Food & Garden
The Benefits of Yerba Mate Tea with Yerba Madre
All of us at Rêve en Vert are incredibly inspired by companies who are founded on the following principles – regenerative agriculture, a giveback element that supports an important cause, and a supply chain that supports local communities. Yerba Madre is a brand rooted in these key principles so we have been thrilled to partner with them on various things, like our event with Dan Buettner at 1 Hotel South Beach. Do listen to that podcast episode here!
Yerba Madre uses yerba mate in their various beverages to create something organic and delicious that is a great coffee alternative. We can’t wait to tell you why we love it!
What Is Yerba Mate Tea?
Yerba Mate (yer-bah ma-tay), also known as ilex paraguariensis, is a tree from the holly family that is native to the Atlantic Forest of South America. Yerba mate is mostly commonly cultivated in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay but naturally in the forest, the tree can grow up to almost 100 feet tall! Yerba mate has been consumed by Indigenous Peoples in South America for thousands of years. Specifically, it was managed and foraged by the Guarani people who helped spread information about the tree and its uses. The Guarani people along with other Indigenous groups and cultures continue to value the plant for its sacred properties and its energizing effects. The sharing of mate is a longstanding symbol of friendship, and is traditionally shared with a circle of friends and family to support conversations, storytelling, and the spreading of knowledge.
What Are the Main Benefits of Yerba Mate Tea?
Provides a Clean, Sustained Boost
The Yerba Mate plant contains a combination of caffeine, theobromine (also found in chocolate), and polyphenols (found in green tea). This makeup has created the drink that leaves you focused and alert.
Rich in Antioxidants and Polyphenols
The yerba mate leaf naturally contains an abundance of polyphenols, saponins and anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds. Yerba mate’s unique polyphenol profile is high in chlorogenic acids, giving it a high overall antioxidant capacity that’s on par with wines, orange juice, and black tea.
Supports Mental Focus and Mood
Yerba mate is often associated with enhanced concentration and mental clarity. Its naturally balanced stimulants may promote calm focus rather than overstimulation. Coffee can often make us anxious and jittery – something we never find with Yerba Madre drinks.
May Aid Digestion
Traditionally, yerba mate has been used to support digestion. Some people find it helps with bloating or promotes regular digestion when consumed after meals. Just note the caffeine may keep you awake at night so take that into consideration!
Yerba Mate Tea vs Coffee
Compared to coffee, yerba mate tea offers a different stimulant profile. While both contain caffeine, yerba mate also provides additional plant compounds that may reduce energy spikes and crashes. This makes it a popular alternative for those seeking steady energy.
Is Yerba Mate Tea Safe to Drink Daily?
Yerba mate is safe to drink daily but of course always consult a health professional if you are concerned, pregnant, or have pre-existing health conditions. Like with everything, moderation is the best policy!
How to Drink Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba mate can be consumed in various forms thanks to Yerba Madre. The brand infuses yerba mate into different kinds of drinks, depending on your preference. Yerba Madre offers organic cans and glass bottles of tea in an amazing range of natural flavors along with sparkling and low sugar options. The brand also has traditional air fried loose leaf yerba mate, which you can brew yourself at home to have hot or cold. Our teams favorites –
Our CEO, Cora, loves the Organic Sparkling Cranberry Pomegranate – it is a crisp, fruity and fizzy tea that is so refreshing.
Taylor, our Director of Partnerships, loves the Organic Brewed Yerba Mate and Lemonade as it tastes like an Arnold Palmer (but better)!
Jordan, our Director of Communications, deeply enjoys the Loose Leaf Yerba Mate Tea so she can have it warm on chilly days in Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yerba Mate Tea
Is yerba mate tea healthy?
Yes, yerba mate tea is considered healthy due to its antioxidants, plant nutrients, and natural caffeine content when consumed in moderation.
Does yerba mate tea have more caffeine than coffee?
Yerba mate typically contains slightly less caffeine than coffee but provides a more balanced stimulant effect.
Can yerba mate tea help with focus?
Many people drink yerba mate tea to support focus and mental clarity due to its unique combination of stimulants.
Can you drink yerba mate tea every day?
Yes, most people can drink yerba mate tea daily, as long as total caffeine intake remains within recommended limits.
Why We Love Yerba Madre
Since 1996, Yerba Madre has been sourcing yerba mate in partnership with Indigenous peoples, family farms, and local communities within Brazil, Argentina. And Paraguay. In addition to being organic, Yerba Madre is Regenerative Organic Certified®. This certification was developed by Regenerative Organic Alliance to create a higher standard of agriculture that goes beyond organic. Regeneration is at the heart of Yerba Madre just like us at Rêve En Vert. The brand is incredibly transparent, so we highly recommend checking out their impact report here.
We are very impressed by their business model – “Market Driven Regeneration™ is Yerba Madre’s business model that aspires to create a net positive impact in the world throughout our operations and supply web. This starts with the conservation and regeneration of the land where our yerba mate grows by focusing on the positive environmental, cultural, and societal impacts of our business at its origin.” – Yerba Madre
Yerba mate tea offers a unique blend of energy, antioxidants, and traditional wellness benefits. Whether you’re looking for a coffee alternative or a plant-based energy boost, yerba mate tea can be a versatile and mindful addition to your daily routine.
