The infusion provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, amino acids and polyphenols which have anticancer effects.
The tea is traditionally consumed in South America. It is typically served as a hot tea in a gourd and drunk from a straw called a bombilla. The flavor is described as earthy, grassy, or woodsy with hints of fruit.
The tea is commonly consumed in social gatherings. People get together and share one gourd with a bombilla. The gourd gets passed around, which creates a bond between the people.
Drinking Habits
Argentinians usually drink the infusion for breakfast or just before sunset, hot or cold depending on weather. It has become more common to drink the tea from cans or bottles. But sharing the traditional mate is something of emotional value beyond the act of drinking.
In North America and Europe, tea bags or French press are also used for brewing. The average caffeine content of the infusion depends on the method of preparation.
Drinking the infusion before bed may or may not help with sleep. This likely depends on the individual’s tolerance. For those who drink mate regularly, the caffeine likely has little effect on sleep.
The tea is a traditional South American tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It has been consumed for centuries by indigenous peoples and later called "the green gold of the Indios" by European settlers.
However, drinking it regularly over long periods could increase the risk of certain cancers. This seems to be due to cancer-causing compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in the tea. More research is still needed.
Drinking the infusion in high doses or late in the day can also worsen sleep issues for some people due to the caffeine content. Limiting intake after 6 pm is recommended. Additionally, combining the tea with alcohol or smoking may further increase health risks.
So while the tea has some excellent health benefits, it’s important to be mindful of potential safety issues, especially with long-term high intake. Moderation and common sense is advised when incorporating this traditional tea into your routines.
The leaves are dried and chopped to make an infusion. It has an earthy, bitter taste. Argentines drink mate for energy and to share socially.
To prepare mate:
- Fill a gourd halfway with yerba leaves
- Shake to mix powder with leaves and sticks
- Tilt gourd, add hot water, insert metal straw
- Pass the gourd in a circle to share
The water should be hot, not boiling, to protect nutrients. Drink the gourd dry each time before refilling. Mateine gives a balanced stimulant effect. Mate contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants lacking in coffee or tea.
Consumption Tips
Consumption depends on personal tolerance. Enjoy mate as a nutritious, herbal infusion.
Mate is best consumed on its own. But terere, mate with lemonade, is popular in summer. There’s an art to properly preparing mate. Start with high quality yerba and hot water.
Use a gourd and bombilla if you want to drink mate the traditional Argentine way. Share in a circle with friends. Mate brings people together.