- Joel Muñoz
- Apr 9
- 5 min read
Five indisputable advantages of mate over coffee
Mate has key advantages over coffee: it provides stable energy without the jitters, is gentler on the stomach, and is packed with antioxidants. It also improves digestion and is a natural diuretic, ideal for those seeking overall well-being without the highs and lows of coffee.
Mate is an excellent nutritional supplement that improves overall physical and mental health and helps detoxify the body, as confirmed by numerous scientific studies that also support its restorative properties. But how does it differ from coffee and other caffeinated beverages?
Both mate and coffee are caffeinated beverages, and both are among the most consumed daily infusions worldwide. However, in countries like Argentina, mate consumption continues to exceed coffee consumption, according to a survey led by the National Yerba Mate Institute. Yerba mate is also widely consumed in Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.
Undisputed advantages of mate over coffee
1. A unique energizing effect
The effects of caffeine in mate may be less aggressive than those of coffee, which in some cases can cause nervousness and even tachycardia.
The restorative properties of mate on the mind and body are different from those of coffee and other caffeinated beverages, as it has a dual stimulating and relaxing effect. This effect likely occurs because yerba mate contains other xanthines (stimulant substances) such as theobromine, whose effects are milder, longer-lasting, and produce mood improvements. Furthermore, the caffeine contained in yerba mate is usually diluted in a larger amount of water than in coffee and is taken slowly, thus being better tolerated by our body.
Drinking mate throughout the day energizes and stimulates, yet calms at the same time, increases physical endurance, and lifts the spirits without affecting the quality of sleep or rest. Yerba mate infusion creates a gentler feeling of "awakening" at any time of day, ideal for studying or working. Athletes also benefit from the benefits of mate before or even after training.
Yerba mate can even be the perfect substitute for commercial energy drinks, providing many more benefits without the adverse effects caused by these artificial drinks high in stimulants and sugar.
What is mateine?
Yerba mate has been recognized for centuries for its stimulating properties. Over time, this energizing power extracted from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis tree has been given the name "mateine," a stimulant considered to be a natural ingredient in yerba mate.
However, despite popular belief, "mateine" is actually a term referring to the caffeine found in yerba mate, the same caffeine found in coffee and tea, according to researchers at the National University of the Center (Unicen) in Argentina.
2. Yerba mate is a superfood
A hot yerba mate infusion is one of the most nutritious infusions available, as confirmed by numerous scientific studies that also support its positive effects on physical and mental health. It naturally contains almost all the micronutrients the body needs and could be considered a superfood, capable of improving the immune system in general, detoxifying the body, even regulating cholesterol, and preventing many diseases and certain types of cancer, according to several studies.
It provides antioxidants and polyphenols, is rich in minerals, amino acids, and essential vitamins, primarily from the B group, which contains 8 of the 13 vitamins the body needs; and contains very important minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which promote proper heart function. It is also loaded with many other nutrients and enzymes that give it additional properties and beneficial effects on health. Read the full list of the benefits of drinking yerba mate.
3. Purifying and detoxifying
Yerba mate purifies the body, as yerba mate leaves have diuretic properties that help the body eliminate toxins and purify itself in a completely natural way. It is consumed with more liquid than when drinking coffee and prevents them from accumulating in the body's tissues, as it optimizes kidney function, helping to minimize the risk of high blood pressure.
Mate also has a mild laxative effect and stimulates bowel movements, helping the body eliminate waste naturally. Therefore, it's recommended for people suffering from constipation. This is an ideal benefit for those looking to lose weight (in combination with healthy foods) or reduce toxins in their bodies.
4. A better partner
Yerba mate consumption also has a positive effect on mental and emotional health. It's said to be the "best companion" at any time of day. Drinking mate guarantees the drive and energy needed for the day's tasks thanks to its caffeine content, which gradually and gently infuses the mind and body, without any unpleasant side effects.
Furthermore, because it's drunk more slowly and gradually, this "energy boost" is also better dosed. Not only does it last longer, but thanks to the ceremony of priming and drinking mate while sharing the same container and straw (especially in a country like Argentina), it's also ideal for groups of friends and for livening up social gatherings.
5. The countless properties of yerba mate
There are so many benefits and properties provided by infusions made with the yerba mate plant that, in the long term, regular consumption offers more advantages than consuming other caffeinated beverages such as coffee.
Yerba mate contains polyphenols that provide extraordinary health benefits and powerful effects that easily counteract free radicals that damage and oxidize the body's cells.
According to multiple studies, this natural beverage has properties that help prevent or improve diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, Parkinson's, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, and colon cancer.
It has a mild hypotensive and vasodilatory effect that can help improve blood pressure levels and prevent bad cholesterol from accumulating in the arteries, thanks to its cardioprotective enzymes, which in turn increase HDL cholesterol, known as "good cholesterol."
Promotes proper digestion. Yerba mate stimulates the production of bile and gastric acids, as well as bowel movements, relieving constipation.
Mate contributes to increased physical endurance, the ability to train longer, and motor skills, as it helps the metabolism better utilize carbohydrates. It also helps the body resist fatigue by reducing the buildup of lactic acid that occurs during intense physical activity. It also has anti-inflammatory effects after training, especially during high-impact sports.
What mate and coffee do have in common
Mate and coffee are among the most consumed infusions in the world.
Both beverages contain caffeine and should be consumed in the recommended amounts.
They produce a pleasant stimulating and energizing effect.
They are preferred as hot infusions and the perfect excuse to share a gathering.
Both mate and coffee contain antioxidants, although mate has much more than coffee.
They have beneficial health properties.
Recommendations for enjoying yerba mate
– Preparing yerba mate can also be quite an experience. Remember that you need a special container (also called a mate), a bombilla (metal straw), and high-quality yerba mate to ensure its flavor, texture, and aroma.
– To more efficiently extract the antioxidant power of yerba mate (which contains up to 90% more antioxidants than green tea and coffee), we recommend hot mate cebado, its most traditional form of consumption and where the largest amount of yerba is used.
– Water is key. Mineral water is not recommended because it contains a lot of salt, which can alter the taste of the mate. It should be around 75°C (165°F) to prevent the yerba from burning and the infusion from acquiring too strong a flavor.
– To avoid burns, it is recommended to sip the first few mates carefully, until you are sure the temperature is correct.
– The healthiest way to drink mate is unsweetened. However, there is a sweetened version of mate, as well as a cold version called "tereré," originally from Paraguay, which is also widely consumed in summer in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.