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Guayusa is a South American drink that is beginning to gain popularity in Europe.
It is considered a cousin of the famous mate and is an integral part of Latin culture. It is a key element of social gatherings and is known for its ability to increase energy.
Guayusa tea has been consumed in South America for over two thousand years. This type of tea is an infusion made from the leaves of a holly tree whose scientific name is Ilex Guayusa (same family as the mate plant, Ilex Paraguariensis ).
The guayusa tree is native to the Amazon rainforest and is commonly cultivated in Ecuador. It is also found in the Brazilian Amazon, the Bolivian Andes, Peru, and Colombia.
The largest guayusa tea producing regions are the Ecuadorian provinces of Napo and Pastaza.
Guayusa plants are evergreen trees that can grow up to 30 meters tall. Most guayusa trees are pruned to waist height. This constant pruning encourages the growth of new guayusa leaves and makes harvesting by hand easier.
Guayusa tea is also known as huayusa in the native language of the Kichwa indigenous people. It is also called wayus or wais in the indigenous language of the Shuar.
Guayusa tea contains high concentrations of caffeine, amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Guayusa 's flavor is similar to that of mate. However, its taste is less bitter. It is grassy and rich with a mild sweetness.
Guayusa has light fruity aromas and a creamy texture.
This South American tea is known to be a healthy energy drink .
Guayusa is a common ingredient in energy drinks in America. This tea can help enhance mental clarity and increase physical energy.
Guayusa's caffeine content is higher than that of black tea, but lower than that of a strong cup of coffee. Guayusa also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which releases caffeine more steadily. It is often consumed as an alternative to coffee .
Guayusa contains theobromine and theophylline. These two chemical compounds are known stimulants that help improve concentration and increase energy.
Guayusa tea is considered a superfood due to its composition. It is rich in amino acids and contains almost twice as many antioxidants as green tea. Like mate, it is an excellent natural antioxidant .
Guayusa tea helps streamline digestive processes. It has anti-inflammatory properties that are responsible for its benefits on digestive health.
Guayusa may help increase weight loss due to its caffeine content.
Researchers used mice and rats to examine the effects of guayusa on weight loss in two studies. The results showed that guayusa reduced triglyceride and lipid levels by increasing fat-burning processes.
A second study published in the International Journal of Toxicology found that caffeine and theobromine helped reduce body weight and increase feed efficiency in female rats.
Nothing could be simpler, guayusa tea is prepared like a classic infusion:
Like iced mate , guayusa tea can also be consumed as an iced tea.
To do this, simply prepare your infusion as indicated above, let it cool to room temperature, then place it in the freezer for a few hours. Enjoy it chilled on hot summer days!
Currently, guayusa tea is still quite difficult to find in France. With a little luck, you might be able to find it in South American product stores or on Amazon.
Easier to find than guayusa , mate is the most popular natural energy drink in South America.
Want to try mate? Discover Argentina's national drink with our mate discovery kits .
