You are probably familiar with tea and coffee. But what about mate? This plant, unfortunately still little known, is nevertheless the basis of one of the most consumed caffeinated drinks in the world. Originally from Latin America, it is the national drink of the Argentines. It is usually consumed as an infusion, like tea. With a high caffeine and polyphenol content, mate has many benefits, including its energizing properties and its action in weight loss.
A little history on the origin of mate
This plant originates from South America and takes its name from the word « mati », meaning calabash in Quechua. This is a reference to the gourd that traditionally contains the drink in Latin America. It is prepared by infusing the leaves of the yerba mate, an Amazonian plant.
The Guaraníes, indigenous peoples of Paraguay and Brazil, have consumed this drink since time immemorial. In the past, they used it to fight fatigue and stay in a good mood. Then the Jesuits proceeded to cultivate it in Latin America for two centuries using the Guaraníes. However, the Jesuits eventually attracted the wrath of the local governments because of their involvement in the spread of mate cultivation in neighbouring countries. This led to their expulsion and the resumption of the culture by the local people. It was not until the 16th century that the drink crossed the borders of Europe with the help of Spanish explorers.
Yerba mate is also cultivated and consumed by the Indians as an ayurvedic drink to treat rheumatism, depression and fatigue.
Mate, a plant with a thousand virtues
An excellent alternative to coffee, there is much more to mate than just its health benefits. The yerba mate infusion allows you to fill up on antioxidants. Also rich in polyphenols, it helps to protect cells from the aggressions and diseases that threaten to accelerate their ageing. Another well-known virtue of mate is its action against fatigue. It owes this property to its high content of vitamin B1, thiamine, and methylxanthines (theophylline, theobromine and caffeine), which boost energy and help combat fatigue.
Mate also supports the cardiovascular system and the immune system. Indeed, thanks to the vitamin B6 it contains, it contributes to the proper metabolism of cholesterol and homocysteine. It is also recommended to drink mate to improve mood, memory and concentration and to maintain the nervous system.
Finally, yerba mate tea is rich in potassium, trace elements and magnesium, nutrients that are essential for the proper functioning of the body and the balance of the heartbeat.
Choice of mate and preparation of the drink
The quality and quantity of the leaves used in the infusion will greatly influence the bitterness of the beverage and the virtue of the mate. Organic mate is always preferable. Generally, a preparation consists of 90% leaves and 10% stem. Sometimes only leaves are used. If you prefer your drink rather light, opt for a mixture of up to 70% leaves. You can also mix your mate infusion with a fruit or an aromatic plant to soften its taste.
To prepare your drink, you first need to heat water. The ideal temperature is 70-80°C. If it is too hot, the mate may be too bitter. Then take the calabash and fill it with yerba mate up to 2/3. Put your hand on top and shake the calabash, turning it over from time to time. The herb should form a pile on the side of the gourd. Then insert the filtering straw, called a bombilla, into the hollow side of the gourd. It should not move. Now all you have to do is pour hot water into the hollow side of the gourd to make your infusion. The infusion should not exceed thirty seconds. Then serve.
Dosage and contraindications of the drink
To take advantage of the mate property in moderation, do not exceed 4 to 5 g of dried leaves per day, which you will infuse in 1 litre of water. The infusion should not be kept for more than 24 hours.
As this is an energy drink, unbridled consumption can lead to sleep, heart and digestive problems. It is therefore recommended to take it before 2 p.m. Also, mate should never be combined with other sources of caffeine, especially ephedra, which increases the stimulating effect of caffeine, which can be dangerous.
If you suffer from liver disease, gastric ulcers or high blood pressure, avoid mate. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should not drink mate either.