Mate is a traditional South American beverage, more specifically consumed in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and in some regions of Brazil. It is made from the dried, chopped leaves of yerba mate, a shrub from the holly family.
Even though it is often mistaken for tea, it is not part of the tea family since its leaves do not come from the tea plant, quite simply.
This drink has a distinctive flavor, which I place between green tea and coffee.
I discovered that there are several studies on the benefits of mate for our physical and mental health. And when consumed daily, there are 10 benefits in particular that I list for you below.
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1. Rich in antioxidants
Mate contains a large amount of antioxidants, comparable to those found in green tea. These substances help fight cellular aging and prevent chronic diseases.
This study examined the antioxidant capacity of mate in our bodies.
2. Promotes weight loss
Thanks to the presence of caffeine, this drink may help reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure, thereby promoting weight loss.
In this publication, it is stated that mate improves lipid parameters in humans and animals, making it an interesting beverage in the fight against obesity.
According to this study, mate and its caffeine would stimulate fat oxidation, particularly during physical exercise.
3. Boosts the immune system
This plant contains saponins, natural compounds known for their beneficial effects on the immune system, but also in the prevention of certain cancers.
Saponins are molecules that are found in plants and have numerous pharmacological properties: expectorant, emulsifying agent, antimicrobial, bactericidal.
This study examined the effects of saponins in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
4. Has anti-inflammatory properties
These saponins, coupled with the action of antioxidants present in mate, help reduce oxidative stress in cells and therefore reduce inflammation.
This drink could therefore help fight inflammation in certain conditions. This is suggested by this recent study on mate.
5. Helps reduce cholesterol
When mate is consumed, a significant decrease in total fat intake and saturated fatty acids can be observed. It also helps lower bad cholesterol, thus contributing to the reduction of cardiovascular diseases.
Some studies have suggested that mate contributes to lowering cholesterol by improving serum lipid levels.
6. Improves physical performance
The caffeine present in mate could improve athletic performance, by increasing strength and endurance.
This well-known substance stimulates the central nervous system, making it more vigilant and alert. In cases of intense exercise, caffeine also reduces the feeling of fatigue to improve performance.
According to this study, a small dose of caffeine can increase alertness, mood, and concentration during and after exercise, with little to no side effects.
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7. May relieve pain
Also cultivated in India, mate is part of the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia.
As an infusion or poultice, it helps to relieve headaches, rheumatic pain, fatigue, and even depression.
8. May aid digestion
Mate promotes digestion by stimulating bile production and other gastric juices.
But be careful, like coffee, when consumed in excessive amounts, it can also cause intestinal pain.
9. Diuretic properties
Like coffee or tea, mate has diuretic properties that can reduce water retention in the body.
Indeed, the caffeine contained in mate promotes renal excretion of water and reduces sodium reabsorption. As a result, we feel the need to urinate more frequently.
10. Source of vitamins and minerals
Mate, if you drink it regularly, offers a good supply of vitamins and minerals. It contains many essential minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and manganese, as well as vitamins B and C.
As part of a balanced diet, it helps supplement your daily intake. Few beverages contain as many vitamins and minerals.
My tips for enjoying the benefits of mate
To fully benefit from the effects I just listed, you need to drink it regularly. And to consume a beverage daily, or even replace your morning coffee, the key is not to grow tired of it.
You don’t have to drink it in a calabash with a bombilla; simply steep it in your teapot. There are several ways to prepare it: iced mate, traditional mate, in a cocktail, or as a mate latte with milk.
Choose it also based on your tastes: green mate for a light and mildly bitter flavor, aged mate for a more intense, full-bodied taste, roasted mate for a caramel/cocoa flavor.
However, note that mate also has some contraindications, just like beverages that are high in caffeine.
