How do you know when the infusion is done?
A single pack can last you many drinking sessions. If you use a small gourd, a kilo will last longer. When brewed with a tea strainer instead, a kilogram will last much longer. With this method, the serving size is similar to other teas, using 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water. At 3-5 grams per tablespoon, one kilo provides around 250 servings. So one pack lasts over half a year when consumed daily.
For cocktails, blend its earthy taste with fruits, herbs and spices. Popular recipes include the Mate Mojito and Margarita. These provide the delicious taste along with the health benefits – increased energy, improved digestion and immune boost.
Long Term Health Benefits
The long term health benefits are comparable to black tea, although their polyphenol content differs. We will overview the main benefits and side effects, and how to use it properly. The more you drink, the more pronounced these effects, up to a plateau.
It reduces fatigue and sleepiness. Its caffeine structure is similar to adenosine, so it can fill adenosine receptors. It also contains antioxidants like flavonoids and tannins, showing anti-cancer potential. These reduce inflammation too. Indeed, it has many health benefits and provides energy and focus.
Serving Cold or Hot
When cold, the infusion is served with hot water. In summer, the water is often replaced by lemonade, called tereré, popular among children. Preparing it has rules. First, fill the cup completely and turn it twice. Then put the bombilla in the dry leaves. Pour water near the bombilla until saturated.
Leaf Quality
The best tasting one comes from rainforest shade leaves, more flavorful and nutrient-rich than sun leaves. Wild leaves are harvested every other year. Controlled leaves grow quickly so are harvested each winter. Though caffeinated like coffee and green tea, it differs. Many people replace some coffee with it. Surprisingly, 1 cup of traditionally made tea can have almost twice the caffeine of coffee!
Social Aspects
In South America, sharing brings families and friends together. Being offered it shows respect. Traditions have been passed down for years. Etiquette is important to participate in a circle properly. Though country rituals vary a bit, these rules are quite universal.
Stimulation and Alertness
Unless you are sensitive, you will feel the stimulation long after drinking it. It has adaptogenic properties to regulate the body’s systems. Hands down the best is Cruz de Malta with its strong, slightly bitter taste and smoky flavor. Its natural sweetness means no added sugar needed. It’s perfect for an awakening morning drink without the jittery caffeine crash from coffee. It makes you more alert, focused and wakes you up.
When should I refill?
What is Yerba Mate?
It is a small bush that produces evergreen leaves used to make tea. The plant is native to southern South America. There are 4 main components:
- Gourd
- Water
- leaves
- Metal straw.
Nutrition provides: potassium, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6. They help regulate heart function and carbohydrate metabolism. Unless you are sensitive to caffeine, you will feel the stimulation long after drinking it. It has adaptogenic properties to regulate the body’s systems.
Health Risks
You’ll find out that when the leaves have lost their taste, you could as well drink the water. That is the limit of cycles out of a gourd. Too much intake has its health risks. Whoever told you that it might be health risk, ask them if they warn people about water intake in same way.
Classification as Adaptogen
It appears to be in a group of herbs known as adaptogens. The caffeine seems to act differently compared to coffee. It is ready to harvest when the plant reaches four years old. It takes around three kilos of plant to create one kilo of dried leaves.
Social Etiquette
Understanding etiquette practices is crucial for appreciating the cultural significance.
Health Benefits and Risks
Let’s talk about some health benefits. It can help boost the immune system due to the vitamin C and antioxidants. It may help protect against heart disease. Consumption was also related to higher bone mineral density. The caffeine, when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea. It also increases eye pressure.
Maximizing Benefits
How do I get the most out of it?
What is Yerba Mate?
It is a plant native to South America. It’s used to make a popular tea-like drink consumed in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil.
The plant contains caffeine, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Research is inconclusive, but it may have some health benefits. However, drinking it scalding hot may increase cancer risk.
It is commonly sipped continuously for hours, adding more hot water as needed. It’s often enjoyed socially while relaxing in nature. The same gourd and bombilla (straw) are passed around, creating community.
You can prepare tea using 2-3 teaspoons of leaves in a strainer over an 8 oz cup. Pour 80-100°F water over the leaves. You can also use a French press, tea bags or cold brew it. Other herbs can be mixed in to vary the flavor.
Maximizing Benefits
To get the most benefits, combine it with exercise, a healthy diet and good sleep. It may help with energy, weight loss and physical performance when used this way.