Mate is a species of the holly genus (Ilex), with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis. It was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. This tea is used to make a beverage known as mate. When served cold, the drink is called tereré in Guaraní. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile.
The drink is made by steeping dried leaves from the mate plant in hot water. This South American beverage can be served cold or hot. Like black or green tea, it contains caffeine, which can make you feel more alert and focused. The leaves are dried chopped and ground into a powder then drunk through a metal straw (traditionally silver) known in Argentina as a Bombilla. The bombilla also acts as a kind of sieve.
Drinking mate isn’t linked to health problems in most adults. Some studies suggest it may have helpful effects on cholesterol, weight loss, inflammation and cancer risk. But more research is needed.
Mate has a strong, bitter, earthy, grassy, vegetal taste. The flavor is an acquired one that takes some getting used to, like coffee or green tea. Some describe it as euphoric.
This caffeine-rich infusion uniquely stimulates mind and body without crashing or jittery effects. It appears to have more healing compounds than green tea and equal caffeine to coffee.
Mate is a tea made from the leaves of a South American holly tree. It contains caffeine and other healthy compounds. This beverage is traditionally consumed from a shared gourd in parts of South America. It has an earthy, bitter taste that some people enjoy.
Research shows it may offer several health benefits. It seems to boost energy and mental focus due to its caffeine content. Studies also link it to lower cholesterol, reduced inflammation, increased exercise capacity, and protection against cell damage that can lead to disease. However, more research is still needed.
There are some safety concerns with drinking mate regularly. Using it long-term, especially with alcohol or smoking, may increase the risk of certain cancers. The caffeine in it can also cause anxiety or insomnia in some people. Additionally, mate may impact the effectiveness of certain medications.
To stay safe, adults should limit mate to 1-2 cups per day and avoid combining it with other stimulants. Children and pregnant women should not consume mate due to lack of safety research. People with certain medical conditions may also want to avoid mate until more is known about its effects.
In moderation, this tea is likely safe for most healthy adults. Just be mindful of your personal caffeine sensitivity. And as with any supplement, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider before adding mate to your routine.
Mate contains caffeine. This stimulant can mask feelings of intoxication from alcohol. It can lead to consuming more alcohol than intended. Mate delays alcohol-induced sleepiness, enabling prolonged drinking. Alcohol decreases how quickly caffeine breaks down. Taking mate with alcohol may cause jitteriness, headache, fast heartbeat.
In Argentina consumption rises up to 14 pounds per person yearly. It is ingested in 90% of households and over a pound is in the monthly basic food basket. Argentinians drink it for breakfast with juice or before sunset, hot or cold depending on weather. Mate has become common to drink from cans, bottles and energy drinks for convenience. But sharing mate forges emotional links between people, taking Argentinians back to their roots.