Yerba mate is an herbal tea made from the leaves and twigs of the mate plant that’s popular in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and other South American countries where the plant occurs natively. Like coffee and other teas, yerba mate stimulates the nervous system and is most commonly consumed as an energy booster.
Yerba mate has been enjoyed for centuries by people across South America. It is traditionally enjoyed hot with a filtered straw in a hollow gourd, while other people prefer drinking it over ice. The plant is a member of the holly family and produces a strong, bitter drink similar to green tea. Yerba mate is known as a natural remedy for:
Fatigue
Depression
Weight management
Chronic headaches
Yerba mate is a rich source of antioxidants due to the presence of substances such as xanthines, caffeoyl derivatives, and saponins. However, some of the things that make yerba mate so potent, such as its high caffeine content, can also create health problems for some people.
To read the full article and learn about the potential risks, click here.