If the Guaraní Indians have been consuming yerba mate (a shrub from the holly family) for thousands of years, it is not only for its powerful and bitter taste, but also for its anti-fatigue effect and its multiple health benefits. A little "boost" due to the caffeine present in its leaves. Yes, mate is a great energiser. It will provide you with the energy you need during the day. Explanations.
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What is caffeine? What are its effects?
Discovered in 1819 by a German chemist, caffeine is a nitrogen-based molecule (called "alkaloids") that acts as a stimulant on the body. It was named caffeine because it was first discovered in coffee. The same molecule is found in tea, where it is called theine. While it acts as a natural insecticide in plants, its effects on humans are fortunately different: it reduces drowsiness for a time and increases attention span. The difference between coffee and tea is that coffee contains much more theine: 3 to 4 times more than in a cup of tea. This explains the exciting effect of coffee, followed by a "downturn" about two hours later. Tea, on the other hand, is considered to be a stimulant that lasts longer but more slowly.
Is caffeine present in yerba mate?
Yes, it is. Its plant, called Yerba mate, contains a good amount of caffeine in its leaves (we assume 1%). This is enough for its consumption to act on our cerebral system, increasing alertness and preventing sleepiness.
Is mate a stimulant?
No, it is more of a natural energiser. Mate can be drunk in the morning or before a sports session to give yourself a little boost. Does mate prevent you from sleeping? The answer is "it depends". As with tea or coffee, the impact of caffeine on sleep depends on individual sensitivity.
What is the energizing effect of mate compared to coffee?
Mate contains on average less caffeine than coffee. Its effect on the body will therefore be somewhat lighter. Estimates vary depending on how the hot beverage is prepared. However, you should know that the theine content varies from one tea to another depending on the characteristics of its cultivation (season of harvesting of the leaves and their bud content). In addition, each person will react differently to theine. It is therefore not possible to assume the theine content of one tea compared to another.
How do you dose mate according to the desired effect?
You can proceed in the same way as with coffee or tea, by dosing the strength, its concentration, by adding water, by putting less maté leaves, according to the taste and the desired effect. Thus, by discarding the first infusion and adding more water, the tea is dethesized. The same can be done with mate, making its leaves less concentrated in caffeine during the second infusion.
Our tips for preparing yerba mate
The preparation of yerba mate is an art. To do this, you will need a calabash, a bombilla and some mate leaves (preferably organic)
1- Fill the calabash ¾ full with mate leaves.
2- Heat water in a kettle, not exceeding a temperature of 80°C in order to preserve the leaves.
3- Tilt the calabash so that the leaves are on one side.
4- Pour the hot water over the open side of the calabash.
5- The brewing time varies depending on your taste and the flavour you wish to give your drink. The recommended time is generally between 5 and 10 minutes. Purists will prefer a longer brewing time to obtain a full-bodied drink.
6- Drink with a bombilla (maté straw).
7- The leaves can be infused several times during the day.
Yerba mate is a drink full of health benefits. Prepared according to the rules of the art, it will give you the energy you need for your day thanks to its caffeine content. Stimulating and energising, it is an excellent alternative to tea or coffee. Discover Kusmi Tea's mate blends! Delicious organic products.
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