How much mate should I drink?

Mate is a tea from the leaves of a South American plant. How much should you drink? Some people there drink 1-4 liters daily. Here, it’s common for regular drinkers to have 1-2 liters per day. Several studies show 3 cups daily for 60 days is safe and beneficial. Higher doses may also be alright. … Read more

Yerba Mate – The Tea of South America

A great caffeine alternative to tea or coffee, this tea is a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Get my simple cold brew recipe with lime! To serve, use a tea strainer over your cup. Tereré – The Cold Brewed Version Besides hot tea, there is a cold version called tereré. This cold-brewed drink refreshes and hydrates, adding … Read more

Best Yerba Mate Tea and Health Benefits

The Mate Herb Summary Besides green tea, this herbal infusion is commonly compared to green tea. The mate herb is an herbal tea, but it is not a green or even a black tea. In South America, where you find the most mate herb drinkers, Playadito is by far more popular than other brands. This … Read more

Yerba Mate Pronunciation

This South American drink is consumed for its energizing properties. The correct way to pronounce it is "yehr-bah mah-teh". Mastering the pronunciation will allow you to order it accurately at cafes and restaurants. Origin The origin of this delicious beverage traces back to the Guarani people in what is now Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Although … Read more

What is the Indian name for the mate plant?

The mate plant is a species native to South America. Its leaves are used to make the tea known as mate. The indigenous Guarani people called the plant ka’a meaning "herb". The Portuguese term is congonga meaning "what keeps us alive". The Aztecs used a gourd to drink mate. Spanish conquerors in the 16th century … Read more

Is This Tea-Like Drink Good For You?

What is this drink? This beverage is a tea-like drink made from the leaves of a South American plant. It has been consumed for centuries by indigenous groups and is very popular today in parts of South America. Key details Some key things to know about it: It contains caffeine and other stimulants that provide … Read more

Can you drink the infusion first thing in the morning?

What is mate? The beverage is a species of the holly genus (Ilex), with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis. When served cold, the drink is called tereré in Guaraní. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the … Read more

What teas should you avoid while breastfeeding?

You should avoid teas while breastfeeding that are either proven unsafe, or for which further study is required. The reason for this lack of certainty comes from the FDA labeling herbs as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). To help lose weight while breastfeeding, work up to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. Avoid … Read more

Benefits and Controversy of Yerba Mate

How to Make Yerba Mate Use water just off the boil, around 160 to 180 degrees. If you don’t have temperature control, water simmers at 190 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. Temperature drops with altitude. Indigenous called it ‘drinks of gods’, settlers ‘green gold’. My yerba mate recipe gives best focus and energy – … Read more

Caffeine Content of South American Holly

This herby tree is native to South America. The leaves are used to make a tea called mate. It has an herby, earthy flavor. It contains caffeine. On average, it has 70 mg of caffeine per cup compared to coffee’s 120 mg. However, a strong brew may contain more caffeine than coffee. It has less … Read more