While the name "Yerba Mate" refers to a herb, the yerba mate plant is actually a tree (“Ilex paraguariensis”), which begins as a shrub and then matures into a tree, growing up to 15 meters (49 ft) tall. The leaves are often called yerba (in Spanish) or erva (in Portuguese), both of which mean "herb". 

Discovered by the indigenous peoples of the forests of Paraguay (the Guarani) and Southern Brazil (the Tupi), it was known as a herb “From the Gods” used mostly for physical stamina. Natives believed Yerba Mate was a gift given to them to sustain life, increase vitality and heal the sick. As a result of Spanish colonization Yerba Mate spread to Argentina and Uruguay in the early 1600s.

The stimulant properties of the beverage became popular among Brazilian and Argentinian gauchos (or cowboys), who sipped Yerba Mate for energy during cattle drives or long harvest days; this “cowboy's coffee” was sipped in the morning and at night around the campfire.

"Discovered by the indigenous peoples of the forests of Paraguay (the Guarani) and Southern Brazil (the Tupi), it was known as a herb
“From the Gods”..."

Nowadays Yerba Mate plant is cultivated and processed in its native regions of South America, in southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, and Mato Grosso do Sul), northern Argentina (Corrientes and Misiones), Paraguay and Uruguay. Yerba Mate farmers are known as yerbateros (Spanish) or ervateiros (Brazilian Portuguese). Today, Brazil is the largest producer of Yerba Mate, followed by Argentina and Paraguay.

This hugely popular caffeine-infused drink became the national drink of Argentina, Southern Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. In fact, Yerba Mate is consumed at a rate 6 to 1 over coffee in these countries. Over the years it has been a symbol of unity and friendship, bonding families and friends together. Yerba Mate tastes like a tea and hits you like a coffee.

Yerba Mate taste is often described as earthy, herbaceous and bittersweet. Most Yerba Mates are aged after drying. Aging softens the flavor and affects the color. Fresh green Yerba Mate can be very bitter, especially if wood dried. The longer the yerba is aged the smoother it becomes.

"Yerba Mate tastes like a tea and
hits you like a coffee"

Is worldwide known for its high antioxidant content and jitter-free caffeine boost. Yerba Mate contains a caffeine-like stimulant called Mateine. Some people refer to the caffeine present in mate as “mateine” which is a synonym for caffeine, in fact the alkaloids combination present in Yerba Mate, theobromine and theophylline, are both stimulants similar to caffeine. Caffeine, theobromine and theophylline are all Xanthines, term used to indicate a group of similar mild stimulants.

A study from the Pasteur Institute and the Paris Scientific Society concluded....

“It is difficult to find a plant in any area of the world equal to Yerba Mate in nutritional value, Yerba Mate has 196 active compounds including 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, antioxidants, and a unique harmony of stimulants which result in a clean balanced energy. It practically has all the nutritional value to sustain life".

Yerba Mate contains 196 active compounds. Studies have shown that it contains most of the B vitamins in trace amounts and higher quantities of B1, B2, B3 and B5. It also has Vitamins A, C, and E. Yerba Mate also has Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Phosphorus, Calcium Pantothenate,  and Selenium, Manganese and Silicon.

It also contains15 different amino acids including cystine, histidine, isoleucine, methionine, tryptophan, aspartic acid and tyrosine. Fatty acids in Yerba Mate are palmitoleic, stearic, oleic and linoleic (primary Omega 6 oils) and a variety of triterpenes and sterols along with chlorophyll, which is helpful in blood regeneration and organ detoxification. (1)

You just found out WHY so many people are turning into Yerba Mate drinking and leaving coffee behind...

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Keep reading:

• Yerba Mate Benefits
• How to drink Yerba Mate
• Caffeine in Yerba Mate
• Yerba Mate Unsmoked vs Smoked Explained
• The Yerba Mate Ritual

References: 
1) https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00535.x

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Scientific studies cited in this article may investigate yerba mate, its naturally occurring compounds, or specific preparations under particular research conditions. Their findings may not apply directly to every yerba mate product or establish that a particular product provides the same effects.

Yerba mate naturally contains caffeine, and individual responses may vary. Consult your healthcare professional if you have questions about whether yerba mate is appropriate for you, particularly if you have an existing medical condition or take medication.

The statements in this article have not necessarily been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.