Yerba Mate Tea – A popular herbal drink in South America

Yerba Mate Tea is referred to as “the drink of the gods” by the people of South America. This tea is a staple of the diet in places like Paraguay and Argentina. The people of these countries swear by its healing properties.

Where does this tea come from?

Preparing Yerba Mate tea

The leaves are first dried, then fire-roasted before being crushed to a fine consistency. This process releases the natural enzymes in the leaves. Probably the most unique thing about this tea is the way it’s made. You can certainly brew this tea in the usual way using a teapot or coffee maker, but that not how the tea is prepared according to tradition. Traditionally, the leaves are put into a gourd called a mate after they have been dried out. Cold water is then added to the leaves to preserve their flavor and nutrients. Hot water is then added until it covers the leaves. If you are following tradition, you’ll sip the tea with something called a bombilla. A bombilla is a type of straw with a filter on the end of it that keeps the leaves from being sucked into the straw.

As for drinking the tea, it can be made iced and drank cold, or it can be drunk hot. Milk can be substituted for hot water if it is made for children. Mint or lemon is usually added for flavoring.

Health Benefits of Yerba Mate Tea

This tea is high in many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is said to contain 196 active beneficial plant compounds. That’s even more than green tea, which has 144 active compounds. Among the plant compounds that it contains are 11 different polyphenols and other substances called saponins. Saponins are phytochemicals that stimulate and strengthen the immune systems, protecting the body against disease.

This tea is loaded with vitamins like Vitamin A and B and minerals such as Calcium, Manganese, Potassium, Iron, Selenium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus. In addition, it has 15 amino acids and many beneficial fatty acids.

Below is a list of specific benefits this tea provides those who drink it regularly :

• Improves mental alertness
• Aids digestion
• Helps regulate the appetite
• Increases metabolism
• Improves stamina
• Alleviates allergies
• Detoxifies the blood
• Strengthens the immune system