Mate Tea

Mate tea, or yerba mate, is a popular South American beverage with cultural significance. It's prepared by steeping leaves and twigs from the yerba mate plant in hot water. Traditionally enjoyed socially, it's shared using a gourd and a metal straw. Mate tea offers a balanced and calming effect along with gentle energy and mental alertness due to its caffeine and theobromine content. Its slightly bitter, earthy flavor is reminiscent of green tea.

Mate tea offers antioxidant properties due to its rich content of polyphenols, protecting against oxidative stress and reducing chronic disease risks. Traditionally used for digestive health, mate tea may positively affect gut bacteria, digestion, and motility. Compounds like chlorogenic acid suggest anti-inflammatory potential, while preliminary research suggests cardiovascular benefits.


References:

Mărgăoan, Rodica, et al. "Bee Collected Pollen and Bee Bread: Bioactive Constituents and Health Benefits." Antioxidants, vol. 8, no. 12, 2019, p. 568. doi:10.3390/antiox8120568.

Heck, C. I., and E. G. de Mejia. "Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): a comprehensive review on chemistry, health implications, and technological considerations." Journal of Food Science, vol. 72, no. 9, 2007, pp. R138-R151. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00535.x.