Who should not take this tea?
This tea is made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. This South American plant is a member of the holly family. The leaves are dried, shredded, and steeped to make a bitter, stimulating tea.
Caffeine and Stimulants
The beverage contains caffeine and other stimulants such as theophylline and theobromine. It typically contains around 78 mg of caffeine per cup, which is less than coffee but more than tea. The caffeine content can vary depending on factors like the age of the leaves.
Potential Health Benefits
Drinking the beverage may provide some health benefits, like:
- boosted energy and mental focus
- increased fat burning and weight loss
- improved heart health
- more antioxidants
However, more research is still needed.
There are also some safety concerns with drinking large amounts over long periods. The very hot temperatures used to brew the beverage may increase cancer risk. The smoke drying process also introduces carcinogens. The stimulants may cause side effects like jitteriness, anxiety, insomnia, and stomach upset.
Is the plant actually good for you?
The plant is made from the leaves of the holly tree that grows in South America. This tea contains caffeine, theobromine and antioxidants. It may boost energy, but taking it in large amounts or for a long time can increase cancer risk. The plant has a strong, bitter taste that some compare to coffee or smoky green tea.
If you’re looking for a tasty blend of energizing green tea and the plant with lemon, try Capital Teas. It contains health benefits of both teas and comes in loose leaf form for perfect steeping. Capital Teas excel at sourcing quality teas and the plant.
Drinking very hot the beverage above 65°C is connected to higher cancer risks, possibly due to the fact the plant contains carcinogenic PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Too much caffeine can also cause migraines, high blood pressure, and sleeplessness. Pregnant women should consult doctors before drinking the beverage since too much caffeine increases miscarriage and low birth weight risks.