Mate: what is it, what are its benefits and how to prepare it?

Mate is an infusion made from the leaves and stems of a medicinal plant called yerba mate and its scientific name is Ilex paraguariensis. This infusion is widely consumed in Argentina, the southern region of Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay, using various forms of preparation.

The health benefits of yerba mate are related to its components, because it contains caffeine, vitamins and minerals that offer different types of properties being antioxidant, diuretic, mild laxative and brain stimulant. 

Mate contains a high amount of caffeine, helping to reduce the symptoms associated with depression and fatigue, making the individual more alert and willing to perform daily activities; for this reason, it is a drink that is usually consumed during the morning, in order to start the day with more energy. 

Mate: what is it, what are its benefits and how to prepare it?

The main health benefits of mate infusion are:

1. Lower cholesterol levels

Toasted mate can be taken daily as a home remedy for cholesterol, as it decreases the absorption of fat from food, due to the presence of saponins in its content. However, this home remedy should not replace the treatment indicated by the doctor, but ideally complements the treatment for this condition.

2. Helping to lose weight

This plant has thermogenic action, which helps in the process of weight loss and reduction of total body fat. The infusion acts by improving the satiety response because it slows gastric emptying time, reduces the amount of circulating leptin, and even decreases the formation of visceral fat. 

3. Protect the heart

Mate has a protective effect on blood vessels, since it prevents the accumulation of fat inside the arteries and thus protects the heart from a heart attack. However, its regular consumption does not mean that it is not necessary to have a healthy diet, with low fat content. 

4. Control diabetes

The infusion of mate has a hypoglycemic action, which contributes to lower blood sugar levels; however, to achieve this effect, it should be consumed daily and always without sugar or sweetener. 

5. Combat tiredness and discouragement

Thanks to the presence of caffeine, mate acts at the brain level, increasing disposition and concentration. Thus, it is an excellent drink to drink when getting up and after lunch, avoiding its consumption in the late afternoon or at night. In this way, insomnia and difficulty in falling asleep are avoided. Its consumption is particularly indicated for students, and people in a work environment where they must stay alert.

How to prepare mate

The mate infusion can be drunk hot or cold, and a few drops of lemon juice can be added if desired. This can be prepared in a cup or a specific container known as porongo, mate or calabaza can be used and a kind of straw is used to drink it, called bombilla.

When prepared with cold water it is known as tereré, a preparation widely used in Paraguay and Brazil. 

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of toasted yerba mate leaves;
  • 1 cup of boiling water.

    • How to prepare

    Add the yerba mate leaves in the cup of boiling water, cover and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink immediately. You can consume up to 1.5 liter of mate infusion per day. 

    To prepare the infusion in the porongo, add the yerba mate inside the container up to 2/3. Then cover with your hand and shake it, tilt the container so that the yerba accumulates only on one side and place hot water before boiling point between 70 to 90ºC or cold on the empty side. Place the bombilla close to the wall of the container and up to the bottom of the porongo, covering the opening with your finger. To drink the infusion use the bombilla.

    Contraindications

    Mate is contraindicated in children, pregnant women and people with insomnia, nervousness, anxiety problems or high blood pressure, due to its high caffeine content. 

    In addition, in the case of diabetic patients, this drink should only be used under doctor’s guidance; since it lowers blood sugar levels and it might be necessary to adapt the treatment. 

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