The herbal drink is a traditional South American beverage made from the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It is most popular in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and parts of Brazil. The stimulant is rich in caffeine and antioxidants. It is commonly served in a gourd with a special straw called a bombilla.
The traditional serving size is about 50 grams (2 tablespoons) per serving. However, the amount can vary based on personal preference. Some factors that determine serving size include the size of the gourd, desired strength, and taste preferences. On average, most people use around 4 tablespoons or 8-10 teaspoons per cup.
The tea is prepared by steeping the dried leaves in hot water. It can be consumed in a single serving or continuously sipped over several hours by adding more hot water. Sharing the South American drink is traditional and seen as a social event enhancing bonds between friends.
The herbal stimulant offers a range of potential health benefits. However, it contains caffeine so side effects like jitteriness are possible in those sensitive to stimulants. Overall, the tea is a popular South American beverage valued both for its rich cultural history and antioxidant content.
Caffeine Content
The herbal tea leaves contain caffeine. The caffeine level can range from 20mg to 130mg per 8 ounce cup. The caffeine content depends on the brewing method. In South America, the drink is almost exclusively consumed traditionally. In North America and Europe, tea bags or french press are also common.
Potential Health Benefits
Yerba mate tea may boost immunity, improve digestion, increase energy.
Dry leaves usually contain 1% to 1.5% caffeine. A cup has about 70 mg of caffeine on average compared to 120 mg in coffee. The tea has less caffeine than black tea or green tea.
The drink contains anti-inflammatory saponins, chlorophyll, and antioxidants. It has less caffeine than coffee and the caffeine acts differently. This makes the tea non-addictive compared to coffee.
South Americans safely drink 1–4 liters daily without ill effects. Using tablespoons of loose leaves per cup can reach caffeination levels similar to espresso.
The caffeine is also more diluted and flushed out faster.
Typical Serving Size
On average, most people use 2-3 tablespoons per cup depending on personal preference, strength, and cup size.
Yerba mate is a species of holly plant native to regions of South America. Today it remains widely consumed for its flavor, caffeine content, and potential health benefits. Social traditions still accompany drinking in modern times. It is often shared continuously in a group for several hours, with the gourd and bombilla straw passed around.