Caffeine Content
The herbal drink contains more caffeine than green tea. One cup of the infusion has about 80mg of caffeine. One cup of green tea has about 45mg. The beverage provides more stimulant effects from caffeine. But it does not cause an energy crash later.
Health Benefits
The health benefits depend on individual health needs. The infusion has more vitamins and minerals. But green tea has more unique antioxidants called catechins. Both provide caffeine and antioxidants.
Origins
The herbal drink originates from South America. It has been used ceremonially for centuries by ancient tribes. It is traditionally consumed from a gourd with a metal straw. This ritual consumption influences how much people drink.
Matcha tea originates from Asia. It does not contain as much caffeine as the infusion. Matcha has a mild green flavor. The beverage tastes strongly grassy.
The cultural aspect can influence the frequency and amount of consumption. Understanding these factors can help you better understand your own intake and make informed choices about how much you drink.
Which Has More Caffeine?
The herbal drink contains much more caffeine than green tea. The higher amounts of caffeine make it a more powerful appetite suppressant.
I don’t know much besides it’s a traditional drink, and I think it’s a tisane, so not tea? The infusion is a southamerican popular herbal infusion that yes, does not use tea (Camellia sinensis). You then pour a small amount of water and give the container (mate) to somebody else to drink, making it a more social drink than other infusions.
Popularity and Production
The drink is popular in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and other countries in Latin America. One of the reasons for the popularity is its natural caffeine content.
The plant can grow up to 16 meters tall, but it is typically pruned to a height of 4-6 meters for commercial production. The leaves and stems of the plant are harvested, dried, and then used to make the infusion.
Flavor and Health Benefits
- Yerba mate is renowned for its unique flavor profile and impressive health benefits. It is often praised for its potential to provide energy, improve mental focus, and boost metabolism. It also contains antioxidants that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
- The infusion contains around 80 milligrams of caffeine per cup, comparable to a cup of coffee. Many people who drink it say it gives them an energy boost without the nervousness that sometimes occurs with coffee.
Preparation and Consumption
- The traditional ritual is described as “gourd herb,” requiring a mate (dried gourd), bombilla (special drinking straw), and thermos. Individuals sit in a circle passing the mate filled with leaves and warm water, releasing flavor. The cebador fills the mate and adds water.
More on Caffeine and Health Benefits
The herbal drink has more caffeine than green tea with 85mg per cup compared to 45mg in green tea. As with tea and coffee, brewing time affects caffeine levels. It is high in vitamins A, B, C, and E which boost immunity and promote health. It also contains high mineral concentrations.
The beverage is bitter due to the raw, green leaf steeped in hot water several times. Few plants are not bitter when steeped. It regulates intestinal transit and increases satiety aiding weight loss. With high antioxidant levels, the infusion contains up to 90% more antioxidants than green tea protecting the body by fighting free radicals.