Yerba mate is a traditional South American tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains caffeine and other nutrients that provide an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less jitters.
Research on Health Benefits
Research shows the herbal tea has several health benefits. It provides antioxidants, may help prevent diabetes, improves cognition, and may have anti-cancer properties.
Like coffee and green tea, yerba mate has become popular worldwide as a morning refreshment. It provides a balanced energy boost that combines the strength of coffee, health benefits of tea, and euphoria of chocolate.
Alertness Boost
The herbal tea gives an alertness boost similar to coffee. But it causes less anxiety or caffeine crash later.
The herbal tea does contain caffeine that stimulates the nervous system. For some with heart conditions, it may increase blood pressure. More research is needed on the impact on cancer and heart health.
Flavor Profile
Yerba mate has a bold, earthy flavor profile. Like fine wines or cigars, it can take time to acquire the taste. But once accustomed to the slight bitterness, the sweet, smoky undertones shine through.
Consuming over 10 cups daily might increase the risk of caffeine-related side effects.
When taken in large amounts or for long periods, the herbal tea is possibly unsafe. This increases the risk of some cancers, especially in smokers.
As of now, it’s unclear if drinking a lot of yerba mate can cause cancer. But its healthy compounds may help prevent cancer.
One cup of yerba mate (150 ml) has around 80 mg caffeine, like coffee. It can provide an energy boost without coffee’s nervousness. But research hasn’t confirmed this.
Health Benefits
The herbal tea has health benefits like cardiovascular disease risk reduction and weight loss. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant.
Similar to tea, the leaves are dried over fire and brewed with hot or cold water. It has about 78 mg of caffeine per cup. The brewed tea provides an energy boost like coffee, but with more nutrients and less caffeine.
This brewed tea is typically consumed in places such as Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil, and its tradition has spread to other parts of the world. It has many health benefits and is referred to as the "tea of the gods."
Effects on Body
The infusion boasts invigorating, antioxidant and cleansing properties. As a tea, it has great diuretic ability. It helps reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and promotes an increase in “good” cholesterol (HDL).
Some research has linked yerba mate to cancers of the throat and mouth when consumed at high temperatures. It may cause complications like increased blood pressure for those with heart disease. More research is needed to conclusively determine the impact on cancer development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yerba mate offers many benefits like boosting energy, improving mental focus, aiding weight loss and supporting digestive health.
Yerba mate contains caffeine, theobromine and nutrients. It provides an energy boost similar to coffee.
Research shows the herbal tea contributes to reducing body fat and BMI. It can improve digestion issues like constipation.
Social Aspect
Getting together to drink yerba mate forges emotional links between people and connects them to their roots.