This South American herbal tea contains caffeine and other stimulants. It increases energy, focus, and circulation. The brew has potential health benefits but may increase cancer risk when consumed very hot. Sharing mate connects people. Argentinians drink it daily, hot or cold, from a gourd through a metal straw. Containing caffeine and antioxidants, it energizes without crashing. For some with heart conditions, it raises blood pressure. Research shows anticancer benefits but also cancer risks from very hot mate.
It comes from the native holly trees found in the Atlantic rainforest of South America. The leaves are hand picked by cultivators in Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Drinking it can help with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness. It also contains compounds that may improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance mental focus.
In Argentina, sharing mate is a social tradition. The server refills a single gourd passed around a group. Online stores let you buy products for reasonable prices and shipping costs. For example, 25 tea bags cost around the same as 500g leaves.
The herb is native to South America, used to make the national drinks of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Indigenous peoples have been drinking it for centuries as an energizing, medicinal beverage. It has now spread worldwide as a stimulating yet relaxing herbal tea.
In Argentina it is consumed in 90% of households, hot or cold depending on weather. Canned, bottled and energy drink versions have made it convenient to drink anytime. Sharing mate builds emotional links between Argentinians.
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. The yerba mate herb is native to South America. The seeds apparently only germinate after being digested by very specific native birds. This makes commercial cultivation more difficult and therefore it more precious.
The brew contains caffeine, tannin, and is less astringent than tea. It has a stimulating effect and is greenish in colour. The flavor varies greatly from region to region.
It was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. The cost is influenced by factors such as brand name, quality, packaging and seasonal availability.
It gives an energy boost similar to coffee, with less caffeine but more nutrients. Billions start the day with coffee or tea, but in South America people wake up with mate for more brain and health benefits. It offers the "strength of coffee, health of tea, and euphoria of chocolate.” The evidence-based mental and physical health benefits include anti-inflammatory saponins, chlorophyll, and antioxidants.