Herbal brew: Embrace of yerba mate over coffee
It is not an energy drink and has numerous benefits. However, some studies highlight a daily limit. Beyond this threshold, the drink can be detrimental to health.
Many people are swapping coffee for yerba mate, an infusion made from the leaves of the South American holly. It has been consumed in South American countries for centuries. People who have switched to mate notice that their bodies react slightly differently to drinking a "small black" coffee. The drink also has a stimulating effect, but it is more gradual and long-lasting.
How does the infusion affect the body?
Yerba mate contains roughly the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. Depending on how the leaves are brewed, it can contain between 40 and 120 mg of caffeine. Additionally, it is rich in polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The doctor recommends the drink to people with cardiovascular issues. He refers to a study indicating that regular consumption of yerba mate reduces blood viscosity, lowering the risk of clot formation that can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
The most noticeable effect is the stimulation of the body. Mate relieves fatigue, increases alertness, and improves concentration. Unlike coffee, an excess of yerba does not induce feelings of nervousness, and even when consumed before bed, it does not cause difficulty in falling asleep.
Yerba mate helps maintain a healthy body weight
Consuming the infusion also has positive effects on those with diabetes and obesity. Individuals with type 2 diabetes have been observed to have lower blood glucose levels. He also cites a study in which a group of obese people consumed a supplement containing 3 grams of yerba mate for 12 weeks.
After this period, weight loss and a reduction in body fat were observed. The doctor discovered that mate affects the production of leptin, a hormone that suppresses hunger. However, as the doctor clearly states, it is essential to remember that supplementing with mate cannot replace a healthy diet and physical activity.
Negative effects of drinking mate
There is concern about the information that yerba mate may increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. However, the doctor notes the risk arises when consuming more than 1 litre of mate daily. He recommends a safe dose of 1 cup per day, and suggests not combining the infusion with coffee.
How to brew mate?
Mate should be brewed in a special wooden or ceramic vessel called a matero.
- Fill the matero halfway with yerba mate leaves.
- Insert the bombilla, a special straw with holes, into the centre through which the infusion is drunk.
- Pour pre-boiled water over the leaves at a temperature of 71-79 degrees Celsius.
- Wait for the infusion to cool down.
You can pour hot water, lemonade, or fruit juice over the same leaves multiple times. Each time the infusion tastes different, it's worth finding your favourite version.
