Are there any calories in this South American tea?
A standard 8-ounce serving of yerba mate typically contains only 30-40 calories. This makes it a great alternative to sugary, high-calorie beverages. Additionally, it provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall health. However, excessive consumption may cause side effects like increased heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia. Moderation is key to enjoy the benefits without negative effects.
There are few micronutrients in this tea unless a branded beverage includes added ingredients. According to the USDA, organic yerba mate provides vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc.
The absence of fat and low calories, sodium and carbs make this tea perfect for weight loss or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It also provides potassium for heart health, and B vitamins for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
This South American holly is a nutrient-dense drink that’s low in calories, fat, carbs and sodium. This makes it perfect for maintaining a healthy lifestyle or losing weight.
To avoid potential side effects, start with small amounts until you find your ideal quantity and frequency. Too much of this tea can cause headaches, anxiety or insomnia in caffeine-sensitive people. Don’t prepare it with extremely hot water, as this could harm your mouth and throat over time.
Is this tea too much sugar?
This tea contains less sugar than most caffeinated beverages. This allows for its benefits to shine without excess sugar. Its antioxidants have implications for metabolism, brain, and immunity. It relaxes blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. However, caffeine may increase blood pressure.
This tea grows naturally in South American countries like Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. It has an herby, earthy flavor, varying by growth and preparation. On average, it contains 70mg caffeine per serving, less than coffee but more than tea. Some brands make flavored iced teas.
This tea is non-alcoholic, made from the Ilex paraguariensis plant’s leaves and twigs. It has been widely consumed in South America for centuries. Some believe it decreases cholesterol, protects the liver, stimulates the brain and protects the heart. Mate is bitter and an acquired taste.
This tea is full of beneficial compounds. However, in South America, people start their day with yerba mate. This tea provides an excellent alternative to coffee with legendary health benefits. Referred to as the "tea of the gods", it is popular in Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil, also gaining popularity in the United States.
This tea is made from the Ilex paraguariensis plant’s leaves and twigs. The traditional way to drink it is sipping it from a dried gourd with a metal straw. The straw’s filter prevents ingesting stems or leaves. Mate remains extremely popular in South America.
What is 1 serving of this tea?
One serving of yerba mate (50 gr diluted in 500 ml of water) contains approximately: vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6. They help in using carbohydrates as energy and play essential roles in glucose metabolism, the nervous system, muscle and heart function.
The amount of yerba mate needed per cup varies depending on your personal preferences and other factors such as desired strength. On average, most people use 2-3 tablespoons of yerba mate per cup. Some may use more or less depending on preference.
Often yerba is served in hollow calabash gourd with metallic drinking straw known as bombilla. It is often shared among friends as a sign of friendship and bond. Studies suggest healthy people should drink 3 cups of 330mL yerba mate per day, continued for 60 days. Even 1.5 liters daily is considered safe.