Who should not take mate?
Mate is a popular South American drink made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It has many potential health benefits but should be consumed in moderation. Pregnant women, people with anxiety disorders, and those with high blood pressure should avoid drinking mate because of its high caffeine content. Mate is traditionally consumed as a hot tea but can also be enjoyed cold or with fruit flavorings. It has a bold, earthy flavor that some describe as an acquired taste.
In the United States, mate can be found in health food stores, organic markets, and international grocery stores, often in the tea aisle. Online stores like PampaDirect offer the largest selections and lowest prices on mate. They sell sampler packs so you can discover your perfect mate variety before purchasing larger quantities.
When preparing mate, use around 50 grams of dry leaves per liter of water. The dried leaves can be reused several times before needing replacement. Beginners should start with small 250 gram packets until determining their preferred brand.
Mate is a bitter, acquired taste. The ritual of preparing and drinking mate is an important cultural tradition in parts of South America. Sharing mate with others is a social experience. Outside South America, enjoying mate’s potential health benefits and unique flavor is growing in popularity.
Why Mate can be Addictive
Why is mate addictive?
Mate is a botanical herb native to parts of South America such as Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. Mate contains caffeine and can be addictive if consumed regularly. However, it is legal in the US. You can find mate at some grocery stores like Whole Foods or small boutique tea shops. When choosing mate, organic options minimize exposure to harmful chemicals used in commercial mate farms. The mate plant grows best in shaded rainforest environments, leading to better taste. While mate contains less caffeine than coffee, it provides a different energizing effect. Excess mate may negatively impact sleep quality.
Mate is from an evergreen plant native to South America. The plant can grow in different settings, but best tasting mate is from shade. Mate is alternative to coffee or tea for energy and could help with blood lipid levels and weight loss.
Mate thought to enhance stamina. It provides vigor without side effects of caffeine. Due to higher caffeine, mate compared to coffee. One benefit is ability to energize without crash coffee exhibits.
Mate is stimulant beverage consumed in South America for long time. Before colonization, natives chewed leaves. Over time, tea from leaves popular with cowboys. Mate is species of holly genus with name Ilex paraguariensis. It is used to make mate. Traditionally consumed in South America, primarily Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. Also popular in Syria and Lebanon. First cultivated and used by Guarani people in Brazil before colonization.
Comparing Mate and Green Tea
What is healthier green tea or mate?
Mate is a plant grown in South America used for making herbal tea. Green tea is made from Camellia sinesis, mostly grown in Asia and Africa, used for making all real tea types. Both plants need about 3 years before the first harvest. Mate is a predominant beverage in South America, and a national drink of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil. While mate tea has health benefits, it can cause anxiety, insomnia and stomach discomfort from caffeine. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be careful about consuming mate tea. Both plants have great potential. Mate is prepared and consumed differently than teas, using a metal straw called bombilla. Flavor: mate is more intense and bitter than the delicate, earthy green tea.
Mate contains more chlorogenic acid while green tea contains catechins. The health benefits of both teas differ due to these. Research shows mate may reduce and attack cancer cells, destroy bacteria, clear arteries, and promote healthy heart. But more studies are needed. Both teas are caffeinated but mate causes less jitteriness than coffee. It has adaptogenic properties that regulate the body’s systems.