Yerba Mate

If you have travelled to South American countries, particularly Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, you will have certainly noticed hundreds of people sipping everywhere - through a straw called a "bombilla" from a brew contained in a small vessel, usually covered in leather: Yerba Mate. This particular herb from across the ocean has many beneficial properties for the body and for some years now its consumption has also increased in Italy and other European countries.

But what are the properties of this herb and how is it prepared? Let's find out together!

Yerba Mate is also simply called Erba Mate, but it is also sold commercially under the name "cimarròn": the shops that sell it are mostly those of organic and health food, or those that are part of fair trade chains. However, it is not uncommon to find Yerba Mate in some sections of large supermarkets. Online you can find the most advantageous offers, but always remember that you will also need to add shipping costs to your order. The packages contain dried leaves of this herb, which Argentinians describe as remarkable: they should be left to infuse in boiling water for at least ten minutes. Then it needs to be filtered and sipped either hot or warm, all in one go or throughout the day.

But why do most inhabitants of South American regions frequently drink this infusion that is prepared much like tea? The answer is very simple: for its multiple beneficial properties.

In fact, Yerba Mate contains a substance called mateine, which gives the drink its name: this substance is highly energising and therefore allows one to carry out all normal daily activities with an extra boost. It can be said that the habit of consuming Yerba Mate for South Americans is very similar to that of Italians with coffee: the advantage, however, is that excessive caffeine consumption can be harmful, while mateine has significantly lower contraindications (although it is advisable not to exceed two cups - not small cups - daily).

But that's not all: Yerba Mate accelerates metabolism because it has a high satiety power. If consumed without any sweetener, it contains very few calories and is therefore suitable for those following a low-calorie diet: it is always advisable to consult your nutritionist, doctor, or trusted herbalist.

The energising power of mateine helps to increase concentration levels and to feel less tired. Furthermore, regular consumption of Yerba Mate aids digestive functions and prevents kidney stones as well as - according to recent studies that have not yet been confirmed - more serious conditions such as colon cancer.

Thanks to its diuretic properties, it has a high draining power and is therefore a good aid against orange peel skin. Finally, among the substances contained in this drink, there are also excellent antioxidants: a natural help against ageing and free radicals.

Yerba Mate: why not give it a try?