What is mate tea?
The mate is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis tree. This tea has naturally caffeine similar to coffee. It also has antioxidants as green tea. The mate doesn’t contain tannins so it’s not bitter like black or green tea. This nutrient-rich drink provides energy, clarity and boost.
Some people may experience anxiety, nervousness, palpitations and insomnia from the caffeine in the mate. It’s not recommended if pregnant, breastfeeding or have anxiety issues.
- The mate is consumed in South America.
- Its leaves are brewed to make a stimulating, caffeinated drink referred to as the “drink of the Gods”.
- Wild grown mate is most desirable, because it’s organic.
The mate has 85 mg caffeine per 8 oz, slightly less than coffee. It can be prepared traditionally with a gourd and straw. Sharing the gourd is a sign of friendship in South America.
The mate is rich in caffeine, antioxidants and nutrients. It contains compounds that stimulate the mind and body. The mate is considered to have many health benefits like decreasing cholesterol, protecting the liver and heart. The tea has a bitter taste that many consider an acquired taste.
Why is the mate so addictive?
The mate is an herbal tea made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The leaves are typically dried over fire, then steeped in hot water to make the tea. The mate contains 85 mg of caffeine per cup, less than coffee but more than a cup of tea. Therefore, just like any other caffeinated food or beverage, it may increase your energy levels and make you feel less tired. The mate is also rich in minerals, vitamins, and its antioxidant properties are stronger than green tea.
Unlike coffee, the mate has a steady rise in energy which gives a feel of stimulation to the drinker’s minds and bodies. That’s also why the mate doesn’t give you the jitters, unlike coffee. This effect occurs from a combination of caffeine and theobromine.
The mate promotes healthy digestion by increasing the secretion of stomach acids and bile, effectively softening stool and stimulating regular bowel movements.
One possible explanation is that the mate contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to be carcinogenic. More investigation needs to be done into the safety and side effects of the mate. The benefits of the mate tea include being rich in antioxidants and nutrients.
What are the ingredients in the mate?
The mate is a plant native to South America. The leaves are used to make a tea-like caffeinated drink popular in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. It’s prepared by steeping dried mate leaves in hot water (not boiling to avoid bitterness). The traditional way to drink the mate is from a gourd called a mate through a metal straw with a filter called a bombilla.
- The mate plant contains caffeine and other compounds that may provide health benefits, but more research is still needed.
- As with any supplement, check with your doctor before consuming the mate if pregnant or breastfeeding.
There’s many ways to enjoy the mate too. Mix it into cocktails like a Mate Mule with vodka, lime and syrup. Or make a tangy Mate lemonade, refreshing popsicles, and energetic Mate energy balls. It’s a delicious way to add South American flavor to drinks and snacks.
Does the mate give you a buzz?
How the mate makes you feel varies person to person. In general, most people report feeling instantly more awake after drinking mate early morning. On cold days, cup of the mate can warm you up. If you have to stay up late or start your day early, cup of the mate is just what you need to feel instantly more alert, clearer, and more focused.
The mate is herbal tea from leaves and twigs of mate plant popular in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and other South American countries. Like coffee and teas, the mate stimulates nervous system and is most commonly consumed as energy booster.
- At 85 mg caffeine per cup, the mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. Therefore, just like any caffeinated food or beverage, it may increase energy levels and make you feel less tired.
The mate provides energy boost due to caffeine content, linked to increased alertness, improved concentration, reduced fatigue, and enhanced physical performance.
In North America, the mate niche as cutting edge energy herb, but in South America the mate everywhere! You see grandmothers sipping the mate at bus stops. Teenagers sipping the mate outside night clubs.
The mate is South American plant related to red-berried holly bush of North America. Along with giving drinkers caffeine buzz, the mate also offers other homeopathic benefits. While not true tea, the mate becoming quite popular.