The yerba mate plant is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can provide energy, weight loss, improved digestion, and other health benefits. Indigenous peoples consumed the infusion for centuries. Today, people worldwide drink it for its gentle caffeine boost and health benefits in the traditional ritual of sharing a gourd passed from person to person.
The tea is typically enjoyed hot without milk. The caffeine content is slightly less than coffee. The flavor is earthy, grassy, or woodsy with hints of fruit. It’s an excellent alternative to coffee and tea.
It’s still cultivated in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. It’s hugely popular in South America as a national drink.
Made from the leaves and stems of a South American plant called Ilex paraguariensis. Traditionally consumed as a hot tea, it has been shown to have numerous health benefits. However, there can be too much of a good thing. Below are some side effects associated with excessive consumption or sensitive individuals:
- Insomnia. Consuming large amounts may cause insomnia due to its stimulant effect on your central nervous system (CNS).
- Headaches. The leaves are high in xanthines, especially theobromine and caffeine. These compounds are primarily responsible for the stimulating effects and somewhat bitter taste associated with yerba mate beverages.
Most of the time though, it is enjoyed in a social gathering. Several people get together, and stare one gourd with just one bombilla. The gourd gets passed around, and this creates a bond between the people gathered there.
As caffeine poses a risk to unborn babies, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid it. Among the more hazardous side effects is its risk associated with contracting oral cancer and esophageal cancer.
If you experience any of these side effects of caffeine overdose after consuming it, then you should reduce your overall daily caffeine intake. It contains caffeine, which can cause side effects such as insomnia, upset stomach, increased heart rate, and others. It is possibly unsafe when taken in large amounts or for long periods of time. This remarkable weight-loss effect is thought to be down to the polyphenols which it contains. It has proven anti-microbial properties.
It is a traditional South American tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. Some key benefits include:
- Increased energy and enhanced mental focus from caffeine
- Higher antioxidant levels than green or black tea
- Possible weight loss and appetite suppression benefits
- Traditionally used to improve digestion
In terms of nutrition, it contains antioxidant polyphenols, caffeine, vitamins C, minerals, and amino acids. It has a slightly bitter, smoky flavor profile.
While it contains caffeine like coffee, its energy boost seems more balanced and longer-lasting. The caffeine content is also higher than green tea.
So while green tea and the South American infusion both have health benefits, the latter stands out for its higher caffeine and antioxidant content. This gives it stronger stimulating effects.
It’s much more subdued and tastes very natural. There is definitely a bitterness to it, though it’s more associated with a grassy flavor than with tannins in black tea. It’s not for everyone, but if you like it, you’re a member of a pretty sizable fan club of lovers and tea aficionados.
In general, it is more bitter, more pronounced and bolder than green tea or other herbal teas. Paraguayan yerba mate is actually produced to be turned into a cold brew (called tereré). Because cold brew isn’t exposed to hot water and could taste weaker, this yerba mate is stronger and bolder. It has a more woody, peppery, smoky flavor. The flavor profile can vary depending on the brand and how it is prepared.
It comes in all different colors, tastes, strengths, cuts, and even effects. And this variation comes from the way each type is harvested, processed, and aged. It is native to South America and comes mostly from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Each country has its own distinct type.
In terms of caffeine content, it generally has less caffeine than coffee. However, its unique combination of caffeine, theobromine, and other compounds may provide a different kind of stimulant effect. Its earthy taste, moderate caffeine content, and potential health benefits make it a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to coffee or tea. When trying it for the first time, remember to start with moderation and enjoy the experience of this traditional South American drink.