Guayaki mate is a South American tea made from the leaves and stems of the mate plant. Unlike other stimulant beverages, guayaki mate contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, polyphenols and amino acids as well as caffeine. Traditionally, mate is infused with hot water in a hollowed-out gourd. The liquid is filtered through a metal straw called … Read more
It provides an energy boost similar to coffee. But has less caffeine and more nutrients than coffee. The brew has been called “the drink of the gods”. It was called “the green gold of the Indios” by European settlers. The plant is native to South America. The best tasting leaves grow in the rainforest shade. … Read more
Caffeine content The South American brew contains more caffeine than green tea but less than coffee. It has a stronger taste and longer steep time compared to green tea. Both yerba mate and green tea contain antioxidants. The South American beverage has the antioxidant chlorogenic acid while green tea contains EGCG. A cup of the … Read more
This South American drink is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains caffeine and antioxidants. South Americans have safely drunk 1-4 liters per day for years. In North America and Europe, avid drinkers often drink 1-2 liters per day. This tea has potential health benefits but also some risks if consumed … Read more
Can anyone drink yerba mate? Mate is a tea made from the leaves of a South American holly plant. It’s popular in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. Mate contains caffeine and may provide health benefits. But more research is needed to confirm these links. Mate is traditionally drunk from a gourd through a … Read more
Mate was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile. The most common … Read more
This caffeinated South American drink is known for its stimulating effects and ability to boost energy levels. But how long does it actually take for those effects to kick in? The kick-in time is affected by: Genes influence caffeine absorption rates, affecting duration of effects. On average, it starts working within 15-30 minutes after drinking … Read more
Why do Argentinians drink mate? Mate is a popular drink in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and parts of Brazil. It is made by steeping dried leaves called yerba in hot water and is drunk from a gourd using a metal straw. Mate has a long history in South American culture, dating back to indigenous groups like … Read more
Origins The indigenous Guaraní first cultivated mate leaf. Its consumption was exclusive to two regions of Paraguay. After the Jesuits discovered its potential, mate leaf became widespread. By 1676, the main production was in Maracayú. Settlers from Asunción dominated production amidst mate forests. Conflict arose when settlers from Villa Rica and Ciudad Real moved into … Read more
Taste and Texture What is the best yerba mate tea? The infusion is commonly compared to green tea. It provides a balanced energy boost without the jitters or crashes. The antioxidants and nutrients also support overall energy levels and mental focus. For preparing the drink, it is recommended to use a gourd and a bombilla … Read more
