The taste enclosed in the inconspicuous leaves of holly has won the hearts of people all over the world. , because we are talking about it, is currently one of the most popular drinks. The smoky aroma and characteristic bitterness have become almost iconic, but the plant world hides another fascinating secret. Few people remember about its lesser-known sister, yerba mate, which is worth including in the diet.
Guayusa is an anti-inflammatory drink made from the leaves of the holly Ilex guayusa, which grows in the Amazon rainforest Ecuador and Peru. Although it is not technically a tea, it is often called that because of the way it is prepared. The tradition of consuming it in Amazonian cultures dates back over two thousand years, where tribes such as the Jívaro and Kichwa used it as a natural aid in digestion, vitality and fertility. As a close relative of yerba mate, guayusa stands out from other plants extremely high caffeine content, which can reach up to 4%.
This plant is gaining popularity around the world as an alternative to coffee and artificial energy drinks. Its leaves are hand-picked once or twice a year and immediately dried to preserve their nutritional value. The infusion is characterized by a delicate and sweet taste reminiscent of a combination of tea, coffee and chocolate. Additionally, it contains twice as many antioxidants as green tea, which additionally supports the body. You can drink it both warm and chilled with the addition of juices or herbs. Guayusa is a sister that improves mood, concentration and reduces the feeling of stress.
It is also worth mentioning that guayusa is grown in the Ecuadorian rainforests in a sustainable and ecological way.
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Making guayusa is simple and relatively quick. It can be brewed in two ways, depending on your preferences. The first method allows you to obtain a stronger decoction and is more traditional.
Preparing a decoction allows you to extract maximum strength from the herbs, deepens the flavor and gives the drink a dark green color. To make it, pour 2-3 teaspoons of the dried herb into a pot of water and simmer for about 5 minutes. Then set the vessel aside for another few minutes so that the leaves infuse more thoroughly. You can strain this decoction or drink it through a bombilla.
The second way is to make an infusion by pouring hot water over a portion of the leaves. For this purpose, prepare about 2-3 teaspoons of leaves for each cup of water. Heat the water to a temperature of approximately 80-90 degrees Celsius. Place the guayusa in a pot, pour water over it and leave covered for a maximum of 10 minutes. Then strain the liquid or use bombilla. Additionally, you can add honey and lemon to the infusion.
You can pour the same leaves 2 or 3 times, depending on how long the first extraction took. Also, if you are looking on hot days, guayusa also tastes great cold. Just pour cold water over the leaves and leave them in the fridge for a few hours.
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Both plants come from the same holly family, but there are many differences between them. The biggest one is the caffeine content. Guayusa contains more of it and therefore makes it stronger. It is a good choice for people who want a stimulating effect, but at the same time do not like the bitterness characteristic of yerba mate. The milder taste of the infusion is due to the low content of tannins, which makes it a pleasant alternative to the palate. Thanks to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, guayusa has a good effect on concentration, also in the long term, so it can be a permanent part of the diet. Additionally, drinking it in the evening may promote lucid dreams.
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Guayusa is a drink that can become a permanent part of the diet for many people. In addition to its milder taste and ease of preparation, it offers numerous health benefits, including:
- Natural stimulation – guayusa contains approximately 66 mg of caffeine per serving (230 ml), which places it between black tea and coffee. Thanks to the presence of theophylline and theobromine, it provides stimulation without the effect of irritation or sudden loss of strength. These ingredients alleviate the side effects of caffeine and provide a natural energy boost that is not overwhelming to the body, meaning you won’t experience a sudden drop in strength after a few hours.
- Rich in antioxidants – These leaves are a good source of polyphenols and anti-inflammatory compounds that help fight oxidative stress. The antioxidant content is higher than in green tea. Here you will find, among others: chlorogenic acid, quercetin, l-theanine and B vitamins, which have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Improving concentration and focus – the combination of caffeine with antioxidants supports cognitive functions and mental performance. The infusion improves concentration and learning ability, allowing you to work with full concentration for longer without feeling tired.
- Appetite and mood control – drinking guayusa can help control hunger and suppress appetite, which helps maintain a healthy weight. It supports metabolic health and helps stabilize blood sugar levels, while providing motivation and improving overall well-being.
Despite its numerous advantages, the infusion is not recommended for everyone. It is better to avoid consuming it or be especially careful if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have poor caffeine absorption.e.g. when its consumption causes abdominal pain or heart palpitations. Moreover, if you have problems falling asleep, it is better to refrain from drinking the infusion late in the evening. Additionally, the infusion should not be given to children.
Sources: Terazgotuje.pl, draxe.com, yerbamarket.com
