How much can you drink?
The beverage is an adaptogenic herb consumed in South America as mate, made by steeping its dried leaves and twigs in hot water. This bitter drink is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and caffeine. Mate has been enjoyed for centuries due to its unique flavor and range of potential health benefits.
The amount you can drink daily depends on your personal tolerance. Consuming 1-2 liters per day is common for avid drinkers. However, avoid drinking it in the evenings, especially if sensitive to caffeine.
Research on the tea’s health effects shows mixed results. Some studies suggest benefits for heart health, weight loss and cancer prevention from its nutritious compounds. However, other studies link heavy, long-term consumption to increased cancer risk. More research is still needed.
For most people, 1-4 cups containing 3 grams of leaf per day for up to 12 weeks appears safe. But those with sensitivity should moderate intake. The first brew also contains the most caffeine.
Risks of Excessive Intake
Drinking too much can lead to increased heart rate, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Excessive intake has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, such as esophageal and bladder cancer. It can also cause digestive issues.
The herb is like any other tea you drink or vegetable you eat. Of course, too much of one thing is almost never good. South Americans safely drink upwards of 1–4 liters per day. For an experienced drinker, 2-3 servings a day should not be something extraordinary. Let’s not force ourselves to drink the infusion regardless of consequences.
One cup of yerba mate tea contains around 80 milligrams of caffeine, comparable to coffee.
Refilling the Gourd
When drinking from a gourd, refill it as many times as needed until the flavor is gone. Depending on the size used, this ranges from 10 to 30 refills. The natural limit of cycles is when it loses taste. Too much water intake has health risks. This applies as well.
Avoid constant consumption; 2-3 beverages spread throughout the day is enough. Enjoyment is very social. If sharing mate in a group, there is one gourd passed around with one designated pourer. Hot water is added and passed from person to person in rotation. One gourd can be refilled 10-20 times, getting less potent each time. The most common way to drink yerba mate is continuous sipping for hours, adding more leaves or water as needed. Mate is usually enjoyed socially, gathered in beautiful nature, sharing one gourd passed around, connecting people.
In the US, Canada and Europe avid drinkers consume at least 1-2 liters daily, depending on tolerance. Think of the infusion as an herb like oregano, generously enjoyed. It appears to be an adaptogenic herb.
Rules and Culture
The plant produces leaves used to make tea. When served cold, it is called tereré in Guaraní. The infusion is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. It contains amino acids and vitamins such as iron and magnesium.
The culture is closely linked to Gauchos who adopted drinking it from native tribes. The traditional way involves a gourd, metal straw, bag of leaves, and hot water.
The indigenous Guaraní people cultivated and consumed it for centuries, which comes from the ilex paraguariensis tree, made by soaking dried leaves in hot water. Karla Johan Lorenzo was born in a province known for its production, author of El Libro de la Yerba Mate, ambassador introducing it to the world.