When I first tell someone about the fantastic attributes of yerba mate, they usually ask questions about it. One question that always comes up is: “Can I get addicted to yerba mate?” This has always struck me as a funny question. Not funny as in “peculiar” however. No, it’s downright funny “ha ha!” I want to put my tongue in my cheek and say: “You bet it is!”
We live in a society that readily admits to being “addicted” to almost anything – TV, the internet, chocolate, fashion, watching celebrities, eating, jogging, shopping, you name it – and there is no stigma implied.  In this sense, you can even become addicted to yerba mate. We have workaholics and shopaholics; why not add yerbaholics?
For the connoisseur, the “so called” addiction to yerba mate is actually more of an appreciation, an enthusiasm or a passion. This type of devotion is not going to destroy lives the way illicit drugs do however. It is not illegal; I doubt that anyone would rob or hurt somebody to get a fix; you don’t have to be an adult to buy it; and you don’t need a doctor’s prescription.
Some folks argue that the caffeine in yerba mate is addictive. Studies sometimes conclude that caffeine can be abused. The much talked about substance is also present in coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, tea and the new “energy” drinks. However, caffeine tolerance varies by the individual and only a small percentage of people are sensitive to it.
If caffeine is so bad, why aren’t people more concerned? Where is the outrage? There is very little, because moderate consumption of caffeine is not a problem. It doesn’t destroy lives, it’s not against the law and people aren’t dying from it. Furthermore, caffeine, regardless of its source, offers a “pick-me-up” benefit that almost everyone appreciates.Â
The International Food Information Council has concluded that daily consumption of 300 mg of caffeine per day is safe; they do not consider caffeine an addictive substance. A cup of yerba mate made with a tea bag has less than 50 mg of caffeine. This means that the average person can have up to six cups a day within the moderate zone. Coffee, on the other hand, has up to 135 mg of caffeine per cup. For people getting their daily stimulation from coffee, more than three cups could be considered abuse!
Originally, I started drinking yerba mate as a healthier way to get my morning jump-start and reduce my caffeine consumption at the same time. It has only a third to half the caffeine content of coffee and I enjoy my daily pick-me-up without the jitters. It is a good thing overall and, like most people, my caffeine consumption is moderate.
I have been drinking three to four cups of organic yerba mate every day for years now - it still makes me feel good. The low level of caffeine is quite acceptable and I have plenty of energy, a sense of peace, mental clarity and much more.
If I am addicted, I am truly glad.
Salud!
Jim Worsham - is the author, editor, publisher, and owner of this blog. He resides in Long Beach, CA.
August 1st, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I was introduced to yerba mate by a Venezuelan colleague about 3 years ago… I’ve been totally hooked ever since. Mate gets me going in the morning, but it doesn’t bring me to that jittery state that coffee does. Granted, I’ve been doing it a bit excessively lately (about 5-10 cups/day).
I’ve read that mate is really a social drink over there in Argentina (it’s home from what I can tell), and that it’s not really drank while alone. I don’t care… I’m going to continue drinking it whether I’m in a group or while alone because it makes me feel good.
As you state… If I am addicted, I am truly glad!