What Is Yaupon?
Yaupon tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the Yaupon plant, a type of holly native to southeastern North America. It has been popular in Native American Culture long before Columbus settled in the new world. It’s history dates back to the Atlantic Coast and Southeastern North America.
Yaupon is the only “tea” native to North America. It’s drought-resistant, grown-wild, needs little water or maintenance, and is hand-harvested. It doesn’t get that much more sustainable. Yaupon is a great source of antioxidants and other compounds like caffeine and theobromine, which can support brain function and increase energy and alertness.
Benefits of Yaupon
1. Energy Booster
Yaupon Leaves contain theobromine, a methylxanthine and very similar to caffeine. Theobromine is an energy booster without the unnecessary side-effects generally produced by caffeine.
2. Boosts Metabolism
The high contents of antioxidants make Yaupon act as an efficient metabolism booster. Antioxidants detoxify your body and allow your metabolism to speed up. thus, burning fats.
3. Anti-Inflammatory
Polyphenol-rich teas, such as Yaupon tea, can improve the activity of non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant defense systems by foraging oxygen-free radicals which also reduces inflammation.
4. Cancer Prevention
Theaflavins and thearubigins, the bountiful polyphenols in Yaupon tea, possess strong chemopreventive properties. Yaupon Holly leaves contain phenolic acids and flavanoids that have been shown through numerous studies to possess both, anti-inflammatory effects and chemopreventive elements in colon cancer.
5. Immune System
Yaupon tea is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are highly beneficial in promoting immune system health. They increase the production of white blood cells, antibodies, interferon (which basically protect your cell surfaces, reducing the entry of viruses), as well as hasten healing.
6. Cardiovascular Health
Several studies have shown that the consumption of polyphenols, prevalent in Yaupon leaves, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, as they are powerful inhibitors of LDL oxidation.
7. Digestive Health
Yaupon tea can also aid in digestion. Since the theobromine in Yaupon tea works as a muscle-relaxer for smooth muscle tissue, it can alleviate symptoms of IBS. The polyphenols in Yaupon tea also contribute to good gut health.
8. Anti-Diabetic
Polyphenol-rich teas, like Yaupon, may have an effect on glycemia through different processes. including the inhibition of glucose absorption or its intake by peripheral tissues.
9. Dental Health
Theobromine, in Yaupon leaves, has been shown to prevent the demineralization of enamel and can promote the growth of new enamel. Theobromine can repair and re-mineralize exposed dentin (what your teeth are made of below the enamel).
Statements regarding dietary supplements and benefits have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.