Introduction to Mate and Yerba Mate

• Yerba mate is a tea brewed from the stems and branches of the Ilex paraguariensis, a plant that originates from South America.
• Yerba mate contains high levels of antioxidants, minerals and other nutrients that may help the body achieve a better state of health.
• While yerba mate may seem like a good choice for energy boosts during the day, it might still cause some of the same side effects as coffee.

If you've ever been to South America, you've probably noticed a few people sipping a drink from a round cup with a metal straw. There's a high chance that this is yerba mate, a popular energizing tea.

Yerba mate is brewed from the stems and branches of the Ilex paraguariensis, a plant that originates from South America. Yerba mate tea, or simply "mate," is especially popular in South American countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay, as a shared caffeine-rich beverage.

The practice of drinking mate in groups is well-known and symbolizes friendship and hospitality. This tea infusion is typically served in a hollowed-out calabaza gourd with a metal straw, called a "bombilla." Aside from its cultural symbolism, yerba mate is also famous for its numerous components, including antioxidants and biological compounds. In fact, these components contribute to several health benefits.

Thanks to its caffeine content, yerba mate has become popular for its energy-boosting characteristics, which may help alleviate mental and physical exhaustion.

But while the effects of yerba mate may be comparable to coffee, it contains a lower caffeine content. A cup of yerba mate contains approximately 85 milligrams of caffeine, compared to coffee's 163 milligrams. However, if you're caffeine-sensitive, it would be best that you veer away from this drink to avoid the numerous side effects and complications it may cause.

References: https://articles.mercola.com/teas/yerba-mate-tea.aspx