The plant is grown for its leaves that produce fragrant small greenish-white flowers.
It is useful for nervous depression, headaches and rheumatic pains.
This helps the body to eliminate toxins and purify itself naturally.
It is rich in vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, niacin (B3), B5, B complex as well as potassium. Potassium benefits include lower blood pressure, improved heart function, and regulation of water balance in the body.
Indigenous techniques are still utilized today to prepare the infusion. Proper preparation is to fill 3⁄4 of a gourd with the herb and add water boiled to 176oF.
Drinking the South American beverage is an enjoyable experience. On average, most people use 2-3 tablespoons per cup. However, some people may use more or less depending on their preference.
Sharing it forges emotional links between people in Argentina. Consumption rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita in the country. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset, hot or cold depending on the weather.
Why is it so expensive? There are regulations for the dimensions of cans. These rules ensure consistency in the industry. It contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. The caffeine content varies between 0.7% and 1.7% of dry weight. Manufacturers must meet these guidelines to maintain quality control.
Drinking large amounts daily for a long time increases cancer risk. Caffeine and ephedrine are both stimulant drugs. It’s easier to buy a pre-cultivated plant. You may find it in some shops or on Amazon.
Argentinian products can be strong or light, sweet and mild in flavor. Common notes are earth, wood, grass, honey, bread and smoke. It’s traditionally consumed from a spherical, hollowed-out calabash gourd and a bombilla. The leaves are hand trimmed, dried, ground and then aged 9-24 months. Indigenous people considered the drink a gift from the gods. It’s an infusion prepared with the leaves of a widespread South American tree. The youngest and greenest leaves are collected, dried and placed in a traditional bowl.
Guayaki is a fair-trade certified seller of organic products. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and caffeine. It is packed with more antioxidants than green tea. The beverage is produced from holly leaves from an evergreen plant native to South America. The best tasting product comes from leaves grown in the shade of the rainforest. You can enjoy 85mg of caffeine per cup. As a result, your energy levels get a boost, and you feel less fatigued. It might help you achieve better physical performance. Studies on animals indicate that it boosts metabolism and helps reduce appetite.
Below is the caffeine content of yerba mate, coffee and tea:
Beverage | Caffeine Content |
---|---|
Green tea | 25 mg per cup |
The infusion | 80 mg per cup |
Coffee | 100+ mg per cup |
Drink no more than 2-3 beverages daily, avoiding evening consumption. While drinking it is enjoyable, too much can cause problems. Focus on moderation.