The super-food benefits
This South American drink is rich in important chemical compounds and nutrients, unique super-food benefits like promoting digestion, heart health, and enhanced exercise performance. It gives an incredibly long-lasting energy boost without the coffee crash. The taste is warmly strong, slightly bitter and has been described as chocolatey and nutty.
South American tradition
Drinking the herbal tea is as common in South America as drinking coffee and tea in the rest of the world. It is nutritious and full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains mateine, the softer version of caffeine.
You can have the drink bitter, sweet, hot or cold. You can add flavors such as honey, natural herbs, citrus fruits and more. We take mate with us everywhere – to the beach, to school, to sports events. Any time could be mate time, you just need to warm up some water and get your mate equipment ready.
The most common way of drinking it is to continuously sip for several hours, adding more leaves or water as necessary. Each steep releases more flavor and nutrients. The South American beverage is often enjoyed in a social gathering, meeting up in beautiful parts of nature. This creates a bond between the people gathered there.
Preparing it is not just putting it in the cup. First, you fill the cup with leaves. Put your hand on top, cover it completely and turn it twice. Afterward, put the bombilla in with the dry leaves. Pour water near the bombilla until saturated.
Health benefits
The list of benefits is long because it improves the overall work of the body. It can be a great companion to overcome a disease, finish an important project or face the next day. Often valued more than coffee, it does not rinse magnesium and is less harmful. However, like every booster, it can be overdosed, resulting in irritability. Compared to coffee, it has a softer, longer stimulant effect with a milder finish.
You can find the South American drink, loose leaf or in bags, in most organic grocery stores. Prepare it as any other tea, with water not quite boiling, and allow it to steep for three to five minutes. Enjoy all the benefits with our pre-workout supplement – just add water and shake!
Rich in nutrients
This caffeinated drink is from South America. It provides vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and mateine, a milder form of caffeine. The herbal infusion has been consumed by indigenous peoples of Brazil and Paraguay for centuries. Originally known as the "drink of the gods", it was used for stamina and health.
Preparation and tradition
It is prepared by filling a gourd or cup with dried leaves, covering with a hand and shaking to mix. Hot but not boiling water is added, and more hot water fills the cup as the tea is drunk through a metal straw that filters the leaves. Sharing the South American drink in nature and parks is a treasured social tradition. The gourd is passed around to create community bonds.
Health benefits
Drinking the infusion provides caffeine-like alertness but also nutrition. It’s gaining global popularity as a healthier "super drink" alternative to coffee and energy drinks. Research shows it may aid weight loss, burn fat, curb appetite and increase insulin sensitivity. It can be prepared hot or cold. Incorporating it into one’s routine is said to boost energy, strengthen immunity and promote well-being.
Botanical overview
This herbal tea is made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It is traditionally consumed in South America and contains 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, and antioxidants.
Historical and cultural significance
The indigenous peoples discovered it in the forests of Paraguay and Brazil. They used it mostly for physical stamina and medicinal purposes, considering it an herb “from the gods”. Today, the South American drink remains popular across the region.
Effects and benefits
Unlike coffee, it provides a energy boost without causing jitters or crashes. It has adaptogenic properties to regulate body systems. The caffeine also stimulates dopamine production which enhances concentration and motivation.
Drinking the herbal infusion is a social tradition in South America. Sharing it creates bonds between people. There are customs around preparing and passing around the mate gourd that facilitate social connections.
The South American beverage is consumed in various ways – as a hot tea, in cold tereré lemonade, continuously sipped for hours, or in foods and supplements. It is full of health-promoting compounds like polyphenols, saponins, and alkylamides.
Some potential health benefits include decreasing cholesterol, protecting the liver, stimulating the brain, and protecting the heart. However, more research is still needed to confirm many of the proposed benefits.
When preparing it, fill a gourd or French press two-thirds full with loose leaves then add hot water. Be mindful of potential medication interactions. Due to its caffeine content, it may interact with stimulants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants.
Safety overview
This traditional drink is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains caffeine, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds. It is typically brewed and consumed in a similar way to tea. It has a long history of traditional and ceremonial use in parts of South America.
Possible benefits and risks
Some research suggests it may have benefits for weight loss, heart health, inflammation and cancer risk. But more studies are needed. Consuming very hot drink for a long time might increase cancer risk.
The caffeine provides an energizing effect that’s different from coffee. Some report it gives sustained focus and calm alertness without typical caffeine jitteriness.
It is not linked to health issues for most people when consumed in moderation. Up to 3 grams daily for 12 weeks appears safe. But taking high doses for extended periods may be unsafe.
Possible concerns include increased risk of certain cancers. This risk seems higher for those who smoke or drink alcohol. It may also complicate pre-existing conditions like hypertension, heart disease and arrhythmia.
To reduce risks, consume moderate amounts brewed at reasonable temperatures. Ensuring it comes from a reputable source and isn’t contaminated is also wise. Further research is needed to conclusively determine the long-term health effects.