Organic yerba mate tea
Yerba mate tastes like tea, stimulates like coffee, but is technically neither. Yerba mate has a very peculiar taste – strong, slightly bitter. Traditionally, yerba mate is drunk from a special vessel and with a special metal straw with a filter at the bottom.
If you’re looking for an energy boost that espressos can’t provide, make a tea from the leaves and twigs of this South American super plant, Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), which has been used for centuries. Yerba mate tea contains almost the same amount of caffeine as coffee, around 80 milligrams per cup.
This tea is rich in antioxidants and nutrients: Xanthines act as stimulants. These include caffeine and theobromine, also found in tea, coffee and chocolate. Saponins, these bitter compounds, have some anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties. Polyphenols are a group of antioxidants which protects body cells from damage caused by free radicals and has a positive effect on health, skin condition and helps slow down the ageing process. Yerba mate also contains a number of other essential micronutrients, including vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B6. It also contains some potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and iron. Yerba mate can add energy and improve mental focus. Some studies suggest that yerba mate may be effective in weight loss.
