The plant is native to only a few regions in South America. The plant can grow in different settings. When not grown directly in the sun, its leaves are more flavorful and nutrient-rich.
When comparing yerba mate to traditional tea or coffee, one difference is that it contains less caffeine and more natural compounds that provide a smoother energy boost without the jitters or crash commonly associated with coffee. Additionally, unlike energy drinks, it does not contain artificial sweeteners or high levels of sugar.
Personal Experience
I’m trying to figure out how much of the effects are actually cause by the yerba and how much is just the placebo effect tricking me into being awake. Finally fell asleep about an hour after I made the post, guess I just needed to complain on Reddit to make me fall asleep. I feel fine today.
Potential Health Risks
Some studies indicate that people who drink large amounts over prolonged periods may be at increased risk of some types of cancer, such as cancer of the esophagus and oral cavity. One possible explanation is that it contains PAHs, which are known to be carcinogenic. Containing caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline along with a host of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, saponins, and more, this healthy concoction of stimulants isn’t psychedelic or hallucinogenic but it’s the closest thing to it out of any other tea or coffee.
Below is the caffeine content for comparison purposes. As you can see the caffeine content greatly depends on the brewing method.
| Brewing Method | Caffeine Content |
|---|---|
| Gourd and Bombilla | 15-70 mg per cup |
| Tea bag | 30-50 mg per cup |
| Instant powder | 50-100 mg per cup |
Consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. It is ingested in 90% of the country’s households. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset. They drink it hot or cold depending on the weather. But as things evolve, it has become increasingly common to drink from cans and bottles, so it is more convenient to drink on the go, any time of day.
The taste is bitter and tart when you drink it for the first time, so you can sweeten or add some dried fruits. I love coffee but I feel much better when I drink yerba mate. It stimulates body and mind, energy boost and drop are smooth.
The yerba mate plant comes from the Ilex paraguariensis tree and has been consumed for centuries by indigenous peoples of South America. It is typically served as a tea in gourds and drunk from a straw called a bombilla. The flavor can be described as earthy, grassy, or woodsy with hints of fruit. Studies have shown it to possess up to 90 percent more metabolism-boosting nutrients than green tea.
Many people switch from drinking coffee to drinking it, or replace part of their coffee consumption with it. Drinking it provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It is a traditional South American brew that’s been said to offer the strength of coffee and health benefits of tea.