Acesulfame potassium is a zero-calorie sweetener that is added to many sugar-free…
Guayusa
Guayusa
Guayusa
What is it:
Guayusa is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest, known for its stimulating and energizing properties. It is commonly consumed as an herbal tea and is gaining popularity globally for its potential health benefits. The production process for use involves harvesting the leaves of the guayusa plant, followed by a drying process that preserves its natural compounds and flavors. The dried leaves can then be ground into a fine powder or used as whole leaves, suitable for infusion in various food and beverage products. Due to its naturally occurring caffeine content and antioxidant properties, guayusa is often incorporated into energy drinks, herbal teas, and health-focused food products to provide a natural energy boost.
Rating:
Guayusa is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. In animal studies, it has appeared safe for consumption and has not demonstrated toxicity. More human research on guayusa are currently being conducted.
Resources:
- Critical review of the use of guayusa (review)
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of guayusa (comparative study)
- No acute toxicity determined from guayusa in rats (animal study)
- No genetic or general toxicity found for guayusa (in vitro and animal studies)
How we rate ingredients
Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:
Clean
It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.
Caution
It goes into one or more of the below categories
- It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
- It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)
We Avoid
It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)
Top Ingredients To Avoid
Almond extract is a concentrated liquid flavoring derived from almonds, commonly used…
Recent Articles
Not all flavors, or oils are created equal!
The Food Showdown: Popcorners flavors
Ingredient Rating: Canola oil – is it bad for you?
Clean Consuming: Nourishment for your
Is It Clean 2023 Recap + Our top 3 Tips for a Healthier 2024
We have accomplished so much in just 1 year since our launch in March of 2023! We now have 10,000
Food Showdown: Nacho Chips
The Nacho Chip Food Showdown, is Tapioca Starch safe in food? and a must-see documentary on America’s food system.