Mate, the natural energy drink with many properties

Like our traditional coffee or tea in Asia, mate, although still little known in Europe, has long been the most popular drink in southern Latin America. What if we adopted it too?

National drink of Argentinafrom the culture of the Guaranis, mate is a social drink south of Latin America. Traditionally macerated and drunk with a metal straw, it is customary to taste it in a group, passing the calabash in turn, one person being responsible for filling it gradually and giving it to those who want to drink. Zoom in on this beverage with multiple virtues.

Mate, a natural and energizing drink

Discovered in Europe in the 16th century^e century, mate is a infusion which is prepared from a plant called “ Yerba mate “. Widely distributed in Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina, mate is consumed daily for its many qualities, similar to those of coffee and tea.

The Yerba mate which is also called ” Paraguayan tea » or « Brazilian tea “, is a typically South American plant of the Ilex genus, which is however not from the tea family.

Mate is mainly consumed as an infusion, but it also exists in the form of capsules, instant powder and mother tincture.

What is hidden in this grass?

Rich in vitamins (A, C, E, B1, B2) and minerals (magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, in particular), it is a natural appetite stabilizer as well as a very good source of antioxidants.

In addition to vitamins, the leaves are rich in matein and tannins, but also have diuretic properties. Mate instantly provides energy, both physical and mental.

Consumed in the right dose, it soothes migraines, neuralgia, treats mild depression and even has effects on diabetes!

Don’t overdo it with mate!

2 to 3 cups per day are enough to benefit from its tonic effects. Just like coffee, this drink is not recommended for people who suffer from heart disease, insomnia, or even high blood pressure.

Maté – Did you know?

1 cup of mate provides 70 to 90 mg of caffeine approximately, a little less than a cup of coffee

Excessive consumption can cause nausea, heart palpitations, cramps and headaches. Furthermore, epidemiological studies associate chronic abuse with certain cancers.

On the other hand, note that its cultivation leads to damage to local fauna. However, pilot projects are looking for less harmful production methods, and several small regional companies wish to develop and expand a sustainable cultivation of Yerba mate.

To do the best, we therefore buy organic mate and from fair trade to ensure that the mate consumed respects both the environment and those who produce it.

How to drink mate?

Traditionally, this beverage is consumed in a gourd with a stainless steel straw (called lightbulb) which lets the water pass through without the small pieces of mate. It can be drunk hot or cold at any time of the day.

The bombilla for drinking mate © Oleg Metlin

In Argentina, in the south of Brazil, it is very common to see the population walking around with their gourd and their thermos and drink their mate in the street. A very healthy reflex which ensures good health, to adopt here too!

Where to buy organic and environmentally friendly mate?