Native to Brazil and Paraguay and widespread in Argentina, yerba mate has long been consumed in Italy too. Useful in cases of slow metabolism, it is now being offered as a supplement.
A medium-sized evergreen plant, it was widely used by the Jesuits during their settlements in the lands of the Guaraní people, from whom they learned to prepare the beneficial and toning infusion.
Over time this drink has spread widely across many South American countries, becoming their daily ritual and a fundamental part of their tradition and culture. It is prepared in the characteristic rounded container, the matero or porongo, and sipped through the bombilla, a metal straw with a mouthpiece at one end and a filter at the other to prevent the infused leaves from rising up.
It seems that the greatest consumers of mate are Argentinians, among whom we count Pope Francis. They like to prepare it with hot but never boiling water, while in Paraguay and Brazil it is very often served cold under the name Tereré.
Among its properties, the toning and energising power is recognised, both at a mental and physical level, owing to its caffeine content. It is suited to all those who practise sport or intense physical activity.
It has a potent diuretic effect, and is therefore recommended during periods when we want to embark on a detox programme and assist the elimination of toxins through diuresis.
Significant is mate's function of stimulating and reactivating a slow metabolism, which is why it is widely used in controlled dietary regimes where the priority is weight loss. In this case, the drink is recommended at least twice a day, in the morning and in the early afternoon.
It is now also possible to find tablets on the market, which obviously have a higher concentration of active ingredient, and are therefore recommended in more significant cases of excess weight or for those who are unable to prepare the drink. One tablet in the morning and one in the early afternoon with a generous glass of water.
Yerba mate contributes to the reduction of cholesterol, boasts good digestive activity, and in cases of depression it appears to have a significant effect on mood.
Not to be overlooked is its antioxidant action, owing to its richness in polyphenols. In its composition, in addition to caffeine, we find theobromine, tannins, theophylline, vitamin C and some B-group vitamins, along with certain minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium.
Like tea and coffee it has stimulating properties, and is therefore not recommended for people with heart problems or in cases of hypertension. Its theophylline content, a cardiac stimulant, could cause palpitations. If there are problems with insomnia, it is good practice to take mate in the first part of the day. Do not exceed the recommended doses, and from time to time allow yourself a break from taking the product.