This South American herbal tea is made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. The leaves are dried and then brewed with hot water to make a tea. To properly pronounce it, you should say “yehr-bah mah-tay”. The emphasis should be on the second syllable.
Yerba Mate Culture
The tea is completely embedded in the culture of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It has a long list of health benefits and equally strong social benefits. Families, friends, and coworkers will share a mate throughout the day. If you are with a group, it’s a chance to slow things down and share a mate. If you are by yourself, it’s a chance to reset and prepare for whatever is next.
Health Benefits
The tea contains antioxidants. Studies show it may affect the immune, reproductive, and neurological systems. It can also increase the risk of cancer. The caffeine in mate is paired with different chemicals than in most caffeinated drinks, rendering mate non-addictive.
The pronunciation varies by region. However, there are two common pronunciations. The traditional Spanish pronunciation is “Yer-bah mah-teh”. The anglicized pronunciation is “Yer-buh mah-tay”.
This South American drink is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. Indigenous communities in Paraguay and Brazil originally cultivated it before European colonization. The name comes from the Guaraní word "ka’a", meaning "herb". Mate is the Spanish and Portuguese word for the gourd cup used to drink it.
It is often shared among friends to create community bonding. Its consumption continues to increase in English-speaking countries, reflecting growing interest in diverse cultures. As a symbol of South American heritage, it represents tradition.
It has many health benefits and unique effects from its caffeine. It’s still cultivated in its native South American regions where it remains very popular. Mate derives from the Quechua word "mati" meaning a container for drink and infusion of an herb.
It and coffee both provide a caffeine boost. However, it has less caffeine than coffee. A cup typically contains about 85 milligrams of caffeine versus 95 milligrams in coffee. The caffeine content can provide an energy boost similar to coffee, but to a slightly lesser degree.
In terms of health benefits, both drinks have antioxidant properties. It contains antioxidants as well as vitamins, minerals and other beneficial plant compounds. Some research shows it may provide cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, more research has been done on coffee.
For those sensitive to caffeine, it may be a better choice than coffee since it has less caffeine. The combination of caffeine with other stimulants provides a gentler energy boost without the crash sometimes experienced with coffee. However, both drinks can potentially aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism. Moderation is key with both beverages.
Mate is a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink made by soaking dried leaves called "yerba mate" in hot water and is served with a metal straw called “bombilla”. This drink is part of the Argentine culture. It contains caffeine.
In Argentina, serving a cup of mate from one random person to another is considered inappropriate. Drinking it emphasizes community and sharing. It is said to make people gather and relate to one another.
It comes from the Quechua word for “gourd” and “yerba” means “herb” in Spanish. To properly pronounce it, you should say “yehr-bah mah-tay”.
Health Risks
Studies show that increased exposure to PAHs found in it can affect health and increase the risk of cancer. Consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. Over a pound is included monthly in the basic food basket.