Its other name is mate tea. It originates from South America and has countless benefits. It's widely consumed in countries like Argentina and Uruguay, served hot in a gourd-shaped container called a guampa. In this post, you'll learn what yerba mate tea is, its flavor, uses, and recipes.
Preparing mate tea is very simple: add the leaves to hot water, let it steep, and drink it through a metal straw. Among the benefits of this plant are that it's a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. The plant's stem is thin and gray, its leaves are oval, and its fruit is small and green or purple.
Benefits of yerba mate tea
This plant brings with it countless health benefits, which are:
- Reduces cholesterol. Because it contains antioxidants and saponins, it lowers LDL or bad cholesterol, preventing the formation of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
- Certain studies indicate that yerba mate tea for weight loss gives a feeling of fullness and has effects on adipose tissue, thereby controlling obesity and other inflammatory processes.
- It's antibacterial. It fights bacteria like the oral Streptococcus mutans that causes cavities, and others like Bacillus subtilis and Propionibacterium acnes.
- It prevents serious diseases such as diabetes and some types of cancer. In the latter case, it is due to its richness in antioxidants, which prevents the formation of free radicals, and its excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antifungal. Combats microorganisms such as Pityrosporum ovale or Richophyton mentagrophytes.
- Improves mood. Contains vitamin B, which is necessary for proper metabolism and aids in the catabolism of nutrients that provide energy from food.
- Boosts defenses. Containing vitamins C, E, and minerals, it strengthens the immune system.
- Another great benefit is that it improves blood circulation due to the potassium it contains, which helps the arteries relax, allowing easy blood flow.
Uses of yerba mate tea
Next, we will tell you what yerba mate tea is used for .
Medicinal uses
Mate tea has more antioxidants than green tea (90%), including polyphenols that are excellent for defending the body and preventing cell deterioration. But you might wonder why this beverage is so popular? The answer is that it acts as a natural diuretic, stimulates the nervous system, and contains abundant vitamins and minerals. Experts recommend drinking two liters daily, as part of a balanced diet, to prevent weight gain and help with weight loss.
Refreshes and stimulates
In some regions (especially Argentina), mate tea is prepared using dried, cut, and ground yerba mate leaves, heated in water, and sweetened with honey, stevia, sweetener, or unsweetened. Tereré is also prepared with cold water, ice, and local herbs and is drunk cold.
Another use for yerba mate tea is for breakfast or as a snack. This involves boiling the mate (almost burnt) in a liter of water and adding two large spoonfuls of yerba mate, two spoonfuls of sugar, and a hot coal ember. Yes, that's right, hot coals! They say the burning coal gives it a delicious flavor.
Another way to prepare yerba mate tea (very typical of the Guaraní people) is mate ice cream, made with kiwi and strawberry. It's very simple: cut the strawberry and kiwi into slices, place them in an ice cream container, and add the infusion. with yerba mate. Then, place it in the refrigerator and let it sit for about two hours, and it's ready to try!
There is also Mate Juleps, which are prepared with yerba mate tea with lemon , oranges, grapefruits, and vodka.
Cake with yerba mate
Did you know there's a cake made with mate? Yerba mate tea is a recipe that captures every flavor. A delicious yerba mate tea cake is a great way to share with friends and family. We'll show you how to make it. Pay attention:
In a bowl, beat 100 grams of butter until creamy, then add 150 grams of sugar and continue beating. Add three eggs one at a time, orange zest, and the yerba mate (250 ml). Alternately, add self-rising flour (300 grams) and mix everything together. Pour the mixture into a 24 ml baking dish greased with butter. Place in the oven, which should be preheated to 160ºC, and bake for 45 minutes. When it's ready, remove from the pan and sprinkle with sugar.
Other preparations of yerba mate tea
There's an Argentine dish for preparing yerba mate tea with fish (smoked dorado or surubí), called Amanecer Misiones, which consists of a mixture of green leaves, yerba mate sauce, and black beans. There's also another simple recipe prepared by placing 20 grams of lard, 3 tablespoons of yerba mate, and the peel of half a lemon in a pan. Mix and then add half a cup of white wine, one cup of water, and one tablespoon of honey. Continue cooking and finally add milk and chopped parsley. Feel free to add your own personal touch!
Uses in cosmetics
Yerba mate tea is also used in the beauty industry, for example, in soaps and shampoos. There are also nourishing, anti-cellulite, and anti-aging creams made with this herb.
Side effects of yerba mate tea
It appears to be safe to consume, however, because yerba mate tea contains caffeine, it can cause insomnia. It is contraindicated for people who suffer from nervousness, high blood pressure, anxiety, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Diabetics are advised to consult their doctor.
You probably didn't know that making yerba mate tea has so many benefits. and uses. Do you dare to try it?
