it aids in weight loss.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that helps speed up the metabolism, thus increasing the number of calories the body burns. Studies also reveal that it reduces appetite. All these are the basis of healthy weight loss.
Generally, guayusa tea is safe. It does not cause any negative effects when consumed in moderation.
When consumed in excess, the caffeine content can cause symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety and insomnia.
Still, like many teas, iron absorptionIt contains tannins, which are compounds that can interfere with and induce nausea. Low amounts of tannins in tea are not harmful to health, but iron deficiency people should consume it carefully.
How is Guayusa tea made?
Guayusa tea it is incredibly easy to do. It can be drunk hot or cold. However, due to its caffeine content, you should not drink it before going to bed in order not to have trouble falling asleep.
To brew guayusa tea Pour 2 ml of boiling water in a teaspoon of about 250 grams. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes and then strain.
Remember that powders and extracts are also available. These can be added to foods like smoothies, oatmeal, and yogurt.
As a result;
Guayusa ( Ilex guayusa It is a beverage / herb infusion produced from the leaves of a sacred tree native to the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador.
Its medicinal benefits (technically not a tea but often referred to as tea) include increased attention and concentration, contains caffeine, and provides body-nourishing compounds such as antioxidants, vitamins, and even amino acids.
