This infusion is a traditional South American drink made from steeping dried leaves from the yerba mate plant in hot water. It contains caffeine and can be served hot or cold. Drinking yerba mate occasionally is generally safe for healthy adults. However, long-term daily consumption may increase risks of certain cancers or bone health issues from excessive caffeine. Moderation is key. The amount of antioxidants in this South American beverage exceeds green tea. It also contains beneficial compounds like saponins and caffeoyl derivatives. Overall, yerba mate is quite nutritious compared to coffee or tea.
Drinking Habits in South America
Argentinians commonly drink it for breakfast with fruit juice or before sunset, either hot or cold. More recently, canned or bottled yerba mate has become popular for drinking anytime. Sharing mate is an important social custom that forges emotional connections. While 1-4 liters per day is typical in South America, moderate consumption of 2-3 servings spaced throughout the day is more reasonable. Avoid drinking mate in the evening, especially if sensitive to caffeine.
Potential Health Risks
Some studies suggest that people who drink large amounts for a long time may have a higher risk of some types of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs. The higher risk is linked with drinking about 4 to 8 cups a day. This risk may go up if you also smoke or regularly drink alcohol. Also, people who are pregnant may want to check with a health care provider before drinking yerba mate.
Yerba mate contains caffeine and other chemicals that can stimulate the brain, heart, muscles and blood vessels. It’s been used for athletic performance, memory and headache, but there’s no good evidence to support these uses.
Drinking up to 1.5 liters of yerba mate a day may be safe, though toxicity has not been shown from higher doses. A daily supplemental dose is between 1,000-1,500mg.
One to two cups of mate a day is probably safe. Though its caffeine effect is gentle, too much can still be unpleasant.
Yerba mate does contain caffeine but also other unique compounds like theobromine and antioxidants. In South America it’s often called “mate” or “yerba mate” rather than tea.
The effects of yerba mate can help maintain an awake, balanced sleep cycle. It is considered the best energy drink with antioxidant properties and health benefits. You can take yerba mate before bed if you are comfortable with it.
Yerba Mate is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. It has been enjoyed for centuries in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Understanding the history of yerba mate is essential to appreciating its role in South American society.
Consuming more than 10 cups daily increases the risk of caffeine-related side effects. Yerba mate contains caffeine, causing side effects like insomnia and increased heart rate. Yerba mate is possibly unsafe when taken in large amounts or long periods.
If you want a healthy digestive tract, choose yerba mate over coffee. Yerba mate can fight parasites and clean naturally.
The clinical trial used standardized yerba mate which may not represent effects of lifestyle changes.
Typical Consumption
- South Americans safely drink 1-4 liters of yerba mate per day.
- In North America and Europe, avid drinkers consume at least 1-2 liters daily.
- It’s commonly consumed as a morning pick-me-up but can be drunk all day.