ilex Guayusa - Coffee alternative from the Kichwa Indians from Ecuador
Introduction
Originally from the depths of the Amazon ilex Guayusa plant is also gaining more and more attention here in Europe. No wonder, after all Ilex Guayusa Drinked as an energizer by the indigenous people of Ecuador, called Kichwa Indians, instead of the coffee that also grows in Ecuador.
Why the indigenous peoples Ilex Guayusa prefer over coffee, like Guayusa In this article we'll take a look at how tea tastes, works and how it compares to coffee and matcha.
Table of contents
- ilex Guayusa – A wake-up call with tradition
- Unique & natural effect of Ilex Guayusa
- Guayusa vs. coffee vs. matcha
- ilex Guayusa Active ingredients
- Guayusa The taste
- Conclusion: Ilex Guayusa, more than just a wake-up call
1. Ilex Guayusa – A wake-up call with tradition
ilex Guayusa is a species of holly native to South America, which occurs predominantly in the northwestern part of the Amazon region (mainly in Ecuador, but also in Colombia and Peru). It is grown at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters and is a shrub that can grow into a tree up to 30 meters high.
Ilex plants are generally poisonous to humans. Some species, such as the ilex Guayusa, or the mate bush Ilex Paraguariensis however, are suitable for human consumption and provide many health benefits.
This was and is also known to the Kichwa Indians from Ecuador. Guayusa is a traditional plant with a history going back thousands of years. According to legend, the ancestors of the Kichwa Indians prayed to the gods and asked for a way to be more alert, focused and concentrated while hunting at night. This wish was heard by the gods and they gave them Ilex Guayusa.
2. Unique & natural effect of Ilex Guayusa
For many generations Guayusa used by the Kichwa Indians. In the Kichwa culture it is normal to get up at 3 a.m. and start the day with one Guayusa tea to start.
The indigenous people have been using the leaves for this purpose for many centuries Guayusa Plant, both fresh and dried. The leaves are cooked in a pot over an open fire. The women of the community draw regularly Guayusa Tea and distribute it to everyone sitting by the fire.
The high caffeine content protects against fatigue and sharpens the senses. Also 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% Caffeine content the Guayusa-Leaves significantly higher than that of coffee. On average has 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 caffeine is... Guayusa However, tea is much more sustainable. It lasts longer, appears more subtle, more creative and more focused.
Side effects such as stomach problems, tremors, stress or restlessness that are common with coffee are common Guayusa Tea not known.
Around the Side effects The only way to avoid coffee is to avoid it, drastically reduce it or at least switch to correctly roasted coffee like ours Ecuador coffee, which is roasted by hand and comes from organic permaculture. We've told you how to stop drinking coffee or reduce it by 50% overnight without sacrificing the taste in our guide "Drink less coffee or stop it altogether, this is how to give it up!" described.
3.2. Guayusa Comparison with Matcha
In the Comparison with Japanese Matcha is the perceived effect on the cardiovascular system in Ilex Guayusa Tea even gentler and lasts longer.
Both teas, as long as they are genuine matcha from Japan, have approximately the same amount Antioxidants and are gentle on the stomach.
4. Ilex Guayusa Active ingredients
In addition to its high caffeine content, it stands out Guayusa also characterized by an extremely rich content of minerals, vitamins, amino acids as well as L-theanine, theophylline and theobromine. You can find a separate overview with a description of all active ingredients in our article "Guayusa Tea ingredients".
4.1. L-Theanine
L-Theanine is used to treat stress, anxiety and depression. Proven The amino acid promotes relaxation and improves concentration Learning ability.
What is special is that L-theanine has so far only been found in two plants and one fungus. One of these two plants is Ilex Guayusa.
In combination with caffeine, L-theanine can develop its best effects and contribute to increased physical and mental performance.
4.2. Theophylline
The active substance Theophylline also occurs in the leaves of the plant. Theophylline has stimulating properties and is used to treat lung diseases.
Theophylline expands the air channels and thereby helps better absorption of oxygen. To intensify the effect, it is recommended to take theophylline at the same time as theobromine.
4.3. Theobromine
Theobromine is also in Ilex Guayusa contain. This active ingredient promotes blood circulation in the brain and stimulates brain performance. Theobromine also stimulates the heart and increases its pumping capacity.
4.4. Other ingredients in Ilex Guayusa
- Antioxidants (the content is twice as high as green tea)
- Polyphenols (secondary plant substances)
- Carotenoids (provitamin A)
- Quercetin (natural dye and free radical scavenger)
- Vitamin C and D
- 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 herbal tea
Who the Ilex Guayusa Trying tea for the first time will be surprised at how smooth it tastes. Unlike coffee, green tea, black tea or mate Guayusa never bitter and can therefore still be drunk even after long steeping times.
6. Conclusion: Ilex Guayusa, more than just a wake-up call
ilex Guayusa is more than just a morning wake-up call. Guayusa Tea is one of the most exciting plants of this time and is very trendy thanks to its unique properties. The plant, so valued by the Kichwa Indians, is becoming increasingly popular with us too natural energy drink.
Due to their high Caffeine content can Guayusa easily keep up with coffee and other caffeinated drinks. Additionally contains Guayusa additional active ingredients that make the effect significantly more pleasant compared to other caffeinated drinks.
