Natural Color of Yerba Mate Leaves
- Leaves typically range in color from light green to dark greenish-brown.
- This variation occurs due to differences in growing conditions.
- Once leaves are harvested and dried, they take on an even darker shade thanks oxidation processes during this stage.
Yerba Mate Variations
The herbal infusion comes in different colors, tastes, strengths, cuts, and effects due to how each type is harvested, processed, and aged. It is native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Each country has its own distinct version.
Growing Yerba Mate
Far easier to purchase a pre-cultivated plant, not likely in your shop, may find it in select medicinal shops, or Amazon. Between $10 to $35 depending on size. The South American beverage vs coffee and green tea. Unless you are super sensitive, you will feel stimulation long after drinking it. Coffee drinkers often suffer a caffeine crash. It has adaptogenic properties to regulate body systems. It can aid in weight loss due to benefits on metabolism.
Yerba Mate and Weight Loss
Suggested consumption can increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation, leading to weight loss.
- Yes, it contains caffeine. However, amount varies by preparation.
- Excessive caffeine can negatively affect sleep, potential side effects include jitteriness and increased heart rate.
- It is generally safe during pregnancy, important to consume in moderation.
- Drinking it excellent for energy for exercise or to make it through long workday.
What is Yerba Mate?
It is made from the dried leaves of a holly tree found in the South American rainforest. With health properties and a flavour similar to green tea, this drink is ideal for increased energy and health benefits. It contains, among other things, mateine.
Drinking Yerba Mate
- Drinking it is as common in South America as drinking coffee and tea in the rest of the world.
- When it’s cold the mate is served with hot water.
- During summer or hot weather the water is often replaced by lemonade. Then it’s called tereré what is popular among children.
Yerba Mate Facts
- The herbal infusion is known as an energy booster beverage.
- However, this famous drink is neither a tea nor a coffee.
- It is a plant that is part of the holly genus species found in South America. Its leaves are brewed to make a stimulating, caffeinated beverage.
- Referred to as the “drink of the Gods”, in some regions, it is even more popular than coffee.
Yerba Mate Popularity
In North America, it has a niche as a cutting edge energy herb, but in South America it is everywhere!
- You see grandmothers sipping it at bus stops.
- Teenagers sipping it outside night clubs.
- Families sipping it at the beach.
- The grocery stores have an aisle with about thirty different brands.
- Sharing it in a circle with friends and family is a ritual of hospitality.
What is the Yerba Mate Plant?
- It is a small bush that produces evergreen leaves used to make the herbal infusion.
- The plant is native to southern parts of South America and is a wildly popular beverage in Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Chile.
Yerba Mate Consumption
In United States, Canada, and Europe, it’s not uncommon for an avid drinker to consume at least 1–2 liters per day. The amount you consume daily will mainly depend on your own tolerance and preference. It is an herb, like oregano, mint and parsley. It seems to be in a group of herbs known as adaptogens.
The South American beverage is perfect for both cold winter days and to cool off in the hot summer months. You might be interested in reading… Making & Trying It For The First Time…. As with most ‘herbal’ teas, it’s best to limit consumption.
Yerba Mate Benefits
It has an earthy, smoky flavor and a balanced energy boost. It is rich in antioxidants called saponins, which have been linked to a lower risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. It contains stimulants like theobromine and theophylline, which can provide a gentle energy lift without the jitters or crashes from coffee or energy drinks.
Drinking Yerba Mate Habits
- Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset, hot or cold depending on the weather.
- As things evolve, mate has become increasingly common to drink from cans or bottles, so it is more convenient to drink on the go.
- But sharing matear forges emotional links between people, beyond the mere act of getting together to drink something.
Yerba Mate vs Green Tea
Because it contains more caffeine than green tea, it offers more fat burning and metabolism-boosting benefits. The higher amounts of caffeine make it a more potent appetite-suppressant. This means it can help avoid overeating and make it easier to stay in a calorie deficit.
It is a unique South American beverage made from the leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant. It has an earthy, smoky flavor and a balanced energy boost. The herbal infusion is rich in antioxidants called saponins, which have been linked to a lower risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Yerba Mate Culture
It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. It has significant cultural importance and is often shared among friends during social gatherings.
Yerba Mate Nutrition
It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. It has many health benefits but also contains caffeine.
Yerba Mate Consumption Habits
- Consumption varies from 1-4 liters per day in South America to 1-2 liters per day in North America and Europe.
- The amount you drink depends on your tolerance.
- It is generally safe up to 1.5 liters per day, but avoid late evening consumption if sensitive to caffeine.