Properties
Paraguayan Holly infusion is an herbal infusion from a South American tree. Its leaves are processed for use.
It has adaptogenic properties so provides a calm, sustained energy boost. Mate has a similar nutrient profile to green tea but more caffeine. It has around 80mg of caffeine serving comparable to coffee.
Mate is traditionally drunk from a gourd. Hot water is added to leaves then sipped through a metal straw with filter, called a bombilla.
Mate can be consumed on its own as an herbal tea. It can also be used as an ingredient in cocktails, lemonades, popsicles and energy balls. The caffeine provides an energy lift while the adaptogens promote calm focus. Some possible side effects are jitteriness, headache and insomnia if consuming too much caffeine.
Description
Mate is an herbal tea from a South American plant. It has a bitter taste due to tannins. Mate may help boost energy and focus.
The mate plant occurs natively in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and other South American countries. Mate can be consumed traditionally using a gourd and metal straw, or brewed like regular tea.
Some enjoy mate’s bitter flavor. The flavor can range from strongly bitter to mildly bitter depending on the brand. Some brands develop a smokey taste from the leaves’ drying method.
Mate provides a steady energy boost unlike the jitters from coffee. It combines caffeine with theobromine. Too much mate can cause side effects so moderation is recommended.
Side Effects
Yerba mate is a South American plant called Ilex paraguariensis. Traditionally drunk as a hot tea, yerba mate has numerous health benefits like increased focus and improved digestion. However, excessive yerba mate has side effects.
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Insomnia. While mate increases alertness through caffeine, large amounts may cause insomnia due to overstimulating the central nervous system. This causes problems for night shift workers and students pulling late nights alongside copious amounts.
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Headaches. Possible cancer risk – Studies show mate may increase risk of mouth, throat, esophagus cancers when used long-term.
Yerba mate leaves contain xanthines like caffeine and theobromine. These compounds provide stimulation and the somewhat bitter taste. Mate also contains: Vitamin C. Vitamin B1, B2, B3.
Mate shares properties with coffee and green tea but has key differences. While similarly caffeinated, mate doesn’t cause jitters. Its adaptogenic properties promote calm. It shares antioxidants with green tea but may be a more effective fat burner, possibly reversing obesity’s effects.
Benefits
Major benefits:
- Improved cognition – Antioxidants may improve brain function.
For healthy adults, moderate yerba mate consumption is safe. But studies indicate people drinking large, hot amounts long-term have increased cancer risks – especially alongside tobacco. So consume cautiously and avoid overindulging.
Differences
Yerba mate is an herbal tea. It contains more caffeine than green tea. Mate offers fat-burning and metabolism-boosting benefits. The caffeine makes mate an appetite suppressant.
Mate is becoming popular in North America and Europe. Mate can boost mental and physical performance. It can also aid in losing weight and burning fat.
Mate has more antioxidants and nutrients than green tea.
Mate has a more intense flavor. It is prepared by steeping leaves and sipping through a metal straw. The higher caffeine content stimulates the body and mind without causing jitters.
Mate contains chlorogenic acid. This acid attacks cancer cells, destroys bacteria, and provides other health benefits. Green tea contains little chlorogenic acid.