Is this herbal tea good for your kidneys?
This South American beverage is a herbal tea made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It’s a popular drink in South America with a nutty, herby, bitter and smokey flavor that can vary depending on preparation. Many add sweeteners or lemon to enhance the flavor.
Drinking Traditions
It’s traditionally drunk from a hollow gourd using a metal straw. Sharing it this way is considered a sign of friendship.
Health Benefits
This infusion is rich in antioxidants, nutrients and compounds providing an energy boost similar to coffee but with less caffeine.
Research shows it has several health benefits:
- Increases focus and alertness
- Provides vitamins and minerals
- May benefit digestion
- Contains compounds linked to lower disease risk
- May support weight loss by boosting metabolism
Drinking it is generally safe for healthy adults but long term safety needs more research. Compared to coffee, it may be easier on digestion.
Does this plant infusion reduce inflammation?
This drink is traditionally consumed from a container called a gourd and sipped with a metal straw. Sharing it is a sign of friendship.
It contains antioxidants, nutrients like xanthines, caffeoyl derivatives, and polyphenols. It can increase energy, mental focus, weight loss, and immunity. Studies found drinking it regularly aids concentration and mental performance by stimulating dopamine production. Its antioxidants also support digestion and suppress appetite.
Drinking its extract did not change lipid profiles in normal or high-cholesterol rabbits. But its antioxidant properties may help reduce atherosclerosis progression.
It inhibits bacteria, preventing issues. It also contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds that reduce inflammatory responses.
Saponins in it support metabolic flexibility for weight management. To prepare it, fill one-third of the gourd with leaves then add hot water. It can be enjoyed hot or cold.
This South American drink is made by steeping the leaves and stems of the Ilex paraguariensis plant in hot water. It has several health benefits backed by science. It’s rich in antioxidants and nutrients. It can boost energy, enhance physical performance, and improve mental focus. It may also help lose weight and belly fat, protect against infections, boost immunity, and lower blood sugar levels.
Along with caffeine, it contains other bioactive compounds providing a balanced energy boost.
Too much of it may increase cancer risk. Moderation is key to enjoy it safely.