Mate is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It has a rich, earthy flavor and high caffeine content. The caffeine gives an energy boost similar to coffee, but mate has more nutrients.
Mate contains beneficial compounds like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The mix of caffeine and natural stimulants provides a gentler energy boost than coffee.
A cup of mate typically has 85 milligrams of caffeine compared to coffee’s 95. So it has more than regular tea but less than coffee.
Along with caffeine for mood and focus, studies show mate has mental and physical health benefits. It provides coffee’s strength, tea’s health, and chocolate’s euphoria.
Even the Pope reportedly drinks it daily from a traditional gourd.
The caffeine content is slightly less than coffee, but the “clean buzz” and lack of crash makes mate a healthy option.
What are mate’s pros and cons?
- A cup of mate has about 85 milligrams of caffeine, while coffee has 95. Drinking mate tea provides some focus and mood boost, but less than coffee.
- Mate is less acidic than coffee. Some mate users might complain of issues caused by acidity.
- Both beverages offer antioxidants. Coffee also boasts benefits like reducing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, obesity and diabetes risks.
Mate is traditional in South America. With nutrients and antioxidants, it may help fight colds and promote digestion compared to acidic coffee. Mate may help prevent UTIs, kidney stones and colon cancer. It may also boost bone density.
For healthy adults, mate likely poses little risk.
You can make mate drinks with a French press or bombilla. It contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and polyphenols.
Caffeine Content
The caffeine in mate can vary but generally, mate has less caffeine than coffee. A cup of mate typically has 85 milligrams of caffeine, while coffee has 95. Compared to other teas, mate has more caffeine than regular black tea but less than matcha.
Recommended Intake
For an experienced mate drinker, 2-3 servings a day is common. The amount depends on your own tolerance and preference.
Mate has antioxidants. It may also help protect the heart, and research shows it’s related to higher bone density in postmenopausal women. Mate does have antioxidants, but coffee also has benefits – it can reduce cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s risks, plus obesity and diabetes.
Smoked mate has an earthy flavor. Unsmoked mate is milder and smoother. Ultimately mate provides a healthier coffee alternative with great taste and benefits.
Liver Health
Mate is a traditional tea with 30-50 milligrams of caffeine per cup, compared to 95 in coffee. However, mate has more nutrients. It provides an energy boost like coffee, with less caffeine.
Mate has been called “the drink of the gods.” It offers mental and physical health benefits due to antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Mate delivers less caffeine than coffee, about 78 milligrams per cup versus 95. However, it provides compounds that balance caffeine’s effect. This means no crash later.
While studies show coffee has more antioxidants, mate has overlaps plus advantages. The antioxidants may boost bone density and digestion. They can also help prevent UTIs, kidney stones and colon cancer.
The taste is herbal and earthy, less bitter than coffee. Overall, mate offers an energizing, healthy coffee alternative, with a pleasant flavor. The nutrition combined with moderate caffeine makes it easier on the body.