Yerba mate is a medicinal plant that has a thin grey stem, oval leaves and small green or purple fruits. This herb is widely consumed in South America, being mainly used as a non-alcoholic beverage.
This plant is rich in caffeine and is characterized by being consumed in a container called matte, which has a kind of metal straw that has small holes that prevent the passage of the leaves.
- The scientific name is Ilex paraguariensis and can be purchased dry or in the form of drops in health food stores.
- Supermarkets or online stores.
Yerba mate could offer several health benefits, including
It could also improve blood circulation because it contains potassium, a mineral that helps relax the arteries by allowing blood to pass more easily.
Yerba mate contains caffeine, saponins, polyphenols, xanthines, theophylline, theobromine, folic acid, tannins, minerals and vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E in their composition. Therefore, it acts as antioxidant, diuretic, laxative, stimulant, antidiabetic, antiobea, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, cholesterol-lowering and facilitates digestion.
Some scientific studies indicate that 3 cups of 330 ml yerba mate should be consumed daily for up to 60 days. It is also safe to drink up to 1.5 L per day, but it is not known whether higher doses can be toxic to the body.
In the case of yerba mate extract supplement, the recommendation is 1000 to 1500 mg per day.
There are many ways to prepare yerba mate and you can eat cold, hot or combined with natural juices and milk.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Place the weed in the middle of the container, cover with your hand and shake for about 10 seconds, leaving it at an angle of about 45 degrees. Then add the warm water, moisten the bottom of the bowl and let stand for a few seconds.
Then place the metal straw in the wetland and place it on the wall of the container. Then add hot water where the straw is, avoiding dipping the top of the grass, then drink it.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Tereré is prepared in the same way as chimarrao, but instead of using boiling water, cold water is used.
Consumption of yerba mate is apparently safe, however, due to the fact that it contains caffeine, yerba mate can in some cases cause insomnia and difficulty sleeping.
Consumption of yerba mate is contraindicated in children, pregnant women and people with insomnia, nervousness, anxiety problems or high blood pressure, as it contains large amounts of caffeine.
In addition, for people with diabetes, this herb should only be consumed on the advice of the doctor, as it can significantly reduce blood sugar and therefore require adjustments in treatment.