Yerba Mate: A Healthy Caffienated Alternative to Coffee

Many of us are realizing the addictive effects of caffeine on the body. When we skip a day we develop migraines. The detox symptoms of caffeine are very similar to that of drug detox. I have experienced this first hand. But not all of us can go cold turkey and we actually love the temporary energy caffeine gives us. Coffee is one of the worst forms of caffeine we can have.

Side Effects of Caffeine

- Anxiety
- Heart Palpitations
- Poor Sleep
- Adrenal Fatigue
- High and low crashes
- Increases heartbeat
- Tense Muscles
- Physically Addictive
- Increased Blood pressure
- Reduced control of fine motor movements

But its not all bad. The problem with the positive benefits is that they are very temporary and leave your body needing more. Coffee is particularly harmful for individuals with anxiety, poor sleep habits, adrenal imbalance, hormone imbalance and those with heart and thyroid conditions.

So what is a good alternative?  
YERBA MATE!

Yerba Mate is a wonderful alternative to coffee that has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. The caffeine in Yerba Mate has a slower release in the body and doesn't come with a crash. It gives you steady consistent energy throughout the day. I used to drink Mate while I worked at Teavana, a loose leaf tea shop. I was energized and I wasn't hungry while I worked. Yerba Mate is a bush from Argentina known as the "Super Model Tea" because it in fact does suppress the appetite. Drinking Mate is a great way to curb those sweet tooth cravings as well. 

Health Benefits from Yerba Mate

Vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex
Minerals: Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus
Additional Compounds: Fatty Acids, Chlorophyll, Flavonols, Polyphenols, Trace Minerals, Antioxidants, Pantothenic Acid and 15 Amino Acids.

The best way to drink Yerba Mate is in loose leaf form and brewed in a strainer or french press. Yerba Mate is ususally measured 1 1/2 teaspoons per 8 ounces of water. Pour the boiling water over the Mate and let steep for 5 minutes. I personally love making iced Mate by doubling the amount of tea used and brewing it a little longer. I then pour it over a cup full of ice. Try to use very minimal amounts of sugar. Some good sugars to use are brown rice syrup, Raw Grade B Maple Syrup or coconut sugar.

Where can Yerba Mate be found?

Teavana has a wide variety of Mate infusions. Yerba Mate can also be found at many online stores including Amazon. 

HAPPY DRINKING!