What is Yerba Mate?
Traditional yerba mate varies depending on the region where it is grown and enjoyed. I find this herbal tea recipe provides the best focus and energy. The combination of caffeine and oils works together, similar to bulletproof coffee.
The Top Yerba Mate Brands
Here are the best yerba mate:
- Best Overall: U.S. Wellness Naturals
- Strongest: Canarias
- Best for Beginners: Playadito
- Best Unsmoked: BALIBETOV
- Best Canned: Guayaki Organic Orange Exuberance
Health Considerations
Drinking very hot yerba mate raises cancer risks, likely due to carcinogenic PAHs. Side effects include:
- Migraines
- Insomnia
Pregnant women should speak to doctors before drinking herbal tea due to miscarriage and low birth weight risks.
Benefits of Yerba Mate
The herbal tea contains more antioxidants than green tea, including 11 polyphenols. Polyphenols provide benefits for:
- Metabolism
- Brain
- Immune system
- Blood pressure
- Blood flow
Besides the difference in caffeine, green tea has a much lighter, taste. The most notable differences are in the health benefits. Both have antioxidants.
The caffeine in the herbal tea is lower than coffee, but higher than tea, averaging 85 mg caffeine/8 oz drink. The caffeine helps:
- Improve alertness
- Mental focus
Like tea, it gently helps you wake up without jitters and sweats. Also because of the caffeine content it helps with physical performance as the energy boost helps athletes perform better.
The herbal tea is essentially herbal tea, but the tradition enveloping it makes it interesting. People drink it in a gourd with a metal straw, and pass it to others as friendship and bonding, like since ancient times.
Our Favorite Yerba Mate Brands
Our favorite brands combine great flavor with good production practices, reasonable pricing, and ease of use. If you’re new to tea, you may prefer a blend with fewer stems. If you’re a fan of green tea, you may enjoy a brew. We’ve chosen each tea to represent the best, and to incorporate this into daily life.