Energy and focus with Guayusa
Despite being a tea lover, I almost always start my day with coffee, which is not the best thing to do according to my ayurveda type, which is predominantly vata (read: plenty of energy). However, sometimes I do feel it's time to take a break from coffee and either switch to green tea, which is loaded with antioxidants, or better yet, reach out for my stash of guayusa leaves which also has plenty of antioxidants and a very special ingredient. I admit I wasn’t a big fan right from the start, but I became its fresh taste grew on me and now I actually like it!
What’s so special about Guayusa?
Like many wonderful herbs and superfoods, Guayusa leaves are native to South America, more precisely, the lush Amazon rainforest, where they grow on trees that reach up to 30 meters. Although Guyayusa contains a good amount of caffeine, what makes it so special is the presence of an alkaloid called theobromine, which boosts cognitive functions but, unlike caffeine, it doesn’t drastically increase epinephrine, a stress hormone, hence providing the right balance between focus and calm.
The theobromine in guyausa can keep you focused and calm.
Like green tea, guayusa is also rich in antioxidants, namely catechins, which have strong anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties and can significantly lower cholesterol levels. Furthermore, if you are trying to lose weight the catechins in guayusa can lower blood sugar levels, stimulate metabolism and even suppress appetite.
When taking guyausa keep in mind that despite the balancing effect of theobromine, the caffeine content is still pretty high and might keep you awake and alert, so, if you are not looking to do an all-nighter refrain from consuming in the later hours of the day.
Lastly, guayusa, like many other teas, contains powerful polyphenols, called tannins, with high antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. However, be mindful that tannins can lower iron absorption and cause nausea when consumed with an empty stomach, so eat something before you drink it.
Try it and let us know what you think!
