Mate, commonly known as Yerba tea, is a traditional South American beverage made from the leaves of the Yerba mate plant. It is a highly popular drink in South America, especially in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.
It is known to be a great alternative for coffee drinkers as it boosts energy due to it’s caffeine content, however it provides a gradual natural energy boost without the jitters and crash that comes with coffee.
Alongside this, Yerba Mate tea improves mental clarity as it contains theobromine and theophylline which promotes focus; it also aids digestion and is rich in antioxidants and vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system.
Here are 10 benefits of Yerba tea in comparison to coffee:
Higher antioxidant content:
Yerba tea contains more antioxidants than coffee, which can help protect the body against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
More natural energy boost:
Yerba tea contains caffeine, but it also contains other compounds such as theobromine and theophylline that can help provide a more natural and sustained energy boost, without the jittery feeling that coffee can cause.
May improve mental clarity:
Yerba tea contains compounds that can help improve mental clarity and focus, which may be more beneficial for some people than the energy boost provided by coffee.
May improve digestion:
Yerba tea contains compounds that can help improve digestion and relieve digestive issues such as constipation and bloating, which is not a benefit typically associated with coffee.
May promote weight loss:
Yerba tea contains compounds that can help suppress appetite and promote weight loss, whereas coffee may have the opposite effect and increase appetite.
May reduce the risk of chronic diseases:
Yerba tea contains a variety of phytochemicals that can help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, whereas coffee has been linked to an increased risk of some health conditions when consumed in excess.
May be easier on the stomach:
Some people may find that Yerba tea is easier on their stomach than coffee, which can cause acid reflux and other digestive issues for some people.
May improve bone health:
Yerba tea contains high levels of calcium and other minerals that can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which is not a benefit typically associated with coffee.
May improve cardiovascular health:
Yerba tea contains compounds that can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, which can improve cardiovascular health, whereas coffee has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease in some studies.
May improve sleep quality:
Yerba tea contains less caffeine than coffee, which may make it a better choice for people who are sensitive to caffeine and have trouble sleeping. Additionally, some compounds in Yerba tea may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Yerba tea is a healthy and delicious beverage that can provide numerous health benefits. However, it is important to consume it in moderation, as excessive intake can lead to adverse effects such as insomnia, headaches, and high blood pressure.
The benefits of Yerba tea include:
- Boosts Energy: Yerba tea contains caffeine, which provides a natural energy boost without the jitters that come with coffee.
- Improves Mental Clarity: Yerba tea also contains theobromine and theophylline, which help improve mental clarity and focus.
- Aids Digestion: Yerba tea contains compounds that can help improve digestion and relieve digestive issues such as constipation and bloating.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Yerba tea is loaded with antioxidants, which can help protect the body against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
- Boosts Immune System: Yerba tea is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen the immune system and promote overall health.
- Helps Control Appetite: Yerba tea contains compounds that can help suppress appetite, making it an excellent beverage choice for weight management.
- Lowers Risk of Chronic Diseases: Yerba tea contains a variety of phytochemicals that can help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Overall, Yerba tea is a healthy and delicious beverage that can provide numerous health benefits. However, it is important to consume it in moderation, as excessive intake can lead to adverse effects such as insomnia, headaches, and high blood pressure.
