Green Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink that’s gaining worldwide popularity. It is a herbal tea made from the leaves and stems of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The leaves are typically dried over a fire, then steeped in hot water to make the tea. It is traditionally consumed from a gourd-shaped container and sipped with a metal straw containing a filter at its lower end to strain out the leaf fragments. It’s said to have the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the joy of chocolate. Yerba mate contains several beneficial plant compounds, including: Xanthines: These compounds act as stimulants. They include caffeine and theobromine, which are also found in tea, coffee, and chocolate. Caffeoyl derivatives: These compounds are the main health-promoting antioxidants in the tea. Saponins: These bitter compounds have certain anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties. Polyphenols: This is a large group of antioxidants, linked to a reduced risk of many diseases. Yerba mate also contains several other important micronutrients, including: vitamin C ~ thiamine ~ riboflavin ~ vitamin B6.  At 80 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per cup, yerba mate contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. Therefore, just like any other caffeinated food or beverage, it may increase your energy levels and make you feel less tired. Caffeine can also affect the levels of certain signaling molecules in your brain, making it particularly beneficial for your mental focus. Additionally, those who regularly consume yerba mate often report that it enhances alertness like coffee but without the jittery side effects.  Yerba mate may help prevent infections from bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Some research suggests that yerba mate may help support weight management and could be effective in reducing body weight, belly fat, and body mass index. It seems to decrease the total number of fat cells and reduce the amount of fat they hold. Yerba mate is traditionally served in a container called a gourd, also known as a calabash. It’s commonly sipped through a metal straw that has a filter on its lower end to strain out the leaf fragments. To prepare mate, fill the bottom third of the calabash with dried or toasted mate leaves prior to adding hot water. If you do not own a calabash, you can prepare it in a French press. The tea is often served with burnt sugar, lemon juice, or milk and can be topped off with hot water several times before using new leaves to make a new batch. Although traditionally consumed hot, yerba mate may also be served cold, especially in hot climates. 7 Health Benefits of Yerba Mate (Backed by Science)