The tea is a stimulant beverage consumed in South America. The leaves are dried and infused in hot water to make the tea. The drink is safe for adults looking to increase energy, support weight loss, and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. It should not be consumed very hot due to cancer risk. Pregnant women and children should not consume the drink.
The tea provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It offers mental and physical health benefits. The drink is commonly compared to green tea. It is an herbal tea with natural caffeine.
Drinking very hot the tea at temperatures of 65°C or warmer is connected to higher cancer risks. This may be due to carcinogens in the drink. High intake can also cause migraines, high blood pressure, and sleep issues.
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The plant is native to southern parts of South America. The leaves are high in xanthines, especially theobromine and caffeine. These compounds provide the stimulating effects and somewhat bitter taste. The drink also contains small amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants.
There are 4 main components for drinking the tea:
1) Gourd – The basic cup is made from a gourd;
2) Bombilla – A metal straw with a filter on one end;
3) Hot water;
4) The leaves.
Dried leaves are steeped in hot water to make a tea. Drinking very hot the drink above 65°C is connected to higher cancer risks due to carcinogenic PAHs. Pregnant women should avoid drinking too much the tea as high caffeine intake increases miscarriage risk and risk of low birth weight.
The drink provides an energy boost due to its high caffeine content, which is linked to increased alertness, improved concentration, reduced fatigue, and enhanced physical performance. Caffeine helps to motivate by stimulating the production of dopamine.
Many people enjoy this bitter taste, while others prefer to balance it out by adding mint, honey, sugar, milk, or citrus to their mate.
The leaves are dried over a fire, infused in hot water to make the tea. This tea is consumed from a gourd and sipped with a metal straw that filters fragments. The gourd is shared as a sign of friendship.
Unlike coffee, the drink has a steady rise in energy giving stimulation without the jitters. In United States, Canada, and Europe, an avid drinker consumes at least 1–2 liters per day. The drink is commonly consumed as a morning pick-me-up.
Enjoy this short guide showing where to buy the drink in San Diego. Most organic grocery stores like Whole Foods will have selection of bagged and loose leaf the drink, but specialty tea shops carry the most high quality, organic the drink.
However the tea gives you a GREAT buzz off even 12 ounces. It feels closer to nicotine than caffeine. Or comparable to the floaty, light feeling from a little alcohol or weed (strong sativa) but with a really clear head and energy. Studies showing issues are done on the drink drank at near boiling temperatures.
The drink may aid weight loss by increasing metabolism, fat burning, and energy expenditure. But excessive intake can reduce sleep quality and increase heart rate. Pregnant women should consume the tea in moderation since caffeine poses risks.
The most common way to drink the tea is sipping it continuously for hours, adding more hot water as needed. Each infusion releases more nutrients and flavor. The drink is often enjoyed socially while relaxing in nature. People share one gourd and bombilla, which fosters community.