Anna Park Organic Yerba Mate

Benefits of Drinking Yerba Mate

Natural Energy Boost & Supports Mental Focus

• Contains caffeine (less than coffee but more than tea) for alertness without the intense jitters. Also has theobromine (like in chocolate) for a smoother, longer-lasting lift.
• Combination of caffeine + theobromine + theophylline promotes alertness and concentration.

A 2011 study in Nutrition Reviews found yerba mate improves alertness and reduces fatigue similarly to coffee, but often with fewer jitters.

Rich in Antioxidants & Nutrients

• High in polyphenols, saponins, and xanthines, which fight oxidative stress. Contains small amounts of vitamins (B1, B2, C, E) and minerals (manganese, potassium, magnesium).

Research published in Food Research International (2012) shows yerba mate has antioxidant activity similar to green tea, helping reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Aids Digestion

• Traditionally used to relieve mild constipation and stimulate bowel movement. Can help increase bile flow and digestive enzyme production.

A study in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2002) found that yerba mate infusion stimulates increased bile flow and gastric secretions, which can aid fat digestion and nutrient absorption.

Helps Gut Bacteria

• Polyphenols act as prebiotics, feeding good bacteria and improving gut balance.

A 2019 study (Food Research International) showed yerba mate polyphenols can positively influence gut bacteria, helping increase beneficial microbial activity.

May Support Weight Management

• Can increase fat oxidation and metabolism during exercise. Mild appetite-suppressing effect for some people.

A 2015 study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that 12 weeks of yerba mate supplementation led to lower body fat mass and waist-to-hip ratio in overweight adults.

Another study (2011, Clinical Nutrition) showed yerba mate increased fat oxidation during exercise.

Possible Heart & Cholesterol Benefits

• Saponins may help reduce LDL cholesterol. Some studies show improved blood lipid profiles.

A 2009 study in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found regular yerba mate consumption reduced LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol in humans.

Supports Blood Sugar Regulation

• Lowers fasting blood glucose, reduces HbA1c (long-term blood sugar marker) and Improves insulin sensitivity.

A 2011 clinical study in Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed that type 2 diabetes patients who drank yerba mate daily for 60 days had lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels.

May Enhance Physical Performance

• Caffeine boosts muscle contraction efficiency and reduces fatigue perception.

A 2014 study in Nutrition & Metabolism showed it increased fat burning during moderate-intensity exercise.

Social & Cultural Benefits

• Shared mate drinking fosters connection and community (big part of South American culture).

Ways to Prepare and Serve Yerba

A. Traditional Method

You’ll need:
•Dried yerba mate leaves (loose-leaf)
•Gourd (mate cup)
•Bombilla (metal straw with filter)
•Hot water (70–80 °C / 160–175 °F — not boiling)

Steps:
1. Fill the gourd halfway with yerba mate.
2. Tilt & shake: Cover the top with your hand, turn it almost sideways, and shake gently. This moves powder to the top and larger leaves to the bottom for better flow.
3. Tilt the yerba so it rests on one side of the gourd, creating a slope.
4. Pour a little cool water into the hollow side to moisten leaves — this protects flavor and nutrients. Wait 30 seconds.
5. Insert the bombilla into the hollow side at an angle. Don’t move it afterward to avoid clogging.
6. Add hot water (not boiling!) to the same hollow spot. Drink through the bombilla.
7. Refill with hot water in the same spot as many times as desired until flavor fades.

B. French Press Method

You’ll need:
•Dried yerba mate leaves (loose-leaf)
•French Press
•Hot water (70–80 °C / 160–175 °F — not boiling)

Steps:
1. Add 2–4 tbsp yerba mate to the French press.
2. Heat water to 70–80 °C (160–175 °F).
3. Pour in hot water (about 500 ml / 2 cups).
4. Let steep for 3–5 minutes.
5. Press slowly and pour. Refill with hot water 1–2 more times if desired.

C. Tea Bag Method

You’ll need:
•Dried yerba mate leaves (loose-leaf)
•Tea bags
•Hot water (70–80 °C / 160–175 °F — not boiling)

Steps:
1. Use 1–2 tsp yerba mate in an empty tea bag (or buy pre-packed).
2. Place in a mug and pour hot water (70–80 °C / 160–175 °F).
3. Steep 3–5 minutes for mild flavor, up to 7 for stronger.
4. Remove bag and enjoy. You can reuse the bag 1–2 times.

D. Espresso Machine Method (Mate “Shot”)

You’ll need:
•Dried yerba mate leaves (Fine Ground)
•Espresso Machine
•Hot water (70–80 °C / 160–175 °F — not boiling)

Steps:
1. Use finely ground yerba mate (similar to espresso grind).
2. Place in portafilter like coffee grounds (about 14–18 g).
3. Run hot water through the machine (same as brewing espresso).
4. You’ll get a strong, concentrated shot of mate — slightly bitter, very energizing.
5. Can be enjoyed straight or mixed with milk/foam for a “Mate Latte.”

Serving Styles

E. Tereré (Cold-Brewed Yerba Mate) – Paraguay Style

Steps:
1. Fill your gourd or a big glass halfway with yerba mate.
2. Add cold water or chilled herbal infusion (mint, lemongrass, citrus peel).
3. Add ice cubes.
4. Keep refilling with cold liquid — perfect for hot weather.

F. Citrus Mate

Steps:
1. Brew yerba mate normally.
2. Add lemon or orange slices.
3. Sweeten lightly with honey or sugar if desired.
4. Optional: add a splash of fresh juice for extra flavor.

G. Sweetened Mate (Mate Dulce)

Steps:
1. Brew yerba mate as usual.
2. Add sugar, honey, or stevia directly into the water or the gourd.
3. Traditionally popular for those who find straight mate too bitter.8

H. Herbal Boost Mate (Mate con Hierbas)

Steps:
1. Mix yerba mate with dried herbs like mint, chamomile, boldo, or peppermint.
2. Adds aroma, changes flavor profile, and can bring extra health benefits.

I. Iced Energy Mate

Steps:
1. Brew strong yerba mate and let it cool.
2. Mix with sparkling water or soda water.
3. Add lime juice and ice for a refreshing, energizing drink.