What is Yerba Mate?
The South American beverage is a species of the holly genus (Ilex), with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis A. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile.
History and Culture
That’ll be the traditional South American beverage. Read on to learn how to make the tea and where it comes from – and be sure to follow the etiquette section if you want to know how to drink it like the Argentinians do. The world has six frequently consumed legal stimulants: coffee, tea, kola nut, cocoa, guarana and last but not least, the drink – the most balanced while delivering vitality and nutrition. Pronounced “yer-bah mah-tay,” this drink comes from the leaves of a holly plant found in the South American rainforest.
The beverage is also popular in the Druze community in Syria and Lebanon, where it is imported from Argentina. It was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization.
Consumption and Preparation
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.
Many prefer the more relaxed energy they get from drinking the tea over the unpleasant side effects such as jitters and caffeine crashes they may have from drinking coffee or even green tea. The caffeine is uniquely more balanced, giving you a sustained release without the jitters or crash afterward.
The tea can be made traditionally in a gourd, in a French press or with teabags.
Health Benefits and Side Effects
It contains about 80 milligrams of caffeine per cup — almost twice the amount in black tea but less than half that of coffee. White tea, the South American beverage, and rooibos won’t stain your teeth.
Benefits & Side Effects of Drinking It. But remember, it is a natural plant like any other tea you drink or vegetable you eat. It is also proven to contain a very unique powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, polyphenols, saponins, and much, much more. Of course, too much of one thing is almost never good either. What you’re probably really worried about, however, is the cancer talk around this herb. Will drinking a lot cause cancer? There’s been a lot of discussion about this, but as of now, the answer is still unclear (even with the studies already done). But with the research so far, it may actually help prevent it because of its healthy compounds.
Timing and Caffeine Effects
If you enjoy drinking it during the day, it’s important to find the right timing for your last cup to avoid any potential sleep disruptions. It contains caffeine, which can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and have a restful night. The best time to have your last cup is around 4 to 6 hours before bedtime. This allows your body enough time to metabolize the caffeine and reduce its effects on sleep.
The caffeine half-life is around 6 hours. So for some, drinking it close to bedtime ensures late sleep. Meanwhile, others can drink it an hour before bed and sleep fine.
The effects come subtly and can last for hours. It contains a moderate amount of caffeine providing benefits like enhanced memory and focus, energy boost and increased productivity. Many notice positive benefits compared to coffee, with no crash afterwards.