The South American plant is native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay and Southern Brazil. In fact, it is consumed 6 times more than coffee in these countries.
The leaves grow on a small tree or shrub from the holly genus species found in South America. They are brewed to make a stimulating, caffeinated beverage. Referred to as the “drink of the Gods”, in some regions, it is even more popular than coffee. Wild grown leaves are the most desirable, because they are free from growth chemicals. It is also possible to cultivate it without using chemicals; organic is the healthier path to choose.
The plant contains caffeine, antioxidants, polyphenols such as flavonoids and tannins, and other compounds. These provide a wide range of health benefits including potential anti-cancer properties, reduced inflammation, and increased energy. Indeed, there are many reasons to drink it.
Traditional preparation
Traditionally, leaves were either chewed or steeped in hot water to make a tea. The most common use is in a tea prepared with a calabash gourd and bamboo straw. In Brazil, this herb is used to boost energy, for digestive complaints, nerve pain, depression, fatigue, and to support weight loss. It’s also a common alternative to coffee all around South America.
There are around 550 variants of the holly genus species, of which only two or three are used for it. In the wild, the tree grows up to 8 meters tall, but has been known to grow as high as 18 meters.
It is a caffeinated herbal tea that may improve energy levels, protect heart health, and enhance exercise performance. However, large amounts, particularly when hot, may increase the risk of certain cancers.
It is a tea-like drink and one of the most popular drinks in Argentina. ‘Yerba’ stands for the herb leaves, ‘mate’ is the drinking cup where the yerba is poured in dry, afterward you add water and you drink it through a ‘bombilla’ (filter straw). The yerba or herb leaves are from the tree ilex paraguarensis. The yerba is made from the leaves and twigs.
Unlike coffee or tea, mate is nutritious and full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains mateine, the softer version of caffeine. When it’s cold, the mate is served with hot water. During summer or hot weather, the water is often replaced by lemonade.
The indigenous Guaraní and some Tupi communities first cultivated and consumed yerba mate. After the Jesuits discovered its commercialization potential, it became widespread.
Description
The dried leaves and twigs of the plant are steeped in hot water to make a super tea, extremely popular in South America. It contains one of the most healthy and clean forms of caffeine, known as mateine. While almost unheard of elsewhere, it is slowly starting to gain popularity due to health benefits.
The plant, Ilex Paraguariensis, is a member of the Holly family originally found in subtropical South America. Native to Paraguay, its leaves have been brewed into tea for centuries. Today, it is also grown in Brazil and Argentina.
You should probably avoid drinking it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
It tea is brewed similar to tea, from the dry leaves and splinters of illex paraguarensis, an evergreen of the aquifoliaceous family. It grows in Argentina, Chile, Peru and Brazil, but is more abundant in Paraguay, where it is also cultivated.
Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset, hot or cold depending on the weather. As things evolve, mate has become common to drink from cans or bottles.
Its leaves are used to make a caffeinated drink called mate. Mate is a popular drink in countries like Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil. It is traditionally served hot but can also be served cold, in which case it is called tereré.
It contains caffeine as well as antioxidants and nutrients. It has been associated with several health benefits, including increased energy, weight loss and better digestion. However, drinking large amounts regularly may also have negative health effects. More research is still needed into its long-term safety.
Has a growing niche across North America and Europe as an energizing herb. However, in South America mate remains an incredibly popular mainstream beverage that is deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Its leaves contain caffeine, theobromine, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The compounds provide stimulating effects and health benefits.
People often drink it lemonade in hot weather.
- It has more antioxidants than green tea.
- It energizes without an afternoon crash.
- It is less acidic than coffee.
Studies link it to increased cancer risk as it contains carcinogens and is served hot. The industry disputes these findings. Organic versions may be safer.
It is an herbal tea made from the leaves of a South American holly tree. It has high antioxidant content to reduce inflammation and neutralize cell damage. The tea contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and polyphenols.
Traditionally, it is steeped in a hollowed gourd and sipped through a straw. It has an earthy, slightly bitter taste. Drinking it is a communal ritual in some cultures. The tea-filled gourd is passed around a group.
People have consumed this traditional drink for hundreds of years in South America. Recently it has become popular in the U.S. It boosts the immune system with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals like iron, potassium and magnesium. It also contains caffeine for energy without many side effects of coffee.