Do you want to replace coffee or energy drinks with a healthy alternative? Guayusa might be what you are looking for! This South American drink is an important part of Latin culture for a reason. It has many qualities to improve your health, sleep & productivity. Here, we will discuss the guayusa benefits and potential side effects you should be aware of before trying it.
What is Guayusa Tea
Guayusa tea comes from the holly tree (Ilex guayusa), which grows in the Amazon forest, primarily in Ecuador. Traditionally, people pick, dry, and brew the leaves to make herbal tea. Some native tribes also call it “the night watchman” due to its ability to help people stay awake. Nowadays, you can also find it as a powder or added to energy drinks or other teas.
Guayusa vs Yerba Mate
As an excellent substitute for coffee due to their high caffeine content, guayusa leaves are considered a cousin to yerba mate. But the critical difference is flavor. Guayusa tea has a smooth, slightly sweet taste, while yerba mate is more bitter. They are both packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can improve your health and well-being.
Guayusa Benefits
As mentioned before, guayusa is a wonderful herbal plant with many uses. Here are the five guayusa leaf benefits many people are unaware of.
Boosts Energy & Alertness
Depending on how strong is your guayusa tea, it can contain as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Besides, it contains L-theanine, which prevents caffeine jitters and energy spikes. Guayusa also contains theobromine and theophylline, stimulants that boost energy and concentration.
Helps Digestion
Several teas can aid digestion in different ways. Guayusa contains anti-inflammatory properties that can eliminate stomach infections and improve digestion. It can also reduce bloating, diarrhea, and other symptoms of an upset stomach.
Can Aid in Weight Loss
The high caffeine content in guayusa tea can boost your metabolism and help with weight loss. It also gives you the energy needed to be more active and potentially burn more calories throughout the day.
Full of Nutrients & Antioxidants
Guayusa tea has twice as many antioxidants as green tea. Antioxidants can help with premature aging, protect the cardiovascular and nervous systems, and even reduce cancer risks.
May Lower Blood Sugar
If your body cannot efficiently transport sugar from your blood into your cells, you might have high sugar levels. This can potentially lead to type 2 diabetes. Studies on mice showed that guayusa supplements reduced blood sugar levels and suppressed appetite in 28 days.
Guayusa Side Effects
We’ve got great news for guayusa lovers! This herbal tree doesn’t pose significant health risks if consumed in moderation. However, due to its high caffeine content, it has the same potential side effects as other caffeinated products. Drinking too much guayusa might make you restless or aggravate conditions like anxiety or insomnia. Since guayusa gives a prolonged energy boost, a less concentrated tea might be better if you are a beginner.
How to Prepare Guayusa
Guayusa tea preparation doesn’t require any complicated methods or additional tools. It is more commonly sold in a loose-leaf form than tea bags, so it will be the same process as with any other tea.
1. Add 1 teaspoon of dried guayusa tea leaves to a cup.
2. Pour 8 ounces (240 ml) of boiling water.
3. Steep for 5-7 minutes or until the tea reaches desired strength.
4. Remove the leaves and enjoy your tea!
Guayusa Iced Tea
Guayusa tea doesn’t always have to be hot to get all the benefits we discussed. Our Organic Guava Mango Guayusa is a great way to stay healthy, hydrated, and refreshed on a hot day. This revitalizing tea from the Amazon rainforest is a refreshing source of clean and focused energy. Naturally sweet, each satisfying sip offers a tropical fruity taste with rounded notes of cinnamon, clove, and stone fruit.
Final Thoughts
Guayusa tea is a fantastic herbal drink that replaces coffee, provides antioxidants, and boosts energy. Include it in your daily routine and see the results for yourself!
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At Seven Teas, we consistently brew our teas according to the highest standards to save natural caffeine levels. And because real brewed tea tastes better! We craft our teas without cutting corners:
- No citric acid
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Only natural brewed tea, hand-crafted using old-world brewing methods (steeping whole-leaf teas, just like you do at home!). Try our organic tea selection today!
