The herbal tea is well known for providing an energy boost that’s been described as gentle, clean, and calm. What happens if you drink a lot of it over prolonged periods? However, some studies indicate that people who drink large amounts may be at increased risk of some types of cancer, such as cancer of the mouth, esophagus and lungs.
Comparison to coffee
The South American drink might not give you more energy than coffee, but it will give you a different kind of energy. Compared to coffee, drinking it is better for enhancing focus. Consuming it can also help enhance physical performance.
We find this type of multifaceted, prolonged energy much more appealing than the quick boost that you get from a double espresso, or a tall cup of black coffee. Also, you can drink it later on in the day, and you don’t have to worry about it keeping you awake late at night like coffee would.
Cultural importance
In Uruguay, it is also considered the national drink. Uruguayans drink hot, bitter yerba mate tea at any time and in any place, and mostly individually with every person having their own kit.
The mate was originally consumed by indigenous populations of Brazil. As Spanish colonization came through, the tea spread to Paraguay before making its way to Argentina by the late 1600s.
Compared to the other most commonly used stimulants in the world it reportedly delivers the most balanced energy boost.
And honestly it varies according to how much you use per drink. The best answer is that it has 85 mg of caffeine for every 8 fluid oz. That is, it has slightly less caffeine than a generic cup of coffee.
How to prepare mate
There is definitely an official way to prepare Mate with a traditional mate gourd and straw. In many South American countries, it’s almost a social event to sit together and drink mate from a shared gourd.
Effects and flavor
Does yerba mate give you a buzz?
Consumption has been linked to certain cancers, especially in people who smoke and drink alcohol. It is probably best not to give it to kids. In general, people describe the taste as being bitter, astringent, strong, pungent, earthy, woody, and even smokey. Some people love the flavor, while others do not enjoy it at all. You can certainly add things to it to make it taste better to you, if you like. The tea gives you an euphoric feeling that’s similar to eating chocolate.
When should I drink mate?
It is commonly consumed as a morning pick-me-up. However, for most South Americans, they can drink it all day long, from the morning to the evening, and sometimes even before bed. It isn’t likely to pose a risk for healthy adults who occasionally drink it.
It is a small bush that produces evergreen leaves used to make the tea. The plant is native to southern parts of South America. There are 4 main components that make up drinking it:
- The basic cup (drinking device) made from a gourd
- The bombilla or straw
- The yerba herb
- Hot water
Though caffeinated like coffee and green tea, it has some stark differences. It has the same amount of caffeine as coffee does, but it does not make the drinker jittery. The South American drink also has adaptogenic properties, which means it can regulate the body’s systems.
Consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. It is ingested in 90% of the country’s households. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset. They drink it hot or cold depending on the weather. But getting together to matear forges emotional links between people. And it takes the Argentinians back to their roots.
It is a plant native to South America. Its leaves are used to make a tea-like caffeinated drink consumed in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. Referred to as the "drink of the Gods," it is more popular than coffee in some regions. Wild mate is most desirable because it’s free of chemicals. However, cultivated organic mate is also a healthy choice.
The yerba mate tea provides an energy boost similar to espresso. However, it also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote health. Studies show it may lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The caffeine content is less than a cup of coffee per serving.
It is traditionally drunk from a shared gourd in South America. The tea has its own culture and vocabulary surrounding this social ritual. Consuming upwards of 1-2 liters per day is common among avid drinkers.
However, regularly drinking very hot mate in large amounts for a long time may increase the risk of certain cancers. But studies confirming this are limited. The cancer risk seems greatly increased by also smoking tobacco. It contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) also found in tobacco smoke and grilled meat. But PAHs are in many foods we commonly eat.
In moderation, it is considered safe for most healthy adults. Despite uncertainty about mate’s role in cancer, its antioxidants may actually help prevent cancer. More studies are still needed on its health effects. But this popular herbal drink provides a unique nutritional profile when used moderately and safely.