Despite low caffeine, be aware of consumption. Provides alertness of coffee, flavor of chocolate and health of tea. Called “green gold.”
the bush provides antioxidants, polyphenols, minerals, amino acids, vitamins, potassium and magnesium. Thanks to diuretic properties, drinking mate detoxifies by optimizing kidney function.
Studies use 3 cups daily for up to 60 days. It’s safe to drink up to 1.5 liters daily. Do not take if on chemotherapy due to antioxidant effects. Caffeine may interact with stimulants like ephedrine.
If you brew the beverage like other teas, a kilogram will last much longer. You use 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water. From one kilo you get 250 servings.
Amount
Use 1-3 tablespoons per cup depending on strength desired.
On average, most people use 2-3 tablespoons per cup. Personal preference plays a big role in determining the amount.
Water Temperature
For best flavor, not too bitter, factors are amount brewed and water temperature. For milder version use warm not boiling water.
Up to 1-4 liters are safely consumed daily in South America. Avid drinkers have at least 1-2 liters daily elsewhere.
South Americans safely drink upwards of 1–4 liters of yerba mate per day. In United States, Canada, and Europe, it’s not uncommon for an avid drinker to consume at least 1–2 liters per day.
Caffeine Content
Below is the caffeine content for comparison purposes.
| Beverage | Caffeine (mg/cup) |
|---|---|
| the tea | 80 |
| Coffee | 100+ |
For an experienced drinker, 2-3 servings a day should not be something extraordinary. Of course, moderation is always required. Let’s not force ourselves to drink the infusion at all costs and regardless of the possible consequences.
Store in a dark, dry, cool location like a cabinet. Shelf life before expiration is 18 months.
If you drink one cup daily (40g), 500g will last 12 and a half days. 1000g is about 25 days. Plan for 2 bags of 1kg the infusion per month.
Depending on how much you consume, she says, "It can feel very trippy. The caffeine can really give you this high."