Yerba Mate is an increasingly popular South American beverage that many are turning to for their caffeine fix. Though yerba mate contains similar amounts of caffeine as coffee, its effects tend to last longer without experiencing as frequent crashes; additionally it boasts higher antioxidants content which may help lower risk for heart disease.

Guarani people from Paraguay where yerba mate originated first discovered and began cultivating this plant prior to European contact in order to promote wellness and physical stamina, before eventually turning it into a spiritual drink and using ritualized preparations of it to honor deities.

Military personnel and hunters traditionally drank yerba mate as part of their diet; it was thought to protect against diseases while increasing hunting skills. Modernly, however, its fame lies more in its ability to treat depression, fatigue, increase focus and concentration and even help with weight loss by suppressing appetite and increasing metabolism.

Erba Mate not only boosts natural energy levels but has been shown to be antibacterial and antifungal; an effective treatment against Malassezia Furfur fungus which causes flaky skin, dandruff, itchiness and other itchy issues. Furthermore, it can prevent cancer cell growth, strengthen immunity systems and even lower cholesterol.

When prepared properly, yerba mate tastes similar to tea and can be consumed plain or with milk just like traditional coffee. Many people also add sugar or agave for additional sweetness; additionally, its pairing with food makes for an enjoyable mateada (drinking round).

Traditional yerba mate preparation requires pouring from a gourd using a bombilla, a metal straw that serves both as strainer and straw. When making mate, only half the leaves should be soaked with water before adding hot water into your gourd with an appropriate temperature and adding your bombilla over this wet section of leaves.

Although yerba mate can be beneficial, it should be consumed at temperatures that do not exceed 65 degrees. Doing so increases your chances of oesophageal and oral cancer as it contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which have the same cancer-causing compounds found in tobacco smoke and charred foods.

Yerba mate can contain some heavy metals such as aluminum and lead depending on how it’s grown, but these usually don’t pose any significant health concerns due to low levels. You can find tested-for-substances yerba mate. For added security, purchase from companies who can tell you exactly how it was harvested and processed; alternatively spring water may have less contaminants.