The dried leaves of the plant are finely ground and then placed in a hollowed-out gourd. Hot water is poured over the leaves and left to infuse. The tea is traditionally sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla, which filters out the leaves, acting almost like the filter would in a cafetiere. So popular is the beverage in its home region you will often see locals carrying a gourd and bombilla in one hand and a flask of hot water in the other so they can enjoy their Mate on the go.

Beyond its cultural significance, and why we swapped out our morning coffee for a concentrated shot of mate, is the reputation the tea has earned as a nutritional powerhouse driving a host of mental and physical benefits. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this herbal tea is celebrated for its ability to boost energy, improve mental focus, and enhance overall well-being.

One of yerba mate's notable features is its caffeine content. However, unlike coffee or traditional teas, yerba mate delivers a smoother and more sustained energy boost without the jitters or crashes. The combination of caffeine with other natural compounds like theobromine and theophylline, is believed to stimulate both the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system, promoting alertness and enhancing physical performance. We added L-Theanine to GLTea-1 to further smoothen and lengthen the energy boost provided by the concentrated dose of Mate.

Moreover, yerba mate contains a wealth of antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These antioxidants contribute to a strengthened immune system, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and improved cardiovascular health.

Weight management is another area where yerba mate shines. The presence of matesaponins in the tea has been associated with appetite suppression through stimulation of GLP-1 production and increased fat metabolism, boosting fat burn by up to 25% when consumed before exercise, making it a potential ally for those on a weight loss, or even weight maintenance journey.

While yerba mate is mostly consumed in South America, a mixture of influence from sporting superstars and leading health and nutrition academics has led to proliferation of consumption in both Europe and the US. The unique flavour profile, with a bitter and smoky hit, has driven debate as consumption has grown– we added natural lemon and ginger in GLTea-1 to make it more enjoyable and still provide an invigorating hit.

Whether enjoyed in the traditional South American way or as a modern twist via a shot of GLTea-1, drinking yerba mate is a way to enrichen your health and wellbeing while adding a hit of ancient culture into your day.