Yerba Mate is a South American herbal tea that has been gaining popularity in Australia in recent years, and is a great alternative to green tea. It is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which is native to South America. Yerba Mate has a unique, slightly bitter taste and is traditionally consumed from a gourd using a metal straw called a bombilla.

One of the main reasons people consume Yerba Mate is for its health benefits. It has become particularly popular with professional athletes and sportspeople as a substitute for coffee due to it's reasonably high caffeine content and health benefits. Here are a few ways in which Yerba Mate can improve your health:

1. Boosts energy levels: Yerba Mate contains caffeine, which can help to boost energy levels and improve focus and concentration. However, unlike coffee, Yerba Mate also contains other compounds that can help to reduce the negative effects of caffeine, such as jitters and anxiety.
   
   
2. Improves mental clarity: Yerba Mate contains several compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. These include theobromine, theophylline, and chlorogenic acid, which are all known to improve mental clarity and alertness.
   
   
3. Supports weight loss: Some research suggests that Yerba Mate may help to support weight loss. One study found that people who consumed Yerba Mate experienced a significant reduction in body weight and body fat percentage compared to those who did not consume the tea.
   
   
4. May reduce the risk of certain diseases: Yerba Mate has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the risk of certain diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
   
   
5. Increases physical endurance: Yerba Mate has been shown to improve physical endurance and reduce fatigue during exercise, making it a great choice for athletes or anyone looking to improve their physical performance.
   
   
6. Overall, Yerba Mate is a healthy and delicious herbal tea that offers a wide range of health benefits. Whether you're looking for a natural way to boost your energy levels, improve mental clarity, or support weight loss, Yerba Mate is definitely worth considering. 

It can be brewed in a regular tea pot and although less common, is also available in tea bags.

Here's a short video on how to brew loose leaf Yerba Mate in a tea pot

So why not give it a try and see the benefits for yourself? You can shop Yerba Mate tea at TEA MATE including loose leaf and Australia's only biodegradable Yerba Mate tea bag.