Its other name is mate tea, its origin is from South America and it has innumerable benefits. It is widely consumed in countries like Argentina and Uruguay, it is served hot in a gourd-shaped container called a guampa. In this post you will learn what yerba mate tea is , flavor, uses and recipes.
Preparing mate tea is very simple, its leaves are added to hot water, left to infuse and drunk with a metal straw. Among the benefits of this plant is that it is a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. The stem of the plant is thin, gray in color, its leaves are oval, and its fruit is small, green or purple.
Benefits of yerba mate tea
This plant brings with it innumerable health benefits, which are:
- Reduce the cholesterol. Because they contain antioxidants and saponins, they reduce LDL or bad cholesterol, preventing the formation of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
- Certain studies indicate that yerba mate tea to lose weight gives a feeling of fullness, has effects on adipose tissues, thus controlling obesity, as well as other inflammatory processes.
- It is antibacterial. It fights bacteria such as the oral Streptococcus mutans that causes cavities and others such as Bacillus subtilis or Propionibacterium acnes.
- It prevents serious diseases such as diabetes and some types of cancer, in the latter case it is because it is rich in antioxidants, which prevents the formation of free radicals and is also excellent for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antifungal. Combat microorganisms such as Pityrosporum ovale or Richophyton mentagrophytes.
- Improves mood. It contains vitamin B that is necessary for the functioning of the metabolism and helps in the catabolism of nutrients that are the ones that provide energy from food.
- Increase defenses. By containing vitamin C, E and minerals, it provides strength to the immune system.
- Another of the great benefits is that it improves blood circulation due to the potassium it contains, which helps the arteries to relax allowing easy blood flow.
Uses of yerba mate tea
Next, we will mention yerba mate tea what it is for .
Medical uses
Mate tea has more antioxidants than green tea (90%), including polyphenols that are excellent in defending the body and prevent cells from deteriorating. But you may wonder why this drink is so in demand? The answer is that it acts as a natural diuretic, stimulates the nervous system, and contains lots of vitamins and minerals. Experts recommend drinking two liters a day, with a balanced diet, to avoid being overweight and help lose weight.
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. There is also the Tereré that is prepared with cold water, ice and herbs from the area, it is drunk cold.
Another of the uses given to yerba mate tea is that which is drunk at breakfast or as a snack, which consists of cooking the mate (almost burned) in a liter of water and adding two large tablespoons of yerba mate, two of sugar and a hot coal embers. Yes, just as you read it, hot coals! They say that the burning coal gives it a delicious flavor.
Another way of preparing yerba mate tea (very typical of the Guarani people) is the mate ice cream that is prepared with kiwi and strawberry. It’s very simple, you cut the strawberry and kiwi into slices, place them in an ice cream container and add infusion with yerba mate. Then, you take it to the fridge and leave it for about two hours and it’s ready to try!
There is also the Mate Juleps that is prepared with yerba mate tea with lemon , oranges, grapefruit and vodka.
Cake with yerba mate
Did you know that there is a cake that is prepared with mate? In yerba mate tea the recipe does not let any flavor escape. An excellent option to share with friends and family is to prepare a delicious yerba mate tea cake, we will teach you how to make it, pay attention:
In a bowl, beat 100 grams of butter until it reaches a creamy consistency, add 150 grams of sugar and continue beating. Introduce three eggs one by one, orange zest and mate with milk (250 cc). Add alternating leavening flour (300 grams) and integrate everything. In a 24 cc mold greased with butter, pour the mixture. You put in the oven that should already be preheated to 160º and leave it for 45 minutes. When it is ready, unmold it and sprinkle sugar on top.
Other yerba mate tea preparations
There is an Argentine dish to prepare yerba mate tea with fish (dorado or smoked surubí), it is called Amanecer Misiones, and it consists of mixing green leaves, yerba mate sauce and black beans. Besides. There is another simple recipe that is prepared by placing 20 grams of butter, 3 tablespoons of yerba and the peel of half a lemon in a pan. Mix and then add half a cup of white wine, a cup of water and a tablespoon of honey. Continue cooking and finally add milk and chopped parsley. Go ahead and give it your personal touch!
Uses in cosmetics
Yerba mate tea is also included in the beauty industry , for example in soaps and shampoo. 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, since yerba mate tea has caffeine it can cause insomnia. It is contraindicated in people who suffer from nervousness, high blood pressure, anxiety, who are pregnant or lactating. In patients who are diabetic it is advised that they consult their doctor.
Surely you did not know that making yerba mate tea brings so many benefits and uses. Do you dare to try it?