This South American plant is an infusion of leaves and sticks from the holly tree. It offers a different flavor profile and nutritional make-up than matcha. But both provide a healthy experience in every cup.
Side Effects
If you want ready-made drinks without sugar or flavorings, add yerba mate liquid extract or powder to hot water. Some people may experience anxiety, nervousness, heart palpitations, and insomnia from the caffeine. And too much can have a laxative effect.
It is not recommended if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have anxiety issues. Keep in mind that if you smoke or drink alcohol heavily, it might increase your cancer risk.
This infusion is made by steeping dried leaves from the holly tree in hot water. This plant grows in South America. People there believe drinking it brings people together. It’s customary to share a gourd filled with this infusion.
It contains caffeine. So it has side effects like inability to sleep, nervousness and restlessness, upset stomach, nausea and vomiting. It is possibly unsafe when taken in large amounts or long periods.
Health Benefits
It keeps your heart healthy. The antioxidants protect against heart disease. It has slightly less caffeine than coffee but boosts energy with good stuff in tea.
To prepare, use a traditional mate gourd and straw. In South America, drinking from a shared gourd is almost a social event. Many fans use a metal straw with a filter called a bombilla.
Its leaves are brewed to make a caffeinated beverage called mate. Mate is a popular drink that has health benefits but also side effects when consumed excessively.
The leaves contain caffeine as well as antioxidants. Mate has been shown to increase focus and improve digestion when drunk regularly. However, too much can cause insomnia, headaches, and anxiety due to its high caffeine content.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and people with anxiety issues should avoid drinking it due to its caffeine content. It is safe for most healthy adults in moderation, but the recommended daily intake is 1-2 liters at most. Consuming more than this on a regular basis can lead to side effects.
This caffeinated drink from South America is gaining popularity thanks to its health benefits. It contains antioxidants, polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It’s a central nervous system stimulant with anti-fatigue and antidepressant properties. It stimulates dopamine production and contains caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. These alkaloids provide unique, mild stimulant effects.
It has been consumed by indigenous peoples of South America for centuries. They considered it a gift from the gods and prized it for medicinal qualities. Regularly drinking it improves the immune system, detoxifies the body and prevents diseases.
Health Concerns
Drinking it raises some health concerns with long-term high intake. Some studies link it to increased cancer risk in the mouth, throat and lungs. It’s possibly unsafe when taken in large amounts or for extended periods. Still, it is likely safe for healthy adults who occasionally drink it.
It contains caffeine and has an earthy, grassy flavor. The amount of caffeine is similar to that in coffee. It is commonly consumed in parts of South America as a stimulating drink. It’s believed to provide a steady energy boost that doesn’t cause jitters.
Some report feeling more awake, focused, cheerful, and warmer after drinking it. It may improve mood due to containing theobromine like chocolate. The effects can vary between people. Some feel energized after one cup while others need more.
There are few side effects. But it can stain teeth so isn’t great for dental health. It also contains caffeine and therefore can cause similar issues as coffee if consumed excessively.