There is a trend towards healthier products, and many search out mate as a substitute for coffee. A typical highly acidic breakfast blend coffee might land somewhere around 4.7 PH.
One of the main health problem connected to coffee is the acidity. Mate is less acidic but still some mate users might complain of gastroesophageal reflux disease. This disease is caused by the acidity, and that might differ from one kind of mate to another.
Mate and PH values
The producer of Meta Mate’s Cosmetics (Soap, Face and Hand Cream) tested the PH values of various Mate, and her results confirmed the expectations:
PH - Meta Mate 23
PH - Meta Mate Raw
PH - Meta Mate Artisanal
PH - Coffee
Meta Mate 23, organic USDA certified, industrially processed like all known erva mate and yerba Mate scored PH 6. Meta Mate Raw that is freeze-dried scored PH 6.5. Meta Mate Artisanal scored PH 7.
Ancient Mate Production
The most ancient mate production tradition of stopping the oxidation by rapidly exposing the mate leaves to fire makes the most gentle mate for the stomach. Many people have health problems with coffee; not only in Brazil, but also in Argentina where yerba mate reigns. There are reports comparing the acidity from Mate Artisanal and Industrial:
“En cuanto al sabor, los consumidores destacan la ausencia total de acidez, un aspecto habitualmente remarcado en las marcas industriales.”
Google Translation:
“For taste, consumers highlight the total absence of acid, usually one aspect highlighted in the industrial brands.”
From: Taringa (http://www.taringa.net/post/offtopic/16410955/Sabes-Que-Tipo-de-Yerba-Mate-Consumis-Informate.html)
Other Advantages of Mate
Theobromine
Mate has Theobromine that adds combines to the energy boosting of caffeine contributing to warm, positive, happy feelings.
Theophylline
Mate has Theophylline which acts as a muscular relaxer aiding to be alert but not stressed.
High Mineral Content
Last but not least, is the high content of minerals. By drinking traditional Mate, one gets a variety of minerals and vitamins, especially Magnesium and Potassium. These feed the cells and together with the xanthines contribute to an over-all well-being feeling.
Minerals and Meta Mate Raw
Yerba Mate, Erva Mate and Meta Mate
To understand best the differences between yerba mate, erva mate and meta mate check this video made at Meta Mate Berlin:
Yerba mate has less than 80 milligrams of caffeine in each cup compared to 100 to 200 milligrams in a cup of coffee.