This South American herbal tea is made from the dried leaves and stems of Ilex paraguariensis, an evergreen tree from the holly family native to South America. It contains caffeine, antioxidants, and other nutrients. The beverage has existed for centuries and is the number one drink for millions in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil. It provides caffeine-like energy without anxiety, jitters, or crashes. The flavor can be described as earthy, grassy, or woodsy with hints of fruit. In the traditional ceremonies, the brew is prepared in a small gourd which is passed around a group.
This traditional South American drink is made from the dried leaves and twigs of Ilex paraguariensis. After harvest, the leaves are dried over fire. The brew contains about 78 mg of caffeine per cup.
It provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine. As an antioxidant powerhouse, the tea can boost energy, improve mental focus, promote calm, and support weight loss.
Legend has it the brew offers the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate.
The brew contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. Caffeine content varies between 0.7% and 1.7% of dry weight. Studies show PAHs cause cancer in animals but no studies confirm the same in humans.
Almost all online mentions of mateine lead back to Daniel Mowrey. Mowrey provides no credible references for his claims about mateine.
It also contains:
- Vitamin C.
Besides caffeine difference, green tea taste is lighter and energy lift is not to yerba mate level. It also has tannins while yerba does not. The health benefits differ more notably.
To dry the leaves, fire from burning wood is used. This process increases PAH content but no studies confirm cancer risk in humans.
The brew is native to South America and used to make the drink of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil, consumed 6 to 1 over coffee there.
This herbal tea contains caffeine and therefore can provide an energy boost. The caffeine provides a gentle increase in energy with relatively few side effects. It may help boost mental functions like alertness, concentration and memory.
It provides stimulation similar to coffee but may not cause a caffeine crash later. It has adaptogenic properties, which help regulate body systems.
The taste is strong, earthy and grassy, with a eucalyptus scent. It’s an acquired taste for some.