Health Benefits
Is yerba mate actually good for you?
This caffeine-containing South American drink made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant has health benefits similar to coffee, tea, and chocolate. Indigenous South Americans called it "the drink of the gods."
It contains polyphenols and saponins which may boost immunity, improve heart health, and provide other benefits. However, it may increase cancer risk for people who smoke or drink alcohol.
Compared to coffee, it has less caffeine but provides more prolonged energy. It also has antioxidants like green tea plus mood-boosting compounds like chocolate. It protects the nervous system and provides vitamins, minerals, and herbs that may fight heart disease and weight gain.
Flavor and Preparation
Why is the mate drink so addictive?
The yerba mate plant comes from the wild, but it’s also cultivated on plantations. The flavor can be described as earthy, grassy, or woodsy with hints of fruit. It’s typically served as a tea in gourds and drunk from a straw called a bombilla.
Drinking very hot mate is associated with a higher risk of cancer. This may be because it contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are carcinogenic. More research is needed into the safety and side effects.
Green Tea
Is the South American drink just green tea?
It has more antioxidants than green tea. It also has higher caffeine levels but doesn’t cause jitters. Over six times more of the herbal drink is consumed daily than coffee in parts of South America. The flavor is more intense and bitter than delicate, earthy green tea.
The herbal infusion seems superior in the fight against oxidative stress. It also reduces and attacks cancer cells, slows glucose release, and provides roughly the same benefits as green tea antioxidants.
Daily Consumption
It’s finally gaining recognition globally. It has many health benefits driving this tea trend. The infusion isn’t considered a drug but contains compounds like caffeine that stimulate mildly. In countries where popular, it’s part of daily life, similar to coffee or tea.
Does the infusion give you a buzz?
Most brands contain between 25 and 175 mg of caffeine per gram.
It delivers the most balanced energy boost compared to:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Kola nut
- Cocoa
- Guarana
It doesn’t give you the jitters, unlike coffee. This effect occurs from a combination of caffeine and theobromine.
It’s common for an avid drinker to consume at least 1–2 liters per day. It is commonly consumed as a morning pick-me-up. However, South Americans can drink it all day long.