Switching Up Your AM Caffeine Boost: Yerba Mate vs. Coffee
Guys. Caffeine addictions are real. Some days I wake up and feel refreshed and ready to tackle the new day, other times I just want to lay in bed all day. While it’s true that most of us get use a little more sleep and self-care in our lives, the reality is a lot of us are overworked and overcommitted. Most days, the first thing I usually reach for Monday morning is a giant cup of coffee.
I was never a huge coffee drinker for the majority of my life, I’ve developed quite the coffee addiction over the past few years. I guess that happens when you’re trying to juggle all these different projects and tasks. Needless to say, I’ve found caffeine to be my BFF. Lately though, I’ve been going for yerba mate in the morning. Same boost of caffeine but different source. Let’s talk yerba mate vs. coffee.
What is yerba mate?
Yerba mate is a popular South American tea that is described as having “the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate.” In fact, it is significantly more popular than coffee in several South American countries. The reason for this? Yerba mate not only gives an energy boost from caffeine, it also has tons of other health benefits. In addition, Yerba mate is claimed to give a better energy boost, enhance mental clarity and alertness, and overall improve your health.
Yerba mate vs. coffee
Yerba mate is not only claimed to be better for you than coffee, it’s also been proven to be healthier than green tea. Also, Yerba mate is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Turns out this little beverage is a nutritional powerhouse! A couple reasons why yerba mate is better for you than coffee:
+ A smoother, calmer caffeine boost. Ever feel jittery from drinking coffee? Yerba mate doesn’t cause this. You’ll get the energy boost without the negative side effects that can come from drinking coffee.
+ Easier on the digestive system than coffee.
+ Yerba mate can boost your immune system.
+ Can help with weight loss.
My experience with yerba mate
I’ve been drinking yerba mate (but still having coffee occasionally) for the past few months. My verdict? Yerba mate is an easy drinking tea that provides a gentle boost of energy (and somehow doesn’t keep me up at night) and helps me focus at work. I love sipping on the tea throughout the day – it’s become a bit of a workday ritual. I don’t have a caffeine crash and because each cup of mate has less caffeine than a cup of coffee (80 mg in mate vs. 100+ in a cup of coffee) I don’t get caffeine jitters.
Not only is the tea cheap, it’s super easy to brew. I use a loose leaf tea infuser and steep the leaves in hot water for 3 minutes before drinking. Much easier than the process of hand grinding coffee beans and making coffee in the morning on those days when I just need some caffeine as soon as I wake up. In fact, going to brew a cup right now ; ).
xx, Amy
You might also like … How to Stay Grounded, Long Weekend Detox: What to Drink and The Ingredients You Should Look For, and Boosting Your Immunity.
I drank yerba mate in school several years ago in spanish class as we learnt about different cultures. Haha the only thing I remember is that it was so yummy, so I could definitely drink it soon again! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
It sounds like a great switching option! Will have to try it out! Have a lovely week! <3
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
Great post.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_zn7IqrAY1I44bRuN6dH-Q
Huh, very interesting! I haven’t tried Yerba Mate yet, but I love coffee and I pretty much can’t exist without it (or caffeine pills). One question though: does it stain your teeth like coffee – or other teas – do?
Much love <3
http://www.styleunsettled.com
Hey Kay! I imagine it would potentially stain your teeth a little, but you can always drink it out of a straw. Also Crest whitestrips are a lifesaver!! Which reminds me that I should probably do a round of that sometime soon. Hope you had a great day babe xx
I’ve always been a coffee kind of girl, but I’m definitely open to trying teas, especially if they’re as beneficial as Yerba Mate! 🙂 Hahaha and I definitely feel you Amy – Mondays can be especially brutal, especially after a weekend of stress-free fun… Hope your Monday went well! <3
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
You too, babe! Thank you for reading! xx
Sounds good! And I love your photography, well done!
Xx,
|| FLOORTJELOVES ||
http://www.floortjeloves.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/floortjeloves-12198253
Great post, thanks for sharing 🙂 Yerba Mate sounds interesting!
Camille xo
http://www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
I was really sad to cut out coffee a few months ago and this may be the perfect alternative for me! Sometimes I need a boost of energy and it has been really hard not to go for coffee!
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
I’ve heard so many great things about Yerba mate girlie! I love coffee, but I’d definitely be open to trying this product out 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing Amy! <3
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/daily-front-row-awards/
I still need to get on the yerba train, thanks for reminding me 😀
xx
Lauren
http://www.shoesandsashimi.com
Sounds like an amazing tea! Need to try it out sometime 🙂
Erica
http://www.eggcanvas.me
Nice… strangely it’s the first time I hear about it.
http://www.fashionradi.com
Ohh I have never tried this but it sounds really good! Thank you for sharing! Big Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
Oh I have never heard of yerba mate before.. it sounds amazing though! I may have to give it a try!
x Emily
http://shedoes.com.au
Surprisingly never tried yerba mate! Like most others, I do drink too much coffee and so this will be a great alternative in the mornings!
Thanks for sharing!
http://jamieonthings.com/
Nice post !! I love yerba mate <3
http://www.meriwild.com
I love coffee and tea. This actually sounds like it could be good for a pre-workout boost. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
these are the perfect summer festival essentials!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Oh how interesting. Now I want to try this out!
Lisa Linh
https://www.bylisalinh.com/blog/2017/4/5/fleetwoods-maui
I’ve been drinking mate as well! I am so excited to see someone else has too! It’s such a good alternative to coffee for sure. Honestly I sort of detoxing from coffee at the moment, because I am not sure, as much as I love it, how much it loves me back. Sometimes I just feel awful after drinking it, so I have decided to take a break. Cue some more mate!
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com
It’s such a struggle, Jenelle!! I feel you on needing that boost of energy but not always sure of how good coffee makes you feel! Some days I feel awful after drinking – so it’s tough! Glad we are both on the mate train! xx
I’ve heard of yerba mate before but I never really knew what it was until now. Um, it sounds exactly like what I need in the mornings as sometimes tea’s caffeine level just doesn’t cut it for me. Thank you so much for sharing this, it’s super helpful!
Jenny // Geeky Posh
Lmk how you like it!! I sip it throughout the day and it keeps my energy levels consistent : ) I love it! xx
[…] Chlorophyll is also shown to improve energy for an all natural boost! Remember the yerba mate vs. coffee debate? Chlorophyll might be an addition or substitute to your […]
[…] up to speed on all the latest trends in the time it takes you to finish your morning coffee. Or yerba mate ; […]
[…] + Drink a BIG glass of water + a cup of yerba mate […]
[…] you’re looking to swap out coffee for something else, try yerba mate or another form of tea with […]
[…] You might also like … The Best Plant Based Substitutes For Whatever You’re Craving and Switching Up Your AM Caffeine Boost: Yerba Mate vs. Coffee. […]
[…] are the most common ones that we consume. It’s also found in cacao beans (chocolate!) and yerba mate. To give you a sense of how much caffeine is in common beverages […]