The resurgence of tea in North America has been trending since the early 2000s. The health benefits of all its shades (green, white, black) are irrefutable and its subtle caffeine is adopted by many as a welcome substitute to the afternoon coffee. However, when it comes to mornings, few are willing to part with the full caffeine punch that coffee provides, despite the imminent crash to follow a few hours later.
Enter: Yerba Mate
Hailed as the answer to all your morning tribulations: caffeine levels closer to coffee, but without the acidity; whilst also boasting the feel-good antioxidants and vitamins & minerals of tea.
A quick rundown of caffeine levels in your morning beverages (per 250mL)*:
- Brewed Coffee = 163mg
- Bulletproof Coffee = 145mg
- Yerba Mate = 85mg
- Matcha Tea = 70mg
- Black Tea = 42mg
- Oolong Tea = 37mg
- White Tea = 28mg
- Green Tea = 25mg
*according to www.caffeineinformer.com
Health Canada suggests a maximum of 400mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to 3 cups (250mL) of brewed coffee (or only one 5-hour energy shot).
Back to Yerba Mate, here is it’s overview as per WebMd:
Mate is used as a stimulant to relieve mental and physical tiredness (fatigue), as well as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is also used for heart-related complaints including heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
Some people use mate to improve mood and depression; to relieve headache and joint pains; to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), and bladder and kidney stones; for weight loss; and as a laxative.
Yerba Mate may seem new to North Americans, but folks in South America (namely Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina) have been drinking it for generations. I first heard of the beverage a couple years ago, but just this month it’s been mentioned on both the Jay & Dan Podcast and Tim Ferriss’ Reddit AMA.
For myself, I’ve been a religious green tea-drinker since undergrad. The working life, however, presented new challenges of longer hours, monotonous work, and the dreaded “structured” work-week. I dabbled in coffee (still enjoy it once or twice a week), but the crash, sweats, and acidity deter it from a daily ritual. This week, I’ve decided to give Yerba Mate a try; as per Tim Ferriss’ recommended method:
- 1 cup of brewed Yerba Mate (start with 5 mins, work up to a max 10mins steep time)
- 1-2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil (similar to the “Bulletproof” concept & much cleaner than creme & sugar)
I picked up a pack of Guayaki, but if you’re feeling really fancy, I’ve heard good things about Cruz de Malta, both available on Amazon.
So far, it’s been quite pleasant. A much needed kick in the morning that other teas can’t quite provide; but no jitters or emphatic crash. I usually round it off with a mellow cup of green after lunch and stay true to my 2pm caffeine curfew to ensure a quality night’s rest.
What’s you take on morning beverages? Would love to hear your recipes and rituals, send me a Tweet @BearJohal!