Mate is a caffeinated tea that has health benefits comparable to black tea. More you drink, more pronounced benefits are. Too much may increase cancer risk. It’s invigorating with an earthy, woody taste.
The mate plant is of the holly family native to South America – Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its leaves are used to make a traditional bitter drink called mate. Originally consumed by Guaraní people of Paraguay for centuries, it’s now also popular due to immigration in places like Syria and Poland.
It should not be consumed by pregnant women, children or those at high cancer risk from smoking and drinking alcohol. It may also interact with medications. The tea is safe for most healthy adults seeking increased energy, weight loss support and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Brands sell tea bags, loose leaf, powder and canned mate drinks.
Tips include not drinking it piping hot to reduce mouth cancer risk. Also avoid very large amounts for long periods. Local health food stores or online stores offer traditional gourds and straws to fully enjoy it traditionally.
The leaves contain caffeine, theobromine, vitamins C and minerals. This combination stimulates without as much anxiety or crash as coffee. It also has more antioxidants than green tea.
Mate is native to South America. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile. It was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. Mate contains 85 mg caffeine per 8 ounces, slightly less than coffee. It also contains antioxidants, polyphenols and other nutrients. Mate can boost energy, promote weight loss and heart health. However, it may cause side effects and interact with some medications, so caution is needed.
There are hundreds of mate brands to choose from. Cruz de Malta offers bold, smoky, authentic flavor. Taragui is slightly acidic with no sweetness, excellent as a morning drink. Guayaki leans strongly towards fruit flavors like orange or grapefruit. Traditionally, mate is brewed in a shared gourd and consumed socially in South American countries. Overall, mate is a distinctive caffeine-containing tea with some intriguing health properties for those willing to acquire the taste.
Mate has less caffeine than coffee. Mate typically contains about 85 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Coffee has about 95 milligrams per cup. So mate provides some improved focus and mood, but less than coffee. Coffee has health benefits too like reducing risk of certain cancers, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, obesity and diabetes. Mate can help boost the immune system due to antioxidants in the leaves. Yerba mate consumption was related to higher bone density in postmenopausal women. Both coffee and mate provide antioxidants and stimulants. But individuals with high blood pressure should avoid mate. For most healthy adults, occasional mate likely poses little risk.
So what makes some of the highest-quality mate brands? Rosamonte earns best overall with its authentic bold flavor loved by mate enthusiasts.