The beverage is a species of the holly genus with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. It was first cultivated by the indigenous Guaraní people prior to European colonization.
Types
There are six commercial types including:
- Elaborada con Palo (with stems)
- Elaborada sin Palo (without stems)
- Barbacuá (Smoked)
- Tostada (Roasted)
- Flavored
- Mixed with Herbs
Elaborada con Palo contains leaves and twigs. It is milder because of the percentage of stems. Sin Palo contains mostly leaves and is stronger.
The tea has health benefits like increased mental focus and energy from the mateina, a form of caffeine. It can also improve digestion and boost the immune system.
When choosing the beverage, start with a lighter, smoother flavor to avoid bitterness. Consider taste preferences too. Some brands offer smooth, full flavor while others provide a more intense, smoky flavor. Brands offer a sweeter profile.
It can be enjoyed hot or cold. It is often shared among friends and family as part of South American culture and tradition.
The drink provides an energy boost similar to coffee. But it has less caffeine and more nutrients. It offers mental and physical health benefits. Billions start the day with coffee or tea. But in South America, people wake up with the beverage. First, it has evidence-based mental and physical benefits.
The tea is an evergreen plant native to the South American rainforests, particularly in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. First, it’s a traditional drink consumed for centuries as a social and ceremonial drink, often shared among friends and family. It has vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The drink provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It was called “the drink of the gods”. The tea is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It stimulates yet calms you. The caffeine works differently from coffee. It’s non-addictive.
It is often prepared using a gourd and a metal straw called a bombilla. Friends share the drink from the same gourd. It’s the most popular drink in Argentina, surpassing coffee and tea. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or before sunset, hot or cold. It brings emotional links between people, taking Argentinians back to their roots.
The plant is native to South America. Its leaves are used to make a caffeinated drink. This "drink of the gods" has more antioxidants than green tea. The indigenous Guaraní people first consumed the beverage. They considered it a gift from the gods to enhance stamina.
There are many health benefits. It can increase mental alertness from the caffeine and mateina. As a pre-workout drink, it stimulates mind and body. The tea is also used as a natural remedy thanks to its antioxidant properties. It may counteract aging and boost metabolism to help lose weight. However, it also contains caffeine so is not suitable for people with heart issues or hypertension.
In South America, sharing the drink is a cultural tradition bringing people together. Being offered mate shows respect. The rituals for preparing and drinking mate have been passed down through generations.
The tea has a different effect than other caffeinated drinks. It contains caffeine, theobromine and theophylline plus antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This combination is not psychedelic but it’s the closest thing compared to other teas and coffees.
To the indigenous tribes the beverage enhances stamina, a priority for their active, nomadic lifestyle.