Benefits
This tea-like drink is made from the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. This holly plant is native to several South American countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – where drinking it is a popular social tradition shared among friends and family.
It contains caffeine and antioxidants. The caffeine provides an energy boost. The antioxidants may offer health benefits like weight loss, improved heart health, and protection against disease.
- Caffeine provides energy boost
- Antioxidants may offer:
- Weight loss
- Improved heart health
- Disease protection
Some potential side effects are anxiety, insomnia, increased heart rate, nausea and laxative effects if consuming too much. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and people with anxiety issues should use caution with it due to the caffeine content.
The caffeine content is slightly less than an average cup of coffee. It offers a coffee-like pick-me-up with the added health bonuses of a tea.
Why it makes you feel good
This traditional South American drink is made from the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis holly tree. It contains caffeine and can be addictive in high doses. It may help treat depression, ADHD, and other mental health issues. The antioxidants in it may also have anti-cancer properties.
- Provides stimulating effect like coffee
- Less jitteriness and crash than coffee
- 85mg caffeine per 8oz serving
It is traditionally drunk from a hollow gourd called a guampa using a metal straw known as a bombilla. It is served with hot water around 80°C and the guampa is refilled as needed.
- Traditionally served in guampa (hollow gourd)
- Using bombilla (metal straw)
- Served at ~80°C
In South America, it is seen as part of a healthy lifestyle regimen that includes exercise, wholesome foods, and keeping a positive mindset. It can be consumed daily, prepared in many ways – plain, with milk, lemon and honey, etc. Research suggests it may help prevent diabetes, boost fat burning during exercise, reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels, and provide greater cancer protection compared to green tea.
Pros and cons
Research shows it may help with:
- Weight loss
- Digestion
- Energy levels
- Thinking skills
It also may have anticancer properties. However, it may cause:
- Insomnia
- Fast heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Upset stomach
Risks may be higher for people with heart conditions. Limit evening consumption to promote sleep. More research on its long-term safety is needed.
Comparison to coffee
Replacing coffee with it can provide a less jittery caffeine boost. But moderation is wise until more definitive safety data become available.
Popularity and preparation
Drinking it is as common in South America as drinking coffee and tea in the rest of the world. It contains nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients.
- 85 mg caffeine per 8 oz
- Boosts energy with nutrients like traditional tea
There is an official way to prepare it with a traditional mate gourd and straw. In many South American countries, it’s almost a social event to sit together and drink it from a shared gourd.
Health benefits
This tea contains antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins essential to our health.
- 90% more antioxidants than green tea
- Boosts immune system
- Promotes weight control and physical strength
In addition to caffeine, it contains antioxidants with anti-cancer properties. It reduces inflammation. Indeed, there are many reasons to drink it.
Stimulant and digestion aid
It stimulates the nervous system and is most commonly consumed as an energy booster. While traditionally enjoyed hot, other people prefer drinking it over ice. Research has found that sipping on it can help you slim down, much like green tea. Due to its high choleretic effect, drinking it regularly can help soothe an upset stomach and other digestion problems such as constipation and diarrhea.