What is the Best Yerba Mate?
This South American beverage is made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The leaves are steeped in hot water to create a tea-like drink with a distinct, earthy taste. It is often served in a traditional gourd and sipped through a metal straw with a filter. One reason Messi drinks it is because of its energizing properties. It contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, which can boost energy and improve focus. This makes it great for athletes who need to be alert during training and matches.
- It has antioxidants that may help prevent serious health issues like liver disease and certain cancers.
- Research also shows it could help prevent diabetes and promote weight loss. A 12-week study found people drinking it had reduced body fat mass and smaller waist-to-hip ratios compared to a control group.
You can also add milk or sweetener to enhance the flavor. It can be served hot or enjoyed over ice.
Cultural Significance and Global Popularity
The plant is native to parts of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay where the drink has deep cultural significance. Top athletes like Messi and Luis Suarez drink it for its energizing benefits. The naturally caffeine-rich leaves provide alertness without jitters.
With celebrities consuming this South American drink, it is becoming popular globally. But it is more than just a fleeting health trend. A 1964 study concluded the leaves have exceptional nutritional value. Many famous people drink it.
Health Benefits
- It gives energy.
- It helps digestion.
- It has antioxidants.
- Athletes say it improves performance.
- Indigenous peoples shared it socially and called it "drink of the gods".
- Messi brought 500 kilograms of it to the World Cup.
To get Messi’s speed and physique eat fresh fruits, green vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains.
What is Yerba Mate?
It is an herb native to South America. It is used to make the national drink of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. The origins of it are filled with folklore. Discovered by the indigenous peoples of the forests of Paraguay and Southern Brazil, it was known as an herb “from the gods”. It was used mostly for physical stamina and medicinal purposes.
It has a similar effect as espresso. However, this famous drink is neither a tea nor a coffee. It is a plant that is part of the holly genus species found in South America. Its leaves 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 it is the most desirous, because it is free from growth chemicals, making it organic.
The plant comes from the Ilex paraguariensis tree. It has been consumed for centuries by the indigenous peoples of South America. It is typically served as a tea in gourds and drunk from a straw called a bombilla. The flavor can be described as earthy, grassy, or woodsy with hints of fruit.
Preparation and Consumption
While it is most commonly prepared as a hot tea, some people use this plant to prepare cold teas, and some people just chew the leaves.
Drinking it is as common in South America as drinking coffee and tea in the rest of the world. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and mateine. That is the softer version of caffeine. It comes in all different colors, tastes, strengths, cuts, and effects. This variation comes from the way each type is harvested, processed, and aged. It is native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Each country has its own distinct type.
In Summary
It is a species of the Holly Family native to subtropical South America. The plant is harvested and brewed similar to tea, to make a specialty beverage popular throughout South America. It has 196 active compounds including vitamins and minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and stimulants which result in clean balanced energy.