Guayusa: The Health Benefits
Before we get into the research on guayusa’s health benefits, you might be wondering – what exactly is guayusa?
Pronounced “why-you-sa”, guayusa is the caffeinated leaf of a holly tree known as the Ilex Guayusa tree, found almost exclusively in the Amazon rainforests of Ecuador. Although its leaves are brewed like a tea, the guayusa tree is not related to the tea plant (camellia sinensis), from which green/black tea come.
Ecuador’s indigenous communities have been brewing the guayusa leaf for centuries, as a daily source of natural energy and to help them to stay both alert and calm on hunting trips. However it’s only in the last ten years that guayusa has become known in the Western world, where it is becoming an increasingly popular source of nourishment, energy and focus, and an alternative to other caffeine sources such as coffee, green tea, or synthetic energy drinks.
This increasing interest has been followed by a growing body of research that is revealing some impressive health benefits. We’re highlighting some of that research below:
Guayusa: The Health Benefits
Before we get into the research on guayusa’s health benefits, you might be wondering – what exactly is guayusa?
Pronounced “why-you-sa”, guayusa is the caffeinated leaf of a holly tree known as the Ilex Guayusa tree, found almost exclusively in the Amazon rainforests of Ecuador. Although its leaves are brewed like a tea, the guayusa tree is not related to the tea plant (camellia sinensis), from which green/black tea come.
Ecuador’s indigenous communities have been brewing the guayusa leaf for centuries, as a daily source of natural energy and to help them to stay both alert and calm on hunting trips. It’s only in the last ten years that guayusa has become known in the Western world, where it is becoming an increasingly popular source of energy and focus, and an alternative to other caffeine sources.
This increasing interest has been followed by a growing body of research that is revealing some impressive health benefits. We’re highlighting some of that research below:
1. Clean Energy
Guayusa is said to provide “clean energy” – a feeling of sustained alertness and mental clarity, without the jitters or crash of other caffeine sources.
The mechanism behind this unique feeling has been revealed in a recent clinical trial. The study demonstrated how the caffeine in guayusa provides the same cognitive benefits (such as increases in dopamine and serotonin) as caffeine from coffee and synthetic sources, but with one important difference: while caffeine from coffee and synthetic sources spike your adrenaline levels, guayusa does not.
Adrenaline is the stress hormone responsible for our “fight or flight” response. When this spikes, it can cause us to feel anxious or “jittery”. When that adrenaline suddenly leaves our system, we’re left with the dreaded coffee crash and a 3pm slump!
Thanks to guayusa’s lower adrenal response, you can experience caffeine’s upsides (mood and energy lift), without these adrenaline-induced downsides (the jitters or crash). This allows for a much more focused and sustained energy and makes guayusa a perfect coffee or energy drink alternative.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
The guayusa leaf is a rich source of antioxidants, with more antioxidants than many other superfoods, including green tea. These antioxidants help the body fight against oxidative stress and the illnesses it contributes to.
The most prominent antioxidant in guayusa is a type of polyphenol called chlorogenic acid. Test results of our green guayusa show that it has an impressive 4% chlorogenic acid content. That means that within each 3 gram serving of our guayusa there is roughly 120mg of chlorogenic acids, an amount equivalent to those used in clinical trials (see this page for more info). These trials have shown numerous benefits arising from chlorogenic acid consumption at this level, including:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Regulated blood sugar levels
- Improved mood
- Improved cognitive function
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Slowed absorption of carbohydrates in the gut
3. Lower Calorie Option
Guayusa is unique from other caffeine sources in that it has a naturally smooth taste that doesn’t get bitter, even when steeped for a long time. This means there’s no need to add sugar or milk to your daily cup.
This can make a significant difference for those trying to manage their calorie intake. Did you know that a typical flat white contains 120 calories (before adding sugar), while a Starbucks matcha latte has 240 calories? For someone drinking several caffeinated drinks a day, that can add up to a significant portion of their recommended calorie intake. Switching to guayusa means you avoid these calories, freeing you up to get your calorie intake from sources of higher nutritional value than sugar or milk.
4. Low in Tannins
- It won’t yellow/stain teeth or cups the way coffee or black tea can
- It is easy on the stomach (tannins can cause a feeling of nausea, especially when drank on an empty stomach)
- It won’t prevent the absorption of non-heme iron, the only type of iron found in vegetables (and therefore very important for vegans and vegetarians)
These are just some of the reasons why more and more people are making the switch to guayusa. There are other studies revealing other benefits (such as this study, which shows promising results for guayusa’s potential as a treatment for diabetes), and we look forward to updating you as more research emerges!
