Health Benefits
It contains stimulants that can increase alertness and reduce fatigue. It may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Compared to coffee, it has less caffeine. It has more antioxidants than green tea but less polyphenols.
The long-term health effects are similar to those of black tea. Potential benefits are dose-dependent – drinking more provides increased effects, up to a point. Too much over long periods may increase cancer risk, especially in smokers and heavy drinkers.
Consumption Methods
The herb is traditionally consumed from a gourd using a special filtered straw. It has an earthy, bitter taste akin to strong green tea. Preparing and drinking it can be a social ritual in parts of South America.
New drinkers should start slowly to assess tolerance. Use warmer water instead of near-boiling to reduce bitterness. Quality brands provide authentic flavor for novices. Over time, customize preparations to suit personal taste.
People with irritable bowel syndrome or anxiety may experience more side effects from the caffeine. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to watch their caffeine intake as well.
It can also interfere with some medications. This is partly due to the caffeine content. So, if you’ve been told to limit your caffeine intake, it isn’t going to be a great choice. Some plant-based compounds can cause issues too.
Brazilian yerba is considered the espresso, because of its bold and muscular body that provides a potent warming sensation. Argentinian yerba is taken very seriously in Argentina, so much so that a recent survey showed that 98% of all households consume it daily.
Unlike coffee, it has a steady rise in energy which gives a feel of stimulation to the drinker’s minds and bodies. That’s also why it doesn’t give you the jitters, unlike coffee. This effect occurs from caffeine and theobromine.
In United States, Canada, and Europe, it’s not uncommon for an avid drinker to consume at least 1–2 liters per day.
The seeds apparently only germinate after being digested by specific native birds. This makes commercial cultivation more difficult and therefore the herb more precious. The best tasting mate comes from leaves grown in the shade of the rainforest. The number of alkaloids and xanthenes in the leaves is said to be directly related to the quality rating of the soil. The flavor, therefore, varies greatly from region to region.
Organic and fair trade relies on workers paid fairly with machetes, not heavy herbicide applications. The extra cost is worth it for the land, workers and our bodies. We think PampaDirect is the best place to buy it. Their commitment to organic and sustainable farming shows in their high-quality but affordable products.