What does drinking it do?
The herbal tea is from a South American holly plant containing caffeine. Like coffee or green tea it increases energy. But it has more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than traditional energy drinks.
Yerba Mate Tea Traditions
In South America drinking it is very common like drinking coffee and tea elsewhere. It’s often served cold with lemonade called tereré popular among children. Hot herbal tea is served with hot water.
Preparing yerba involves special rules. First fill the cup completely. Put your hand on top, cover it and turn twice. Then insert the metal straw with filter called bombilla and pour hot water near it to saturate the tea.
Health Benefits
Its antioxidant effects likely lower cancer risk and muscle soreness. The caffeine increases adrenaline. But this effect is balanced by antioxidants.
The drink is made by steeping dried leaves in hot water like tea. It has about 80 mg of caffeine per cup, similar to coffee.
Taste and Preparation
Argentinians call their traditional drink Mate and drink it daily from a gourd through a special metal straw. It has a strong, slightly bitter taste with smoky flavors and natural sweetness. It wakes you up without the caffeine crash of coffee.
Yerba mate tea can also be used in cocktails, lemonade, popsicles and energy balls. The Cruz de Malta brand has the best balance of bold yerba flavor with natural sweetness.
South Americans safely drink 1-4 liters daily. The antioxidants protect the heart better than coffee or green tea. It is unlikely to affect a drug test.
What are the side effects?
It is made from a South American plant called Ilex paraguariensis. Traditionally consumed as a tea, it has health benefits and side effects. Headaches and insomnia are common side effects for caffeine-sensitive people. The long-term benefits are comparable to black tea. We will look at the main benefits and side effects, and how to use it the right way. All the potential benefits below are dose-dependent. In general, the more you drink, the more pronounced these effects, until a plateau.
- Major benefits: Reduced fatigue and sleepiness as caffeine fills adenosine receptors.
Enjoy in moderation as it has side effects. For most people, its benefits outweigh the side effects. But avoid excessive caffeine. If you have the conditions above, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, limit caffeine.
Safety when breastfeeding is undetermined. It contains polyphenols like quercetin and xanthines like caffeine. Healthy adults who occasionally drink likely won’t be at risk. But some studies show those who drink large amounts long-term may have increased cancer risks like mouth, throat, and lung. It’s possibly unsafe in large or long-term amounts.
Overview
Is it just green tea?
Yerba Mate is grown in South America for herbal tea. Green tea is from Camellia sinesis, grown in Asia and Africa for green, yellow, white, oolong, black and dark tea. Both plants need 3 years before first harvest. Mate is popular in South America. Green tea is a cultural drink in Asian countries like Japan, China, Taiwan, India, Vietnam. Ilex paraguariensis and Camellia sinesis have great potential despite differences.
Key Differences
- Antioxidants: Green tea contains EGCG but yerba mate has chlorogenic acid like green coffee.
- Caffeine: Yerba mate equals coffee but doesn’t make one jittery. Green tea has less caffeine.
- Health benefits: Yerba mate is proven more effective scientifically in areas like cancer and bacteria.
So it surpasses green tea in antioxidant content, caffeine, nutrients and health benefits.
Does it give you a buzz?
Yerba mate tastes bitter thanks primarily to the tannins it contains. Depending on how it is prepared and processed, yerba mate has varying taste profiles.
In United States, Canada, and Europe, an avid drinker consumes at least 1–2 liters per day. South Americans safely drink upwards of 1–4 liters per day. Similar to coffee and tea in America, it is also commonly consumed as a morning pick-me-up. Unlike coffee, yerba has a steady rise in energy which gives a feel of stimulation to the drinker’s minds and bodies. That’s also why yerba mate doesn’t give you the jitters.
It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken in large amounts or for long periods of time. Plus, It gives you an euphoric feeling that’s similar to eating chocolate. It’s perfect for an awakening morning drink that doesn’t include the jittery caffeine crash that you’ll often get from drinking coffee. Coffee drinkers, however, often suffer a caffeine crash at some point. It has some stark differences from green tea and coffee, though yerba mate is caffeinated like them. It has adaptogenic properties, which means it can regulate the body’s systems.