The drink is from South America. Its leaves are used to make tea. This tea has caffeine like coffee. It may give energy without nervousness from coffee. But more research is needed. The tea may help the heart. It has antioxidants. These may reduce heart problems.
The tea comes from a plant in parts of South America. Long ago, native peoples used the leaves as a drink and to trade. Now it is popular worldwide, in drinks and supplements.
Health Benefits
The tea has caffeine like coffee. It may boost energy. The drink has antioxidants and nutrients. These may help health. Too much could increase cancer risk for some people.
Cultural Significance
There is some tradition around drinking the tea. People share it from a traditional gourd. This shows friendship. The tea tastes nutty, woodsy, or lemony. Some add honey or sugar.
The drink may help mood, cholesterol, and weight loss. But it needs more research. The caffeine helps alertness. This can help students and workers.
Drinking lots of hot tea seems to increase risks of some cancers. But it is not clear why. More research is needed on the health effects.
Why Drink It?
- The drink is popularly known for its energy-boosting properties.
- It contains mateine. That is the softer version of caffeine. Mate contains antioxidants, natural stimulants, vitamins and minerals.
- Helps you breathe better and makes you feel euphoric and happy
- Has high concentrations of caffeine that contributed to fat-burning effects
- Has high choleretic effect, drinking mate regularly can help soothe an upset stomach and other digestion problems
Of course, you can always prepare your drink yourself. But sharing is a traditional way of drinking mate. That means you get the energy boost you can from coffee, but without the negative side effects. The tea is loaded with powerful antioxidants and nutrients. It can deactivate E. coli bacteria! If you want ready-made drinks, another option is to add liquid extract or powder to hot water.
Who Drinks It?
The herbal tea has now spread far beyond its home country and can be found all over the globe. Though caffeinated like coffee and green tea are, mate has some stark differences from these two other wildly popular beverages. Coffee drinkers often suffer a caffeine crash at some point. The tea has adaptogenic properties, which means it can regulate the body’s systems.
In South America, mate is far more than just a drink. Being offered mate is a sign of respect and in many instances, a great way to make new friends on the road.
Cultural Importance
Drinking mate is as common in South America as drinking coffee and tea in the rest of the world.
Argentina
- Mate consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. It is ingested in 90% of the country’s households and more than a pound is included monthly in the basic food basket.
- Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset. They drink it hot or cold depending on the weather.
- More than a habit, getting together to matear forges emotional links between people.
Yerba Mate is not just a simple beverage; it is deeply intertwined with the history and traditions of many South American countries. What are some cultural traditions associated with drinking yerba mate? How has the production of yerba mate evolved over time?
In Argentina, the yerba mate is a popular drink, yes, but it means much more, it is a source of pride for Argentines, it is an excuse to meet and a custom that is transmitted by family inheritance. “Shall we drink some mates?” It is an invitation to chat, to stay, to continue the conversation. Mate represents sharing, it reduces distances between people, it invites to think, to debate, it is the social drink by excellence. Aside from its unique flavor, its use is beneficial for your health. Make sure to cure your gourd once you start your yerba mate adventure.