The tea is made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It has been widely consumed in South America for centuries as a social and medicinal drink. Some research suggests it has antioxidant properties and may protect the heart, liver, and brain as well as reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and increase "good" HDL cholesterol.
The caffeine, vitamins, and minerals in the infusion may provide an energy boost, improved mental focus, and enhanced physical performance. However, its caffeine content is similar to coffee so it may cause side effects like jitteriness in sensitive people or interact negatively with sleep if consumed late in the day.
The tea is traditionally served communally in a hollow gourd and sipped through a metal straw with a filter on the end. It has a strong, bitter flavor and is often consumed with lemon, milk, or sugar. The infusion is prepared similarly to other loose leaf teas by steeping the dried leaves in hot water. It can also be served cold.
While it is less well-known in North America, it is ubiquitous across South American countries where drinking the infusion is considered a cultural tradition and ritual of hospitality.
Do you get a buzz from yerba mate?
You feel instantly more awake after drinking it early in the morning. A cup of the tea can warm you up on cold days. The plant is what you need to feel instantly more alert, clearer, and more focused if you have to stay up late or start your day early. After consuming just one cup most people sensitive to caffeine experience a buzz or an energized feeling. Some may take longer to experience that buzz and may need several cups. Due to theobromine aficionados usually report feeling more cheerful and happier after drinking it. The infusion provides an energy boost due to its high caffeine content. Caffeine is linked to increased alertness, improved concentration, reduced fatigue, and enhanced physical performance. It might help boost mental function. Containing a moderate amount of caffeine, this drink’s brain-enhancing benefits are well known.
The infusion has a diuretic and slightly laxative effect. This helps the body eliminate toxins and purify itself naturally. “It raises morale, sustains strength, augments the muscular system, and allows one to endure privations.” The mental clarity from coffee and the mental clarity from it are different. While it leaves your head warm and floaty with a steady rise and decline to normal.
It isn’t psychedelic or hallucinogenic but it’s the closest thing to it out of any tea or coffee. It is most commonly prepared as a hot tea. This caffeine-rich infused drink called mate is made from dried leaves mixed with hot water.
Containing three main compounds – caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline – it provides an energy boost due to its high caffeine content, which is linked to increased alertness, improved concentration, reduced fatigue, and enhanced physical performance.
Is it OK to drink yerba mate everyday?
The tea is made by steeping dried leaves from the plant in hot water. Like black or green tea, it contains caffeine and antioxidants. It may provide several health benefits, but more research is needed.
- South Americans safely drink 1–4 liters of it per day.
- In the United States, Canada, and Europe, avid drinkers often consume 1–2 liters daily.
The tea can be served hot or cold. It has a less intense caffeine effect than coffee that lasts longer.
Compared to caffeine in energy drinks, its energy boost is more subtle but longer lasting. This may relate to the lower caffeine concentration. Some research suggests it has 90% more antioxidants than green tea. However, studies confirming the tea’s health benefits are limited.
Drinking moderate daily amounts is likely safe for most healthy adults. But regularly drinking large quantities over extended periods may increase cancer risks of the mouth, esophagus or lungs, especially if combined with smoking. More research is needed on its health effects.
Does yerba mate actually give you energy?
The tea contains caffeine and other stimulants that provide an energy boost. It has been traditionally consumed in South American countries.
Some potential benefits include:
- Increased fat burning and metabolism
- Appetite suppression
- Improved mental focus and concentration
- Enhanced physical performance
- Neuroprotective effects
- Increased antioxidant capacity
However, it does contain caffeine and may cause side effects in some people, especially in large amounts. The caffeine content per cup is less than coffee but more than traditional tea. Many drinkers report a smooth, sustained energy boost compared to the "jittery" feeling sometimes associated with coffee.
More research is still needed, but current evidence suggests it is a healthy substitute for coffee or energy drinks for those looking for an energy boost.