There are limited plants that produce caffeine and yerba mate. The herb is used to produce a caffeinated beverage, and while there are no actual tea leaves here, the drink is prepared as an infusion to prepare a tea-like beverage. Thus, even if it is not tea, you can expect the companies to sell Yerba mate loose leaf tea.
The Yerba Mate Tea:
Yerba mate is a herb, the Ilex paraguariensis plant that is native to South America and is consumed as coffee in many countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Southern Brazil, and Uruguay. Yerba mate was discovered by the indigenous peoples living in the forests of South America. Also referred to as “from the gods,” the herbal drink was used by natives to increase their physical stamina. Thus, the herb became a dietary staple for the indigenous peoples and tribes who followed a nomadic and warrior-based lifestyle. Natives believed yerba mate was a gift to them from gods and thus was used for medicinal purposes. They often used it in their worship as well as other religious ceremonies as a spiritual herb.
The twigs and leaves of the herb are first dried over a fire and later soaked in hot water and prepared as tea. The leafy elixir, with a host of health benefits, is also known as the tea of the gods. Its major benefit is seen as a replacement for coffee and can offer the kick you need to start your day. The natural stimulant compounds such as theobromine within yerba mate loose leaf improve brain function and calm the nerves. Yerba mate carries a bitter flavor and is found to be similar to green tea, black tea, and coffee. One can have it unsweetened or mix it with honey to offset the bitterness.
When using yerba mate loose leaf tea bags, it is important to avoid using extremely hot water. This is because a much higher water temperature can lead to a more bitter taste. So, simmer the water at a lower temperature and pour hot water over the mate leaves. Let the Yerba mate loose leaf tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes and allow the temperature to cool down a bit. You can have it hot or add ice cubes and serve it as a cooler drink.
Yerba Mate Loose Leaf Tea Benefits:
There are numerous health benefits of Yerba mate loose leaf. The drink contains many beneficial plant nutrients such as antioxidants and beneficial plant nutrients. Xanthines compounds, for example, act as stimulants. Yerba mate includes caffeine and theobromine, and Caffeoyl derivatives, which are health-promoting antioxidants. Saponins, the bitter compounds, carry anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties, while polyphenols are known to lower the risk of many diseases. Yerba mate may also advance muscle contractions and raise the body’s reliance on fat during exercise. Thus, you can expect better physical performance as well as strong immunity for bacteria, parasites, and fungi. The antioxidant power of yerba mate leaf tea is much higher than green tea.
Several human studies on bulk yerba mate loose leaf tea consumption have indicated that its consumption gives you improved alertness and mental focus. A cup of yerba mate tea is likely to increase your energy levels and keep you less tired during the day. As yerba mate contains caffeine in a moderate amount, one can expect similar benefits as tea or coffee.
As a regular user of the herbal drink, you should also be aware of Yerba mate’s loose leaf tea side effects. As it contains caffeine, it is possible that some people might suffer from an inability to sleep, restlessness, and nervousness. In some cases, slight side effects such as nausea and vomiting or an upset stomach and increased heart rate are observed.
