Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink that’s gaining worldwide popularity. Even the Argentinian soccer star Lionel Messi was often seen enjoying a mug of Mate now and then and some people even go to distance to suggest that his soccer skills are somehow connected with this miraculous drink.
It’s said to have the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea and provide the joy of chocolate.
Yerba Mate is a tea brewed from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, a small shrub that grows in Paraguay, Brazil and other South American countries. The tea is also sometimes known as Paraguay tea.
The Guarani Indians of Paraguay and Argentina have been brewing this beverage for centuries and claim it can do everything from boosting energy levels and intelligence to providing all the nutrients needed for life. In Europe mate is often used for weight loss, though there is no scientific evidence to show that the plant boosts metabolism or acts as an appetite suppressant.
Other celebrity who enjoys the soothing pick-me-up mug of Mate is Pope Francis. The current pope is constantly being filmed and photographed sharing a Yerba Mate consumed in the traditional way.
In fact, Yerba Mate’s religious associations run deep. The very word ‘mate’ comes from the word used by the Guarini indigenous people of what is now modern day Paraguay to describe the squash like vegetable that they would hollow out and use to brew their sacred tea leaves. Sharing this tea was (and still is) an important custom, and would signify comradely among the social group.
When the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, they were first wary of this indigenous practice and wrongly jumped to the conclusion that this hot leafy beverage was some sort of vice. However, after seeing the many now scientifically proven benefits of the brew, they soon took on the practice of consuming it themselves.
Yerba mate is traditionally consumed from a container called a “gourd” and sipped with a metal straw that has a filter at its lower end to strain out the leaf fragments.
The most important benefits of this tea are:
- Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients
Mate contains Xanthines, Caffeoyl derivatives, Saponins and Polyphenols which are beneficial plan nutrients; the antioxidant power of yerba mate tea seems to be slightly higher than that of green tea.
- Can Boost Energy and Improve Mental Focus
At 85 mg of caffeine per cup, yerba mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than a cup of tea. Therefore, just like any other caffeinated food or beverage, it has the ability to increase your energy levels and make you feel less tired.
- May Enhance Physical Performance
Caffeine is also known to improve muscle contractions, reduce fatigue and improve sports performance by up to 5%. Since yerba mate contains a moderate amount of caffeine, those drinking it can expect similar physical performance benefits.
- May Protect Against Infections
Yerba mate may help prevent infections from bacteria, parasites and fungi.
One study found that a high dose of yerba mate extract deactivated E. coli, a bacteria that causes food poisoning symptoms like stomach cramps and diarrhea. More research is needed here.
- May Boost Your Immune System
Yerba mate contains saponins, which are natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition, it contains small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and zinc. These antioxidants can strengthen the immune system and promote health.
- Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Yerba mate may help lower blood sugar and reduce the complications often seen in diabetes.
In fact, a recent study reports that it may improve insulin signaling in animals. No studies in humans tough.
- May Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
Yerba mate contains antioxidant compounds, such as caffeoyl derivatives and polyphenols, which may protect against heart disease. Cell and animal studies also report that mate extract may provide some protection against heart disease.
In humans, yerba mate seems to reduce cholesterol levels.
Messi is not the only Barca star who enjoys a sip of mate. Team-mate Luis Suarez (from Uruguay) is also a fan and has frequently been seen enjoying a mug or two.
Okay, this is certainly not a highly scientific report that shows that Messi’s awesomeness is directly linked to yerba mate’s awesomeness, but it might just be worth trying a sip to find out if there’s something to it!