Herbal tea drinkers may not know how healthy and beneficial What is this ancient drink, made from a shrub, its leaves are dried and made into tea. It is very popular in some South American countries, it is drunk for energy thanks to the caffeine it contains. In this post we will talk about the benefits of mate tea, ingredients and side effects.
Mate has caffeine, so it has stimulating effects, but its properties are not limited to that, it provides many health benefits: it is a diuretic, it speeds up metabolism, and it contains a number of vitamins and minerals.
Benefits of mate tea
Among the benefits of this excellent drink are:
- It is a nutritional supplement. Certain studies confirm the positive effects that mate tea has both physically and mentally. This herb contains most of the nutrients that the body requires, detoxifies it, improves its immune system and prevents diseases. It has antioxidants and polynepholes, amino acids, minerals and vitamins (it contains 8 of the 13 required by the body).
- Prevents cardiovascular diseases. Among the benefits of yerba mate tea is that it helps prevent diseases associated with the heart, thanks to its antioxidants that prevent cholesterol and fat from forming in the arteries.
- Increases HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol. According to research carried out by the University of Illinois in the USA, it was found that if this type of tea is consumed, the good cholesterol or HDL increases. HDL cholesterol prevents heart attacks.
- Thanks to the amount of antioxidants it contains, mate helps prevent cells from oxidizing and wearing out.
- Provides physical resistance. When mate tea is consumed it helps in accelerating metabolism, so the body spends carbohydrates faster.
- Yerba mate tea contains a compound called mateine that is similar to caffeine, but is milder and easier for the stomach to digest. It benefits the heart, increases energy and activates the cognitive system.
Mate tea ingredients
The largest amount of ingredients that mate has is found in its leaves, which are then dried to make tea. These are the following:
- The caffeine. It is also known as theine, it is a substance that is in the group of xanthines, it stimulates and energizes the body. Its stimulating and psychoactive effects are manageable, so for example, perception is not altered. It is also said that this substance dilates the bronchi, which is why it is relieving for those who suffer from respiratory problems. It also favors the intestines and stimulates them. The negative is that if you consume a lot of caffeine it can disturb your sleep and cause nervousness.
- It is also an alkaloid that stimulates the nervous system and is somewhat psychoactive. It stimulates the activity of the bladder, has a vasodilator effect, counteracts it in cough medicines and is beneficial for the heart.
- This substance has effects similar to those named above. It stands out in its effects against bronchial diseases. However, when ingested in excess it can cause palpitations and low blood pressure. The positive thing about this substance is that it is an indispensable ingredient in many medicines.
- This substance is not only found in mate, but in other foods. Its effects are positive on the body, for example, it activates the immune system and has antiallergic, antiviral and antibacterial effects.
- Other ingredients. Vitamins (A, B, C and E), pantothenic acid, iron, sodium, carotene, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
Benefits of mate tea. Side effects
The benefits of mate tea are known , but it can also generate certain effects due to its excessive consumption. Although rare, these effects would be associated with caffeine. Among them would be elevation of heart rate, heart pressure and anxiety symptoms.
If not consumed in excess, this herb should not cause symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, and should not cause addiction. In a 2017 study, it was determined that if this herb is included in a balanced diet, it will promote weight loss. Although more research is required in this regard.
If you are taking any medication, it is best to consult your doctor because it could have adverse health effects. Being able to cause tachycardia, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, etc. Among the drugs that could cause an interaction would be antidepressants, oral contraceptives and quinolones.
How to prepare yerba mate tea
There are various ways of prepare yerba mate tea: hot, cold, in natural juice or with milk.
yerba mate tea
Take a mate and fill it halfway with yerba mate, cover and shake for about 10 seconds. The yerba is placed to one side, remaining at an angle of 45º and the warm water is poured. This is how the bottom of the mate is wetted and allowed to rest for a few seconds, this is called priming.
Next, the metal nozzle that makes contact with the wet part of the mate is inserted and hot water is added little by little, trying to keep the upper part of the yerba from getting wet.
tereré
Add yerba mate in ½ glass and pour cold water and ice, you can include juice from another fruit, for example lemon, then you would be taking advantage of the benefits of lemon tea mate .