The South American Tea
The South American tea is packed with more antioxidants than coffee. A cup typically contains about 85 milligrams of caffeine. This is less than the 95 to 150 milligrams in a cup of coffee. The theobromine provides a balanced, prolonged energy boost. It is a great alternative for those sensitive to coffee’s side effects.
The taste depends on whether the leaves were smoked or not. Smoked leaves make a strong, earthy, and slightly bitter drink. Unsmoked leaves produce a mellower, gently sweet flavor. Coffee has a rich, full taste with varying degrees of acidity and bitterness.
The infusion promotes digestive health. It contains prebiotics, nutrients, and antioxidants that heal inflammation. Coffee is acid-forming which can aggravate conditions like arthritis and gout.
Does Yerba Mate Give You A Buzz?
The Ilex paraguariensis tea stimulates the nervous system and is commonly consumed as an energy booster, like coffee and other teas.
The South American beverage is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants stronger than green tea. It may help boost energy and focus. "Caffeine boosts energy levels, mental concentration, and exercise performance," says dietitian.
Unlike coffee, it has a steady rise in energy that stimulates minds and bodies without the jitters. South Americans safely drink 1-4 liters daily. In U.S., Canada, and Europe, avid drinkers consume at least 1-2 liters per day. It is commonly drunk as a morning pick-me-up but South Americans drink it all day.
The yerba mate plant has about 80 mg of caffeine per cup, similar to coffee. It provides an invigorating energy boost due to the caffeine and theobromine. It is healthier than green tea with a higher antioxidant concentration.
The simplest way to brew it is like loose leaf tea, steeping boiling water over the leaves for 5-6 minutes. Make sure to filter out the leaves before drinking.
How Yerba Mate Makes You Feel
- It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile. It was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization.
- The tea is full of compounds that have beneficial effects. It contains chlorogenic acid, caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, flavonoids, amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals.
- The South American beverage provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It has adaptogenic properties, which means it can regulate the body’s systems.
- The Ilex paraguariensis plant comes from the Ilex paraguariensis tree. The flavor can be described as earthy, grassy, or woodsy with hints of fruit like apple or citrus flavors.
- It is traditionally served in a container called a gourd, also known as a calabash. It’s commonly sipped through a metal straw that has a filter to strain out the leaf fragments. Although traditionally consumed hot, it may also be served cold.
Why Is Yerba Mate So Powerful?
The South American beverage:
- Provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients.
- Contains caffeine, theobromine and antioxidants.
- Can enhance focus, memory, mood and decrease blood sugar.
- However, it may increase risk of mouth and throat cancers.
- Is often shared in social settings. Its flavor varies by region and preparation method. Many people start the day with it instead of coffee or tea.