This tea contains caffeine. If sensitive, limit intake. It’s traditionally consumed in South America. South Americans safely drink 1–4 liters daily. In United States, Canada, and Europe, avid drinkers consume 1–2 liters daily.
Drinking large amounts daily for long periods increases cancer risk. Smoking and drinking yerba mate can be carcinogenic. This tea is rich in PAHs which are carcinogenic. PAHs also present in tobacco and grilled meat. Further research needed on side effects. Those with sleep issues should restrict consumption after 6 pm.
Studies use 3 cups (990mL) a day for up to 60 days. Up to 1.5 liters daily is safe. This tea offers health benefits. It can be a good diet addition. This South American drink has more antioxidants and caffeine than tea.
This tea is an adaptogenic herb like mint. More research needed on cancer risk.
Caffeine in yerba mate provides natural energy without coffee crashes. Rich in antioxidants. No teeth staining worries.
Avoid evening drinking if caffeine sensitive. 2-3 drinks at most per day.
Reusing Yerba Mate
You can (and should) refill it as many times as needed until all the flavor is gone. Depending on the gourd size and the amount used, this can range from 10 to 30 refills.
At 85 mg of caffeine per cup, this tea contains less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. It may increase energy levels.
This drink can be re-steeped up to 10 times before losing flavor.
You should still continue to drink even after 3-4 refills. But too much is almost never good. This tea is proven to contain vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, saponins, and more. The cancer risk is contested.
How Much Yerba Mate Per Cup?
The amount used per cup depends on strength, cup size, and taste. On average, most use 2-3 tablespoons per cup. Personal preference plays a role.
See table 1 for nutritional values of yerba mate brewed with 500 ml water at 70 °C using 50 g dry leaves. This is a typical amount consumed in one session.
Avoid drinking this tea in the evening if sensitive to caffeine. Benefits include vitamins. Side effects are contested.
It’s a versatile drink morning or afternoon, sweetened or not. There are many ways to prepare it.
Daily amount depends on tolerance. It’s an herb, so consume as you would other herbs.
This tea contains about 80 milligrams of caffeine per cup. This is almost twice the amount in black tea but less than half that of coffee. Some teas won’t stain teeth. The long-term benefits are comparable to black tea. More leads to more benefits.
Caffeine in this tea is similar to adenosine. It enters and fills adenosine receptors. This reduces fatigue and sleepiness.
In the US and Europe avid drinkers consume at least 1-2 liters daily.
When preparing with a tea strainer use 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water. This gives around 250 servings from 1 kilo.
The effects on energy can last from minutes to hours depending on consumption. Some people drink up to 16 cups a day. Consider tolerance.
Drinking this tea can ease anxiety and stress.
Side effects may include insomnia, nervousness, upset stomach, and increased heart rate due to the caffeine.
This tea can be prepared in different ways. It’s traditional to share one gourd in nature. Passing the gourd creates bonds.
This caffeinated tea is popular in parts of South America. The traditional way to prepare it is to pour hot water over dried leaves in a gourd and sip through a metal straw.
There are health benefits and risks to consider. The tea contains antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins. However, drinking very large amounts over long periods may increase cancer risk. Moderate consumption is likely safe.
The indigenous Guaraní cultivated this tea originally. Traditional etiquette is to share the gourd with friends and family. It remains an important part of rural and urban culture today.