Is Yerba Mate Tea Better for You Than Coffee?

Health

The Darker Side of Yerba Mate

There are a few things to be aware of before switching ditching the coffee for a yerba mate, however.

Yerba mate contains something called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons are the same cancer-causing compounds found in tobacco and charred foods.

Depending on growing conditions, yerba mate can also contain varying levels of heavy metals like aluminum and lead.

To put this in perspective though, the average lead concentration in yerba mate tea is less than half of what the EPA considers safe for drinking water. Green tea, coffee, and even fruits and vegetables also contain varying amounts of heavy metals in them, since it’s naturally abundant in soil.

And while yerba mate tea does contain low levels of certain carcinogens, it’s also very high in cancer-fighting antioxidants.

How to Prepare Yerba Mate Tea

Traditionally, yerba mate tea leaves are brewed in hollowed out gourds and sipped through bombillas, a metal straw with a strainer at the bottom. The gourd is passed around and the water refilled up to 20 times. The traditional recipe results in a very strong beverage, as the gourd is packed with leaves.

But never fear, gourds not required! You can make yerba mate at home in a French press, coffee pot, or with a simple household strainer.

Generally, for every 1 cup of water use a heaping 1 teaspoon of ground yerba mate.

To make yerba mate tea in a coffee pot, use 4 TBSP of the leaves for a 12-cup coffee pot and brew as usual.
If using a French press, add yerba mate tea to the press, then pour very hot but not boiling water over it. Let this steep for 3-8 minutes, depending on preference.
If using a strainer, add the yerba mate to a pot of very hot water, cover, and let steep for 3-8 minutes. Use a fine mesh strainer to filter out the leaves and pour into a cup.

Yerba mate tea can be enjoyed with a little raw cream or milk. It can also be sweetened with maple syrup, raw honey, or stevia if desired. You can even serve it cold, traditionally called tereré.

Are you a Yerba Mate tea drinker? Do you think you’ll start now after learning the benefits?

Sources:

Santos E. C. et al. (2015). Anxiolytic-Like, Stimulant And Neuroprotective Effects Of Ilex Paraguariensis Extracts In Mice. Neuroscience, 292, 13-21.
Conceição, E., Kaezer et al. (2017). Effects of Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) on the hypothalamic signalling of insulin and leptin and liver dysfunction in adult rats overfed during lactation. Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, 8(1), 123-132.
Arçari, D. P. et al. (2012). Antiobesity Effects of yerba maté Extract (Ilex paraguariensis) in High?fat Diet–induced Obese Mice. Obesity, 17 (12), 2127-33.
Branco Cdos S. et al. (2013). Anticonvulsant, neuroprotective and behavioral effects of organic and conventional yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in Wistar rats. Brain Research Bulletin, 92, 60-68.
Alkhatib, A. (1970). Yerba Maté (Illex Paraguariensis) ingestion augments fat oxidation and energy expenditure during exercise at various submaximal intensities. Nutrition and Metabolism 11, 42.
“Mate Gourd Ceremony.” www.Guayaki.com. (Yerba Mate Brand).