What is maté?
Maté is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. This traditional South American drink has been enjoyed for centuries, especially in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. When comparing maté to coffee, there are some key differences:
- Maté contains caffeine, like coffee, but it also contains other stimulants, such as theobromine and theophylline, which provide a more balanced energy boost.
- Additionally, maté is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthier choice than coffee.
Caffeine content
One benefit of consuming maté drink products is that you can be sure that you’re going to get the same amount of caffeine in each can. The popular Guayaki Maté energy drink contains 150 mg per 16 oz can. This is a pretty standard amount of caffeine to find in an energy drink and is sure to give you the boost you’re after.
Energy and focus
The herbal infusion provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. Maté is a stimulating and energizing drink. It does contain caffeine, but because of the antioxidants in the plant’s leaves and stems, the effects of the caffeine are more sustained and prolonged. That means no crashing a few hours after you finish your drink! Also, mate contains compounds that help you to focus, so you’ll be locked in on whatever task is in front of you.
Metabolism and diuretic effects
If you are feeling a bit peckish in the afternoon, drink a cup of mate. The caffeine found in mate boosts your metabolism, using up more of your body’s energy and burning fat. Caffeine is a diuretic, which also increases your energy and prevents water retention.
Comparison to coffee
Compared to coffee, drinking maté enhances focus. It also helps physical performance. This prolonged energy is more appealing than the quick boost from coffee that can keep you awake at night.
Comparison to matcha
Both mate and matcha are natural stimulants with different tastes. But both emphasize quality. You can truly taste the difference between carefully cultivated products and cheap products.
Nutrients and health benefits
The amount of antioxidants in the leaves is higher than in green tea. It contains saponins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that also reduce cholesterol and increase metabolism. The caffeic and chlorogenic acids add antioxidant and neuroprotective power while preventing cell damage.
Although maté, coffee and tea have similar caffeine, maté is more nutritious because it contains beneficial elements and properties.
Maté is an herb native to South America. For centuries, its leaves have been used to produce mate, an energizing drink. The beverage is popular in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Latin America. One reason for its popularity is the natural caffeine content. Even though maté contains less caffeine than coffee, it has alkaloids that contribute to the energizing effect.
Compared to coffee, drinking maté enhances focus. It also helps physical performance. This prolonged energy is more appealing than the quick boost from coffee that can keep you awake at night.
Yerba mate might not provide more energy than coffee, but it gives a different kind of energy. You can drink it later without worrying about staying awake. It also has health benefits lacking in energy drinks.
- Maté consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast (with fruit juice) or just before sunset.
- As things evolve, maté has become increasingly common to drink from cans, bottles, and energy drinks, so it is more convenient to drink on the go, any time of day.
- When it has not been grown directly in the sun, its leaves are more flavorful and nutrient-rich.
A cup of maté typically has about 85 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of coffee contains about 95. That means that maté is more caffeinated than regular black tea, but less than coffee. Drinking a cup will give you some of the improved focus and mood you get from drinking coffee — but a bit less.
The caffeine-rich infused drink is made from dried leaves called mate mixed with hot water. Mate leaves are dried chopped and ground into a powder. It is then drunk through a metal straw (traditionally silver) known in Argentina as a Bombilla but can sometimes have a different name depending on what country you’re in.
Guayusa and yerba mate are two similar caffeinated plants from South America.
- Mate leaves are dried over a fire, giving them a smoky flavor. Guayusa leaves are dried in the open air, resulting in a more delicate flavor.
- In terms of nutrients, yerba mate contains more B vitamins, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Guayusa has higher levels of vitamins C and D, calcium, zinc and chromium.
Whether you prefer a bold, earthy punch or a mellow, subtle flavor depends on your mood. Beyond green tea, guayusa and yerba mate offer caffeinated options with health benefits.