Yerba mate, an herb that grows in various areas across South America, has been used to make herbal teas and other drinks for centuries. Though originally used in tribal ceremonies and rituals, yerba mate has since become popular for consumer use around the world. It possesses various traits that allow it to serve many uses.

Uses of Yerba Mate

Though its original use was as the main ingredient in hot tea, today yerba mate is an ingredient in hundreds of different drinks. A variety of hot teas have been developed with yerba mate as a key ingredient, along with many other flavorful fruits and herbs. Alone, yerba mate drinks tend to taste bitter and earthy, so the addition of other flavors make the tea more enjoyable to those who dislike the distinct taste of yerba mate.

Yerba mate teas are also tasty when cooled and are often sold this way in hot climates. There are a variety of other cold yerba mate drinks available. Due to the level of caffeine found in yerba mate, it is often an ingredient in natural energy drinks. It can also be used as a substitute for coffee in almost every type of coffee infused drink.

Yerba mate is often found in health food stores, as it contains many valuable nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and saponins. These compounds help energize and fuel the body and can have a positive effect on the immune system. In most yerba mate drinks, the concentrations of these nutrients will be quite small, so they should not take the place of a healthy, balanced diet.

Side Effects of Yerba Mate

The caffeine found in yerba mate leads to many of the same effects of coffee. This includes increased focus and energy and heightened senses. Many yerba mate drinkers describe the experience of drinking yerba mate to be more relaxing and emotionally cleansing from that of coffee, but this effect may be different for every person.

The nutrients contained in yerba mate drinks also create a positive effect on the health and overall energy of the consumer. The supplemental vitamins and minerals help keep the body functioning at peak performance. Of the nine essential amino acids, yerba mate contains seven, making it a great fuel for protein production. Saponins are anti-inflammatory compounds that work with antioxidants to boost the strength of the immune system.

There is evidence, through animal studies, that yerba mate may lower blood sugar by promoting the creation and uptake of insulin by the body. This causes all cells of the body to intake sugars from the blood. Antioxidants in yerba mate have also been evidenced through similar studies to protect against heart disease and could even lower cholesterol. Yerba mate has also been noted to boost metabolism, promoting weight loss and the reduction of body fat. While these studies show exciting results, more research must be conducted before the evidence can be fully supported.

History of Yerba Mate Drinks

Before Spanish colonization, many South American tribes used yerba mate leaves to create tea. These were then used in their cultural ceremonies and rituals. Some tribes also used the teas along with other herbal remedies to improve their health.

In order to drink yerba mate, tribes would dry and then boil the leaves, to release the nutrients and chemicals trapped in the leaves. During rituals in many tribes, the drink was passed around the group, allowing everyone to share in its effects. Some tribes fashioned special straws to filter out leaf fragments, allowing them to more easily drink the liquid. Others would simply strain the liquid with their teeth while drinking.

After Spanish colonization, yerba mate continued to be used by native South American peoples and eventually the Spanish colonists. Once its health benefits were realized, it also began to be exported around the world, gaining popularity in foreign markets. The varieties of yerba mate drinks have changed over time, suiting the tastes of different peoples, but yerba mate itself has not lost its popularity across South America and in other parts of the world.

Yerba mate drinks can be a tasty and healthy addition to your daily routine. The herb has many helpful and energizing compounds that can boost your health and take the place of less healthy energy drinks. When looking to try a new drink or energy booster, yerba mate is worth considering for its helpful properties and high caffeine level that can easily meet your desires.