The Ilex paraguariensis tree found in the rainforests of South America. Its leaves contain caffeine, amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants. Drinking very hot yerba mate (over 65°C) may increase cancer risk due to containing PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) which are carcinogenic. Consuming high amounts may also cause side effects like migraines, high blood pressure, and insomnia due to the caffeine. Pregnant women should consult doctors before drinking as it increases miscarriage and low birth weight risks.
Yerba mate has an earthy, bitter, smoky flavor. Some enjoy the unique profile while others find it quite bitter initially. Starting with a smooth, mild yerba can introduce the flavor even to novices. Flavored varieties with mint, fruit or herbs are also available.
When buying, loose leaf sold in tea shops or cafes is often cheaper than bags. Anna Park Organic claims to be the best beverage in the world. It’s 100% natural, gluten-free and packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, E and B complex.
Those seeking energy, mental clarity or weight loss may also use yerba mate supplements, which come in various forms. Knowing your unique needs helps choose the right one.
How do I choose yerba mate?
However, the taste of different brands can vary quite a bit from earthy and herby to quite bitter or smoky. Here is a guide to some of the most popular options to help you choose the best yerba mate for your preferences.
The Argentine Food Code states that traditional yerba mate blends must contain at least 65% dried, crushed yerba mate leaves and up to 35% stems. Brands without stems have over 90% leaves for a more intense flavor. Some blends also add herbs like chamomile, linden or boldo for additional flavors and health benefits.
When trying yerba mate for the first time, it’s best to begin with a milder blend that can be more readily enjoyed even by novices. The firm Rosamonte produces an approachable smoked-free organic yerba that has a smooth, mildly bitter and complex flavor. Guayaki is another reliable brand that ethically harvests organic mate for teas focused on sustainable rainforest cultivation. Their lightly sweetened flavored mates with mint, lemon or other herbs are also more accessible options.
Online retailers like Amazon offer both traditional and flavored varieties of your preferred brands.
With its caffeine-like stimulation and array antioxidants, yerba mate offers many potential health benefits. However, drinking extremely hot mate may pose increased cancer risks. Pregnant women should also moderate caffeine from high intakes. Finding an enjoyable yerba mate blend makes this traditional drink much more pleasant whether sipping for focus, energy or relaxation.
Is it OK to drink yerba mate everyday?
I tried drinking yerba mate daily for a week and stopped this because it was very difficult to fall asleep at night even when I had drank the mate in the afternoon and nowhere near bedtime. Now I just drink it 2-3X per week instead and usually drink it during weekends instead.
Some estimates suggest it is consumed 6 to 1 over coffee-based alternatives in that area of the world. Even the Pope is a fan of mate, which he apparently drinks every day. He was photographed enjoying it hot from a traditional gourd or “herb cup” (mati in Quechuan, the Native American language spoken primarily in the Andes region) on a goodwill trip to Paraguay.
This increased risk may be attributed to drinking yerba mate at very hot temperatures and the release of potentially carcinogenic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The safety of yerba mate hasn’t been established in children, pregnant individuals, or those who are breastfeeding.
So How Much Yerba Mate should you drink? Avoid constant consumption, 2 – 3 beverages at most, which should last a good portion of the day and through to the late afternoon. Avoid drinking during the evening, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine, so be aware of this whilst consuming it.
What is the most popular brand of yerba mate in Argentina?
Yerba mate consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. Cruz de Malta yerba mate is one of the most popular brands among Argentine consumers.
Rosamonte Special Selection yerba mate was the first traditional blend that I tried. Even today it’s still one of my favorites due to its smooth and relatively mild taste, which still has pleasant complexity.
Amazon is one of the best places to buy mate online because they have a large selection of loose leaf mate teas for a reasonable price. If you want to find yerba mate in your hometown, look no further than your local health food store.
Flavored Varieties
Though simple, plain yerba mate is the most popular kind around the world, there are other options. If you are looking for the perks of drinking mate but aren’t a fan of the taste, you can find flavored mates. Not to mention the many bottled energy and tea drinks on the market that contain yerba mate. The goddess Yasí proclaimed the plant a symbol of friendship, and today—although many start their day solo with a cup of mate—the drink is typically enjoyed communally.