Guayusa, the drink that wakes up like a coffee and has more antioxidants than green tea

The indigenous communities of the Amazon have been consuming this ancestral food for hundreds of years for their fabulous therapeutic qualities. Guayusa is an unrivaled energizing anti-aging ingredient, now you will see why. We tell you everything that this superfood can do for your health.

Properties of the guayusa

The guayusa belongs to the same family as yerba mate, ands a plant native to Ecuador and it turns out to be very similar to green tea. With this very famous plant, traditional drinks have been produced in many regions of South America for hundreds of years.

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Guayusa infusions are elaborations rich in caffeine (3%) and alkaloids. In the Amazon Guayusa was already used in ancient times as a natural energizer to keep pace in their day to day, collecting and hunting.

It is a great source of vitamins, such as Vitamin C or D, and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or potassium.

It has as much or more caffeine than coffee but it is not as exciting as your morning coffee, It gradually releases caffeine into the bloodstream so it provides energy for longer and not abruptly. A way to dose forces and not having to resort to more than one cup.

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It has twice as many antioxidants as green tea, which is already one of the plants with the most antioxidants. It is rich in polyphenols, carotenoids and quercetin. It has a great anti-aging effect preventing premature cell aging. It fights the damages produced by the free radicals fruit of the exhibition to the contamination, the stress or to the deterioration of the weaves by diseases like the cancer.

As well antibacterial properties are attributed to guayusa and it has been used for a long time to relieve gum problems.

How to drink guayusa

The traditional preparation is to infuse the guayusa leaves and drink it hot. In addition to comforting the body will provide vigor and energy during the day, that's why it's a good option to have it at breakfast. It can also be taken as a cold infusion leaving it to cool in the fridge once infused.

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Besides being able to add to the infusion sweeteners such as stevia, coconut sugar or agave syrup, tYou can also mix it with other superfoods to enhance its healthy benefits. For example you can combine guayusa with camu-camu, baobab, flax or chia seeds … mix them in shakes, with yogurt, pancake batter, juices …

You can combine the guayusa with a purifying herb to enhance the diuretic effect, put cinnamon on boiling or combine it with relaxing infusions. Just do not miss the dose, When containing caffeine it is not advisable to abuse the guayusa because it can cause sleep disturbances, tachycardia, anxiety or headaches. Take it in its proper measure and always do it before mid-afternoon so as not to have insomnia problems and benefit from all its incredible healthy properties.