This South American drink is made from the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains caffeine and antioxidants. The tea has some health benefits but also some safety concerns.
The antioxidant capacity of the beverage is approximately 90 percent higher than that of green tea. This is due to the large quantity of polyphenols it contains. Polyphenols can improve the body’s natural defenses and prevent cell aging.
However, drinking large amounts of the infusion over long periods increases cancer risk, especially for people who smoke or drink alcohol. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children, should not consume it either.
The infusion is served in a wooden cup with a metal straw. It has a strong, bitter, vegetal taste that some compare to coffee. The flavor is an acquired taste that can take some adjusting to.
The South American drink is more widely available now than in the past thanks to online stores that ship internationally. There are many brands and options to choose from from mild to very bold, smoky flavors. It can also be grown outside South America with proper climate control.
This caffeinated, tea-like drink from South America contains antioxidants and has a pleasant flavor. The infusion is legal in the US. You can buy ground leaves at health food stores, often sold as loose leaf or tea bags. If buying loose leaf, also get a tea strainer. To brew, place cool water and leaves in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Store it similar to tea bags or coffee beans.
It contains caffeine like coffee does. This means it can be addictive and have side effects if consumed regularly. However, the South American drink is not a hallucinogenic plant-based drug. Recently, it has become more popular in the US as a supplement among fitness communities. There are addiction concerns if used regularly, but these risks are comparable to drinking caffeinated tea or coffee.
I’ve been drinking the infusion for years. Good online stores to purchase from include PampaDirect, which ships internationally and has excellent prices and selection. Local stores like Walmart, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s may carry it too.
Drinking the South American tea provides energy and focus without making you jittery like coffee can. It also has adaptogenic properties to help regulate the body’s systems, promoting a sense of calm. The infusion shares many benefits with green tea. However, unlike green tea, it provides steady energy that lasts a long time after drinking it.
The infusion is considered safe for most healthy adults if consumed occasionally. However, drinking very large amounts for long periods may increase cancer risks. To be safe, limit cups of the South American tea to 1-2 per day.
This herbal tea is made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The leaves are dried over a fire, and then infused in hot water to make the tea. This tea is typically consumed from a container called gourd and sipped with a metal straw that filters the leaf fragments floating on the surface.
You drink the infusion with a metal straw, traditionally made from silver, called bombilla in Spanish and bomba in Portuguese. A thermos with hot water around 80 degrees Celcius is always present, ready to refill the guampa. The flavor can actually vary quite a bit, depending on how the leaves were processed and how you prepare the drink.
The best answer is that it has 85 mg of caffeine for every 8 fluid oz. That is, it has slightly less caffeine than a generic cup of coffee. There is an official way to prepare the infusion with a traditional mate gourd and straw. In many South American countries, it’s almost a social event to sit together and drink mate from a shared gourd.
Those looking for a more mild-mannered version should look elsewhere, but it can’t be beat when it comes to bold and authentic flavor. In addition to caffeine, it contains antioxidants, which provide health-related benefits when consumed – including potential anti-cancer properties.
Compared to coffee, it provides a much longer and milder effect of increased energy and wakefulness. While coffee usually kicks in immediately after drinking, the effects of drinking the infusion come subtly and can last for hours.
The plant is found in South America. Its leaves are used to make a caffeinated drink. This beverage is more popular than coffee in some regions. It is referred to as the "drink of the Gods."
It contains caffeine. It gives an energy boost. This can help increase alertness, improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and enhance physical performance. However, the infusion may provide a smoother energy boost compared to coffee or tea. It may not cause jitters or a "crash" later.
The caffeine content is typically 30-50 milligrams per cup. This is less than coffee but more than most teas. The plant is native to the subtropical highlands of South America. It comes from parts of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
It has a bitter taste due to tannins. Some brands can have a smokey flavor based on how the leaves are processed. The taste varies by brand. Many people enjoy the bitter taste. Others add mint, honey, sugar, milk or citrus to balance it.
Too much of the infusion or drinking it for long periods may cause side effects. These can include insomnia, nervousness, nausea, increased heart rate and more. It’s best to drink the South American tea in moderation. South Americans may safely drink up to 4 liters per day. In North America and Europe, 1-2 liters per day is common for avid drinkers.