This South American plant, which is a member of the holly family, also goes by the Spanish name "yerba" and the Portuguese name "erva." The tea has been consumed in regions of South America such as Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina for hundreds of years and plays an integral cultural role.
Nutrients and Preparation
The yerba mate plant contains caffeine as well as antioxidants, polyphenols, saponins, and vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, zinc, and manganese. The caffeine content of mate is generally less than that of coffee but more than black or green tea.
Mate can be prepared as a hot tea or an iced tea known as "tereré." The hot tea is typically prepared in a container called a gourd along with a metal straw that has a strainer on its lower end. This allows the tea to be sipped while the leaves remain in the gourd. Tea bags are also available for brewing single servings.
The flavor of mate is bold, earthy and grassy, with slight bitterness. It can be enjoyed on its own or enhanced with additions like lemon, milk, sugar, or spices. Mate blends nicely with other teas as well.
Some of the potential health benefits linked to mate in research studies include boosted energy and mental clarity from the caffeine, increased fat burning and metabolism, and better cardiovascular health markers. However, high temperature mate may also pose certain cancer risks so moderation is recommended.
Interactions
What does yerba mate interact with?
It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile. First cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization.
Nutrition Facts
Mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than a cup of tea. It enhances alertness like coffee — but without the jittery side effects. It provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients.
History and Culture
"The drink of the gods” by indigenous South Americans and later “the green gold of the Indios” by European settlers.
Put two teaspoons of yerba in a mate, cover it with one hand and turn upside down to mix. Add a little hot, but not boiling, water to moisten the leaves, creating a sticky paste.
Consumption
Yerba mate may be served cold or hot. Like black tea, yerba mate contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. Besides that, it contains the compounds theobromine and theophylline to provide unique, mild stimulant effects.
One possible explanation is that yerba mate contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to be carcinogenic. More investigation needs to be done into the safety and side effects of yerba mate.
Yerba mate is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile. It is also popular in the Druze community in Syria and Lebanon, where it is imported from Argentina. Yerba mate was first cultivated by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization.
In South America, yerba mate is more than just a drink. It is a social tradition which brings families and friends together. Being offered mate is a sign of respect and a great way to make new friends. There is much more to mate than the drink though. Over the centuries, the art of sharing mate has been passed down through generations.
Mixing with Other Drinks
What is good to mix with yerba mate?
Yerba mate contains caffeine and antioxidants. It has potential health benefits but also risks if mixed with alcohol. The caffeine in yerba mate can interact with alcohol. This can lead to drinking more alcohol or impaired judgment. Additionally, both yerba mate and alcohol can cause dehydration. Enjoying yerba mate without alcohol is wise to avoid these risks.
Over 90% of people in these countries drink yerba mate. The indigenous Guaraní people first cultivated yerba mate before European settlement.
In addition to caffeine for energy, yerba mate contains antioxidants. These include polyphenols and tannins with anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidants may also have anti-cancer properties. The combination of caffeine and antioxidants provide both mental and physical health benefits.
Some report yerba mate can be addictive. But many enjoy it for reduced fatigue, improved focus, and euphoric qualities. Yerba mate offers caffeine, health benefits and great taste. It can be a refreshing, nutrient-rich alternative to coffee or tea.