Guayusa - the guards of the Indians

Introduction

The one originally from the depths of the Amazon ilex Guayusa plant We also get more and more attention from us in Europe. No wonder, after all, Ilex becomes Guayusa by the primeval peoples of Ecuador, called Kichwa Indian, instead of the coffee, which is also growing in Ecuador, drunk as an energy.

Why the indigenous peoples Ilex Guayusa prefer coffee about coffee Guayusa Tea tastes, looks and as if compared to coffee and Matcha, we look at this article.

Table of contents

1. ilex Guayusa - Wachmacher with tradition
2. Unique & natural effect of Ilex Guayusa
3. Guayusa vs. coffee vs. Matcha
   1. Guayusa Comparison with coffee
   2. Guayusa Comparison with Matcha
4. ilex Guayusa Active ingredients
   1. L-theanin
   2. Theophyllin
   3. Theobromine
   4. Other ingredients in Ilex Guayusa
5. Guayusa The taste
6. Conclusion: Ilex Guayusa, more than just a junior

1. Ilex Guayusa - Wachmacher with tradition

ilex Guayusa is a Stechpalmen type based in South America, which is mainly found in the northwestern part of the Amazon area (especially in Ecuador, but also in Colombia and Peru). It is grown at heights of up to 2,000 meters and is a shrub that can grow into a tree of up to 30 meters.

Ilex plants are usually poisonous for humans. Some species, such as the ilex Guayusa, or the Mate Strauch Ilex paraguaria however, are suitable for human consumption and offer many health benefits.

This was and is also known to the Kichwa Indian from Ecuador. Guayusa is a traditional plant with a thousand -old story. According to legend, the ancestors of the Kichwa Indians prayed to the gods and asked for a way to be awake, more focused and concentrated in the night hunt. This wish was heard by the gods and they gave them Ilex Guayusa.

2. Unique & natural effect of Ilex Guayusa

For many generations will be Guayusa used by the Kichwa Indians. In the culture of Kichwa it is normal to get up at 3 a.m. and the day with one Guayusa Tea to start.

For many centuries, the indigenous people have been using the leaves of the Guayusa Plant, both fresh and dried. The leaves are cooked in a saucepan over open fire. The women in the community draw regularly Guayusa Tea and distribute them under all of them at the fire.

The high caffeine content protects against fatigue and sharpens the senses. In addition, increases Guayusa The endurance and concentration.

3. Guayusa vs. coffee vs. Matcha

3.1. Guayusa Comparison with coffee

With a share of 1.8% to 7.6%, the Caffeine content the Guayusa-Blätter significantly higher than that of coffee. On average Guayusa approx. 3% caffeine. Coffee, on the other hand, has between 1.4% and 3% and is therefore below Ilex Guayusa.

In contrast to coffee, the effect of the caffeine is in Guayusa However, tea is much more sustainable. It lasts longer, looks more subtle, more creative and more focusing.

Side effects such as stomach complaints, tremors, stress or restlessness you know from coffee are at Guayusa Tea not known.

To the Side effects Avoiding from coffee remains only the waiver, a drastic reduction or at least switching to a correctly roasted coffee like ours Ecuador coffee, which is roasted by hand and comes from biological permacultures. How to stop drinking coffee or reduce it by 50% overnight without foregoing the taste, we have you in our guide "Drink less coffee or stop completely, so the waiver works!"described.

3.2. Guayusa Comparison with Matcha

In the Comparison with the Japanese Matcha Is the perceived effect on the cardiovascular system at Ilex Guayusa Tea even gentler and still lasts longer.

Both teas, if it is a real Matcha from Japan, have about the same many Antioxidants And are gastric-gentle.

4. Ilex Guayusa Active ingredients

In addition to their high caffeine content, it is characterized Guayusa also due to an extremely rich content of minerals, vitamins, amino acids as well as L-theanin, theophyllin and theobromine. A separate overview with description of all active ingredients can be found in our post "Guayusa Tea ingredients".

4.1. L-theanin

L-theanin is used to treat stress, fears and depression. As shown promotes amino acid relaxation and improves concentration and Ability to learn.

It is special that L-theanin has so far been found in only two plants and a mushroom. One of these two plants is Ilex Guayusa.

In combination with caffeine, L-theanin can have its effect very well and contribute to an increased physical and mental performance.

4.2. Theophyllin

The active substance Theophyllin also occurs in the leaves of the plant. Theophyllin has stimulating properties and is used to treat lung diseases.

Theophyllin stretches the air channels and thus helps to take better absorption of oxygen. In order to intensify the effect, theophyllin is advised to take theobromine at the same time.

4.3. Theobromine

Theobromine Is also in Ilex Guayusa contain. This active ingredient promotes blood flow to the brain and stimulates the performance of the brain. Theobromine also stimulates the heart and increases its pumping performance.

4.4. Other ingredients in Ilex Guayusa

1. Antioxidants (the content is twice as high as with green tea)
2. Polyphenols (secondary plant substances)
3. Carotinoids (provitamin A)
4. Quercetin (natural dye and radical catcher)
5. Vitamin C and D
6. Magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc

5. Guayusa The taste

Guayusa is comparable to the taste of mate tea, but without the bitter and smoky aftertaste. Guayusa Tastes like a fruity, sweet and earthy herb tea

Who the Ilex Guayusa Test tried for the first time, it will be surprised how gently it tastes. Unlike coffee, green tea, black tea or mate Guayusa never bitter and can therefore still be drunk even after long time times.

6. Conclusion: Ilex Guayusa, more than just a junior

ilex Guayusa is more than just a morning vigilant. Guayusa Tea is one of the most exciting plants of that time and is very trendy thanks to its unique properties. The plant, which is so valued by the Kichwa Indians, is also becoming more popular with us natural energy drink.

Through their high Caffeine content can Guayusa Conspectively keep up with coffee and other caffeine -containing drinks. In addition, contains Guayusa Other active ingredients that make the effect compared to other caffeine -containing drinks much more pleasant.