- Joel Muñoz
- Apr 9
- 4 min read
Yerba mate is healthier than green tea
Yerba mate contains more antioxidants and active compounds than green tea, such as chlorogenic acid, which helps lower cholesterol and improve heart function. Additionally, Taragui yerba mate has greater energizing power without the side effects of coffee, making it an excellent choice for those seeking energy and health in a single infusion. Read the full article.
While tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world—and 600,000 tons of green tea are consumed each year according to the World Green Tea Association—another hot beverage has been popular for centuries in some South American countries: yerba mate. Recent studies have demonstrated so many properties for this natural infusion that its popularity is rapidly growing abroad.
But beyond curiosity, yerba mate infusion also raises questions: Is it better than green tea? Is it better than coffee? Does it have side effects? Can it be drunk every day? Let's explore both:
Yerba Mate vs Green Tea
Origin: Both are natural and healthy beverages. Green tea comes from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis tree, which grows in some Asian countries. Yerba mate, on the other hand, is prepared from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which only grows in some South American countries.
Preparation: Yerba mate is prepared and consumed in a unique way, unlike teas or any other beverage. To prepare mate traditionally, you prime the yerba mate with hot water and then sip it through a special metal straw called a bombilla.
Flavor: While green tea has a delicate, fresh flavor, yerba mate is slightly more intense and bitter (although this depends on the variety of yerba, the preparation method, and any extras added, such as sugar, honey, herbs, or fruit peels).
What they do have in common
Cultural significance: Tea plays a pivotal role in several Asian countries, especially China and Japan. It is an irreplaceable part of daily life. Thousands of miles away, in Argentina and Uruguay, the situation is not much different: most citizens could not live without yerba mate. Neither is "just a drink"; they are very important to the history and culture of these countries.
Health Benefits: Both infusions are completely natural and good for the body, offering a significant number of health benefits, with very few or no side effects.
Tradition and ceremony: Just as there is a traditional, almost spiritual ceremony called Chado for drinking Matcha in Japan, yerba mate is also shared in groups in a very special way.
Which is better, yerba mate or green tea?
Both yerba mate and green tea are among the world's finest beverages for their beneficial properties, flavor, and history, so saying one is better than the other might be unfair and difficult to justify. However, because green tea is better known than yerba mate around the world, it's worth remembering once again that:
Yerba mate contains more antioxidants than green tea. Antioxidants help prevent oxidative stress and cell damage in the body. Although tea also has antioxidant power, it's not exactly the same: mate contains a high concentration of chlorogenic acid, which may help delay aging, improve cognitive and heart function, reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels; reduce cancer cells; increase glucose and fat metabolism (which could contribute to weight loss), among many other benefits.
Yerba mate contains more active compounds than green tea. Of the 196 volatile chemicals found in yerba mate, only 144 are present in green tea. These include essential vitamins (A, B1, B3, B5, C, and E), minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and selenium), as well as amino acids, flavonoids, trace elements, polyphenols, fatty acids, and chlorophyll.
Yerba mate has a greater energizing power than green tea. Although both contain caffeine, 50g of yerba mate brewed with 500ml of water contains approximately 370mg of caffeine, while a cup of matcha tea, for example, can contain around 60mg. This also depends on the preparation method, the tea variety, and the brand. This brings us to another possible difference: the caffeine content in yerba mate may be more consistent. However, despite its stronger energizing effect, yerba mate doesn't cause the negative side effects people often experience when they drink too much coffee.
Is it safe to drink yerba mate every day?
Yes! You can drink yerba mate every day like you drink green tea or coffee. Numerous studies confirm that yerba mate is healthy and nutritious; it's unlikely to cause any harm or put your health at risk. In fact, yerba mate is the infusion of choice for many famous athletes and sportspeople. In any case, if you have any health-related concerns, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor.
Advantages of yerba mate over other beverages
Yerba mate is not only a worthy opponent to green tea, but it has also demonstrated clear advantages over coffee. Mate's effects are less aggressive and easier for the body to process, without side effects such as nervousness or tachycardia. It's also healthier than consuming commercial energy drinks, as yerba mate's energizing effect comes from nature itself, and it offers a host of nutrients and benefits that energy drinks lack. Yerba mate is also perfect for including in any fat-free or sugar-free diet.
Everything points to a tie! Although there is one last advantage to yerba mate: novelty. If you're willing to venture out and try something different, this is your chance to benefit from a legendary, natural infusion.