Guayusa (pronounced glajusa) is a tea that contains similar amounts of caffeine to coffee, is healthy as green tea, as relaxing as cocoa, and has slimming properties.  in addition, it is delicate in taste  - it sounds inviting?  

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Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is a tree in the holly family  from the Amazon rainforest.  Since ancient times, people have collected the leaves of this tree for their sake  health benefits including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties ( 1 ).

In Ecuador, the locals have long been drinking guayusa to increase vigilance, especially when working. In fact, some indigenous tribes call guayusa the "night watchman" because the drink is sometimes used to help people stay awake all night long.

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Potential Benefits and Uses of Guayusa

Although research is limited, guayusa may have several health benefits. ​

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Improving mood and concentration;

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Guayusa contains an impressive amount of caffeine, comparable to coffee ( 2 ) . It also has in its composition  theobromine, an alkaloid that is structurally similar to caffeine. Theobromine is also found in foods like chocolate and cocoa ( 3 ).

Studies have shown that combining caffeine with theobromine improves mood, alertness and concentration ( 4 ).  One study in 20 healthy adults found that a mixture of caffeine (19 mg) and theobromine (250 mg) may improve the cognitive function of the brain ( 5 ).

Compared to other types of caffeinated drinks, guayusa is believed to provide mental alertness without negative side effects, including hyperactivity or pressure jumps like coffee or energy drinks.

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It is rich in antioxidants

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Research shows that guayusa has several antioxidants ( 6 ), ( 7 ), ( 8 ).  These substances reduce oxidative stress by fighting free radicals, which are unstable molecules in your body. They can help lower the risk of many chronic diseases ( 9 ).

Guayusa is especially rich in a group of polyphenol antioxidants known as catechins that may protect against inflammation, heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes ( 10 ), ( 11 ), ( 12 ), ( 13 ).  Animal studies have linked catechins in tea to reduced cholesterol levels ( 14 ) .

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However, more research is still needed on the specific guayusa compounds and their effects on human health.

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It stabilizes blood sugar levels

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If your body is unable to efficiently transport sugar from your blood to the cells, you may experience the consequences of high blood sugar. (very frequent urination, increased thirst - fluids help the body to dilute too much sugar - headaches, blurred vision, fatigue or weight loss not explained by deliberate weight loss). When you do not take any action to check and  cure can  this will eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. Guayusa may help lower blood sugar levels. In a 28-day (non-diabetic) mouse study, guayusa was shown to significantly lower blood sugar, suppress appetite, and reduce body weight ( 15 ).

The current research is very limited and the results do not necessarily apply to humans. More human research is needed.

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It can help you lose weight

Guayusa, due to its high caffeine content,  can support weight loss and weight loss.  Caffeine is a natural stimulant that helps boost your metabolism, thereby increasing the number of calories your body burns. Research also reveals that it reduces appetite ( 16 ), ( 17 ), ( 18 ).  However, many of these benefits can be short-term as the effects of caffeine appear to diminish over time ( 19 ).  Moreover, most studies use extremely high dosages that you wouldn't get with a cup or two of guayusa teas.

It's worth remembering that French  people who care about their figure often reach for a piece of dark chocolate, which immediately gives a feeling of fullness. Guayusa contains theobromine - an ingredient in chocolate and cocoa.  

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Ultimately, more research is needed on long-term low-dose caffeine ingestion.

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Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Guayusa

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Overall, guayusa is a very safe tea. Drinking it in moderation does not cause any negative effects ( 20 ).

Excessive doses of caffeine can cause symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. However, guayusa - despite its caffeine content - does not elicit a reaction  associated with excess caffeine ( 2 ).  Like many teas, guayusa also has tannins in its composition - compounds that can interfere with iron absorption and induce nausea, especially if consumed on an empty stomach ( 21 ), ( 22 ), ( 23 ) .  A small amount of g arbrants  contained in tea should not harm your health, however, in the case of people with iron deficiency, it is recommended to limit consumption.

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Common questions about GUAYUS

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How is guayusa different from yerba mate?

Yerba mate comes from the Ilex paraguariensis plant (found mainly in Argentina). Guayusa comes from a plant called Ilex guayusa (the most common in Ecuador). Both are holly native to the rainforests of South America.

Tea is made from the leaves of both plants and consumed as an alternative to coffee. The key difference between guayusa and yerba mate is the flavor. Unlike yerba mate, which can be a bit bitter, guayusa is considered smooth, earthy, and slightly sweet in taste.

How is the caffeine in guayusa different from the caffeine in coffee?

Guayusa, often referred to as a "pure" source of caffeine, provides "balanced energy". Proponents argue that the compounds found in guayusa cause caffeine to be released into the body slowly and evenly, which prevents the negative effects that can occur with coffee or other caffeinated preparations - such as hyperactivity or nervousness.

The caffeine content in guayusa and coffee can vary greatly depending on how it is produced and brewed. However, the caffeine in one cup of brewed guayusa is similar to the caffeine in a cup of coffee.

Does the cultivation and production of guayusa affect the health of tropical forests?

Guayusa is usually grown on small family farms according to environmentally friendly methods. For this reason, it is believed that the increased demand for guayusa can support the sustainable development of tropical forests as well as aid the development of agricultural communities.

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How to prepare guayusa?

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There are several methods of preparing guayusa. However, it is usually recommended that you use 1 teaspoon of guayusa powder for one glass of brew (or more if you want a stronger drink).  

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Cooking : This is the most common method as it brings out the most beneficial substances in the leaves.

Crushed or powdered leaves should be put into a small pot and covered with water (1 teaspoon or more, for 250 ml - 1 glass). Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-10 minutes, then set aside for a few minutes. The brew prepared in this way can be strained through a fine strainer or wait for the grounds to settle - just like in coffee.

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French Press  - powdered guayusa can also be poured over with boiling water in a French press coffee pot, wait a few minutes and drain.

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Filter coffee maker  - some people pour guayusa into a traditional filter coffee machine, which is simpler and less time-consuming.

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Solar tea  - in the Amazon, the method of brewing in the sun is also used. To do this, pour the powder into a transparent jug, pour water over it and put it in direct sunlight for 4-6 hours. It can be drunk cold or slightly warmed and served with lemon and honey.

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Coconut sweetness  - brew the guayusa in the way you choose.  Drain the coffee grounds, then pour into a blender or shaker. Add a large tablespoon of coconut milk, any amount of honey or brown sugar - as you like and taste, and blend or mix everything well. This recipe is by far one of the favorites among guayusa lovers.

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