What is Yerba Mate?
Does real yerba mate have caffeine?
The tea contains 30-180 mg of caffeine per serving. The average cup has about 70 mg, compared to 120 mg in coffee. It has more caffeine than tea, which has 50 mg per cup.
Along with caffeine, it contains xanthines, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients provide energy and health benefits. The theobromine contributes to sustained energy without crashing later.
The South American drink has been central to culture. It was used medicinally and nutritionally. Today, people worldwide drink it as a refreshing, healthy beverage.
The caffeine effect differs from coffee. Coffee can cause nervousness, irritability, and anxiety. The maté caffeine works gradually, so the body tolerates it better. The diuretic effect also eliminates caffeine faster.
Health Effects
There’s little research on long-term benefits. But many studies confirm short-term energizing effects. Athletes often use it for the performance boost.
It does contain PAHs, carcinogens also found in smoked or grilled meat and tobacco. More research is needed, but PAHs may pose health risks with heavy use.
The flavor has been described as earthy with bitter, grassy notes. It has a eucalyptus-like aroma that some find offputting initially. The drink is often diluted and shared among people in social traditions.
Caffeine Crash and Effects Over Time
Do you get caffeine crash from yerba mate?
The South American drink is made from holly plant leaves native to regions like Paraguay and Argentina. It has a long history among indigenous peoples and European settlers who called it "the green gold." Today, it has become popular worldwide as a tea that offers balanced energy, focus, and health benefits.
It contains about 85 mg of caffeine per cup – less than coffee but more than typical black or green teas. This caffeine level stimulates the mind and body for hours without "crashing" later. The tea also has adaptogenic properties, which help the body regulate and respond to caffeine smoothly.
Additionally, it provides antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant compounds. Research suggests it may help fight inflammation, bacteria, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
The energizing effects make it a favorite among athletes. It also works as a mental pick-me-up for students seeking improved concentration without jitters. The tea offers a more relaxed buzz than coffee that lingers due to compounds like theobromine.
Drinking 1-2 cups daily seems safe for most healthy adults. Risks are low compared to other caffeinated beverages. But high intake may cause nausea or anxiety in sensitive people. Those pregnant or breastfeeding should limit use to 1 cup daily to be safe.
While it differs greatly from coffee or tea in flavor and effects, it makes a refreshing change of pace hot or iced. The loose leaf tea works well with traditional gourds or French presses.
Long-Term Effects and Benefits
What happens if you drink yerba mate every day?
Consuming large amounts, particularly when hot, may increase cancer risk. However, for most people, its health benefits outweigh the side effects. Avoid excessive caffeine. Be careful with it if you have a medical condition or are pregnant. Don’t make it too strong. Let it cool before drinking to reduce cancer risk.
It provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It contains vitamin C and xanthines like caffeine and theobromine, responsible for its bitter taste and stimulating effects.
Traditionally consumed in South America, it offers mental and physical benefits with more caffeine than tea but less than coffee. Therefore, maté can increase energy without as much caffeine as coffee. The best time to drink it is in the morning.
Large amounts for long periods may cause headaches, anxiety, irregular heartbeats. Store it in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life.
Compared to green tea, maté has heavier taste and longer steep time. Green tea is also known for energy lift, but not to maté’s level. They have differences in health benefits. Maté contains antioxidant chlorogenic acid. Green tea contains EGCG.
In diabetes patients, it decreased blood glucose, HbA1c and LDL cholesterol over 60 days. This shows its effect on diabetes.
It has higher caffeine levels than tea but less than coffee. This gives it a happy medium between tea and coffee. The caffeine linkage provides better mental concentration and physical improvement. But caffeine may also cause laxative effects.
It contains 24 vitamins and minerals, 10 amino acids. Some claim it helps weight loss and gut health like green tea with its diuretic and laxative effects which eliminate toxins.
The caffeine content means only 1-2 cups a day may be tolerated. But overall, it is a healthy way to consume antioxidants. Avoid excessive consumption to prevent negative health issues.