Mate tea, sometimes called yerba mate, is a caffeinated tea made from the dried leaves and stems of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It is a popular beverage in several South American countries and is beginning to gain recognition worldwide as a potentially healthy alternative to coffee and traditional teas. But is mate tea actually healthier than green tea? Let's take a look at the nutrition profiles, ingredients, and health impacts of each to compare.
Nutritional Content
Both mate tea and green tea contain antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Green tea is especially high in antioxidants called flavonoids, especially one called EGCG. Mate tea contains different antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, and caffeic acid. Both deliver caffeine as well, with mate containing slightly higher levels per cup.
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, green tea contains B vitamins, folate, and trace minerals like chromium and zinc. Mate tea also has B vitamins and trace amounts of minerals like phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Ultimately, both deliver valuable nutrients and antioxidants.
Caffeine Content
The caffeine content of mate tea is higher than green tea. An 8oz cup of green tea contains around 25-50mg of caffeine on average. Mate tea contains about 85mg of caffeine per 8oz cup. So mate delivers a stronger stimulating kick. Whether higher caffeine intake is good or bad depends on the individual. Too much can cause jitteriness and sleep troubles in caffeine-sensitive people.
Antioxidant Value
Both teas are packed with unique antioxidants that deliver health benefits. Green tea antioxidants like EGCG are associated with anti-aging, fighting inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting brain health and focus, promoting healthy cholesterol levels already in the normal range, and more. Mate tea antioxidants are linked to anti-inflammatory effects, liver protection, antibacterial qualities, cardiovascular benefits like blood pressure and cholesterol support, and increased cognition and focus. So both provide a mega-dose of potent antioxidants.
Weight loss impacts
Some research has found green tea can potentially support fat burning and slightly boost metabolism due to its thermogenic effects and EGCG content. Other studies show mate tea may also have mild metabolism and fat oxidation-enhancing effects. However, more research is needed to prove tea directly leads to losing weight. Replacing high-calorie beverages with tea is a better guarantee for supporting weight goals.
Safety concerns
Green tea is very safe for most people when consumed in normal food-grade amounts. Mate tea has generally been safe in studies, but does come with a few cautions. Mate contains high levels of tannins which can potentially cause digestive issues or stomach cancer according to some animal studies. However, human research linking mate to increased cancer risk is lacking. Those with esophageal issues may want to avoid very hot mate tea. Pregnant women should exercise caution with all caffeine-containing teas.
Sustainability
From an environmental perspective, mate tea consumption has been associated with rainforest destruction and deforestation. Harvesting methods often involve clear-cutting trees which damages native forests in South America. Chemical-free and shade-grown mate options are becoming more widely available for eco-conscious consumers. Green tea is considered environmentally friendly, as most comes from Asia where sustainable agriculture practices are utilized.
The Verdict
Based on nutrition content alone, green tea and mate tea have remarkably similar health value with only minor differences. Both deliver unique antioxidants linked to anti-aging, heart health, anti-inflammatory benefits, and beyond. Mate tea just contains slightly more caffeine, whereas green tea houses higher antioxidant EGCG levels. For the general population looking to harness nutritional benefits, either tea is an excellent choice that may promote wellness over choosing sugary soda, juices, or plain water instead. Both can simply be viewed as beneficial herbal teas. However, because mate tea harvesting methods can damage rainforests, opting for green tea may be better from an environmental standpoint - especially packages touting sustainable sourcing.
As with adding any new food or beverage to one’s diet, individuals should monitor their tolerance and response over time. Those sensitive to stimulants may want to temper intake or avoid mate tea. For most healthy adults, both mate and green tea look to be nutritious beverages that are safe to enjoy in moderation as part of an overall balanced regimen. Simply choose the one aligned to personal priorities like stronger stimulation, higher antioxidant content, or sustainability practices. Both drinks pack some serious health punches that make them victoriously healthy alternatives to many other options out there.
Conclusion
Mate tea and green tea have remarkably similar health and nutrition profiles, packed with unique antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and caffeine. Both deliver extensive benefits related to heart health, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory effects, focus enhancement and potentially fat burning. Mate contains slightly higher levels of caffeine while green tea houses greater concentrations of the antioxidant EGCG. From an environmental angle, green tea production is likely more sustainable than mate tea harvesting which can contribute to rainforest deforestation in South America. For most healthy adults, enjoying best tea mate tea or green tea in moderation can be an excellent addition to one's diet with mainly positives outcomes. The choice comes down to personal priorities, tolerance to stimulants and sustainability practices. Both beverages triumph over less healthy options like soda, sugary juices and plain water when one is seeking health benefits.
