Indigenous South Americans called it “the drink of the gods” before European settlers nicknamed it “the green gold of the Indios.” Its real name is “yerba-maté” or “maté” for short, and it belongs to a global market valued at US$2,168.8 million this year. Over the next decade, the yerba-maté market will blossom at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% to more than US$3,797.0 million.
A plant species of the holly genus Ilex – native to South America – is the main ingredient to produce Yerba-maté. French botanist Augustin Saint-Hilaire gave this remedial drink its name. This drink is considered a social drink with cultural importance in countries where the plant grows natively, such as Latin and South America, the people of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay consider it a tradition.
Although deeply rooted in the Latin American and South American cultures, people worldwide savor Yerba-maté. Suitable for consumption hot or cold, this moreish tea is an excellent addition to weight loss supplements, energy drinks, and other beverages. While it contains caffeine like other herbal tea, this plant-derived beverage harbors various benefits that may promote better overall health.
The tea gets its flavor by simmering the plant’s dried leaves in hot water. To filter the leaves and release the herbal flavor notes, a bombilla (pronounced bom-bee-shah) is used. This metal (or sometimes bamboo) straw is a suitable tool for sipping the beverage, with the Guarani people of South America initially believed to drink yerba-maté with hollow twigs and stalks.
Nutritional Composition of Yerba Maté
Before you Shop Rosamonte Yerba maté special selection on Pampa Direct, take a moment to learn about the benefits of drinking this tea. It contains minimal calories, most of which come from the carbohydrate content.
Some users claim that the tea helps to ease the symptoms of bladder stones, chronic fatigue syndrome, constipation, depression, headaches, kidney problems, low blood pressure, and urinary tract infections.
Although there is no proof that this herbal tea can treat any of the conditions mentioned above, each cup contains a lot of goodness. According to WebMD, one cup of yerba mate contains no fat, 15ce calories, 0.5 grams of protein, and 3 grams of carbohydrates.
In addition to this, it is a good source of:
- Antioxidants – Antioxidants act as a cell defense mechanism against free radicals in the body. Some of the primary antioxidants contained in yerba-maté include Caffeoyl, Polyphenols, Saponins, and Xanthines (caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline)
- Magnesium – Per cup of yerba-maté, you’ll also treat your body to approximately 48 milligrams of magnesium, which works out at 12% of your recommended daily intake.
- Vitamins – One cup of yerba-maté gives the body a generous dose of vitamins. A serving provides around 7.8 milligrams or 13% of your recommended daily vitamin C intake. High levels of vitamin B, B1 (thiamin), and B6 are also present.
- Zinc – Treat yourself to 0.6 milligrams or 4% of your daily zinc intake when you drink yerba-maté. This trace mineral is vital to the body’s metabolic and immune system functioning.
Health Benefits of Rosamonte Yerba Maté
Some people sow yerba maté seeds from January-April to produce their tea. However, most consumers buy pre-packaged teas, often looking for coupons to save on their purchases. Ensure you request proof of third-party lab testing to avoid products grown in soils with heavy metals. With a high-quality product, you can enjoy the following benefits:
1. Improved Energy and Focus
According to latest health news One study of 12 healthy young women revealed positive improvements in concentration, energy, and focus after consuming 2 grams of yerba maté (or placebo) for workouts.
The tea’s caffeine content (80mg per cup) is equivalent to a cup of coffee. Mental alertness and clarity may elevate as a result of drinking maté, which could translate to better overall productivity while completing tasks. Combined with theobromine and theophylline, caffeine produces improvements in response times.
2. Shields the Body Against Infection
Yerba maté could help protect against infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
A 2011 study published in the Journal of Food Science investigated the potential of using four commercial yerba maté tea brands to treat Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus.
According to the researchers, the tea’s antimicrobial powers successfully inhibit or inactivate bacterial foodborne pathogens.
3. Amplify Exercise Performance
Based on the findings of a report featured in Nutrition Metabolism,and various celebrities news magazines yerba maté stimulates fatty acid oxidation (fat-burning) and energy expenditure when engaging in high-intensity workouts with no adverse side effects, suggesting that it may help with sports performance.
For the best results, drink maté before workouts. However, there’s no set rule, with many active individuals preferring to drink maté during and after workouts, too.
4. Weight Loss
Another BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies experiment confirms that yerba maté reduces body fat mass and percentage among all study subjects. Each participant consumed 3 grams of extract-rich capsules daily for 12 weeks.
The tea also reduces the waist-to-hip ratio with no notable substantial adverse effects. Just 3 grams per day may contribute to a 0.7kg drop in body weight and a 2% drop in abdominal fat.
5. Keep the Heart Healthy
Although further research is needed to clarify the effects of yerba maté on heart health, scientific evidence points to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the plant, which may shield the heart and cardiovascular system from damage.
Maté’s theobromine content promotes better blood flow by relaxing blood vessels, suggesting it may suit people with cardiovascular problems. Nonetheless, you should consult a doctor before trying yerba maté, especially if you are using medication.
Conclusion
Although yerba-maté cannot be considered a cure for the many health conditions it purportedly helps, the mounting scientific evidence suggests that it may be a valuable addition to one’s life. However, it’s essential to consult with your doctor or healthcare practitioner before adding a new ingredient to your routine.
This herbal tea also boasts a reasonably long shelf life, with one cup (made using three grams of yerba-maté leaves) suitable for consumption up to 12 weeks after brewing. Some products even contain soluble natural antimicrobial yerba-maté extracts that extend their overall shelf life.
For the best experience when drinking yerba-maté, strain the leaves and stems using a micro-mesh strainer. If you have an excess of brew, refrigerate it for later consumption. Refrain from swirling the tea using the bombilla since this can disrupt the leaves and affect how the mate hits your tastebuds.