Yerba mate – a treasure-trove of vitamins and minerals in your mate gourd!
A drink that is tasty, a great stimulant, a powerful treasure trove of vitamins and minerals and makes you feel special when you drink it. Is there such a thing? Of course, it's yerba mate! It's a natural wonder straight from South America that is winning the hearts and palates of people all over the globe. At a time when we're all looking for natural ways to improve our health and well-being, the holly infusion seems to be the perfect choice. Why? Let's find out by delving into the composition of yerba mate and discovering what's really hidden in this green brew.
Summary:
- Yerba mate – the green legend of South America
- A vitamin cocktail for your body. Yerba mate and a wealth of nutrients
- Not only vitamins and minerals. The other “power ingredients” in yerba mate
- Yerba mate – an infusion for health and well-being
Yerba mate – the green legend of South America
In today's hectic and stressful times, we are increasingly looking for natural ways to improve our health and well-being. We reach for products that offer us not only taste pleasure, but also a wealth of nutritional value. We are keen to ensure that the products we choose have the best possible composition and are healthy for our bodies. One such precious gift of nature is yerba mate, a legendary traditional South American brew that is gaining increasing popularity around the world.
Before you plunge your bombilla into a mate gourd filled to the brim with delicious, hot yerba mate, it's worth understanding what's really in this green brew that has been warming the hearts and minds of South Americans for centuries. What is yerba mate? What is its composition? How does it affect the human body? It is not just a drink. It is history, tradition and culture encapsulated in the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis. The Guarani Indians were the first to discover the magical properties of the plant, which today is a symbol of hospitality and friendship in many South American countries. The history of yerba mate dates back to pre-Columbian times, when the leaves of yerba mate were used by the Guarani Indians for both medicinal and ritual purposes. Today, mate is an integral part of the culture of South American countries, where it is sipped throughout the day, serving as a symbol of friendship and communal gatherings. The process of making yerba mate is as fascinating as its history. It starts with carefully selected leaves and twigs, which are then dried using traditional methods to preserve all the nutrients. The leaves are then ground in different ways, depending on regional preferences and the desired end result. It is in this process that the secret of the unique taste and aroma of yerba mate lies. Mate tea is available in various forms, from the classic, smoky mate, full of intense flavour and aroma, through the milder, green variety, the finely ground, fresh chimarrão, to versions with a variety of additives – herbs, fruits, spices and flavourings. There is something for everyone. Regardless of the version chosen, yerba mate always provides a wealth of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that support the body in its daily functioning. Find out more about the rich composition of yerba mate and discover why you should include this beverage in your daily diet!
A vitamin cocktail for your body. Yerba mate and a wealth of nutrients
Yerba mate is a real vitamin bomb! What you find in your mate cup is not only an infusion with a refreshing taste and an amazing herbal aroma, but above all a cocktail full of vitamins and minerals that are crucial for health and well-being.
Let's start with the vitamins. There is a whole set of vitamins in yerba mate – especially the B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12), which are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and help with metabolism. The vitamin A contained in yerba mate supports eyesight and vitamin C strengthens the immune system, which is particularly important nowadays. Not to forget vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties, which protects cells from premature ageing.
Vitamins in yerba mate:
- Vitamin A – essential for the proper functioning of vision, skin and nails. Helps fight bacteria and viruses, and accelerates wound healing,
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – crucial for the functioning of the nervous system. It also plays an important role in the conversion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats into energy,
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – very important for the proper functioning of the mucous membranes, which translates into a healthy gastrointestinal tract and nervous system,
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells and is also very important for the proper functioning of the nervous system,
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) – has a significant role in hormone synthesis and the metabolism of fats, proteins and sugars. It influences the condition of the hair and improves wound healing,
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – contributes to the metabolism and breakdown of amino acids, fats and carbohydrates. Supports immunity and the proper functioning of the nervous system,
- Vitamin B9 (Folate) – very important for the proper functioning of the brain and the entire nervous system,
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamins) – like vitamin B3, is involved in the production of red blood cells,
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) – antioxidant that boosts immunity and protects cells from oxidative stress,
- Vitamin E – another powerful antioxidant that cares for skin and cell health, as well as supporting the cardiovascular system.
Let's move on to minerals, which are also not lacking in yerba mate. The infusion provides us with iron, which is essential for the body to function properly, as well as zinc, which is key to our immune system and helps wounds to heal. Potassium, phosphorus, calcium and silicon – these minerals found in yerba mate are the foundation for strong bones and teeth, as well as for the proper functioning of muscles. Yerba mate is also an excellent source of magnesium. Unlike coffee, which is known to flush magnesium out of the body, yerba mate provides us with this valuable mineral to support the heart, muscles and nervous system.
Yerba mate and rich mineral composition:
- Iron – an essential component of haemoglobin, its deficiency can cause anaemia,
- Zinc – boosts immunity, promotes wound healing and plays an important role in metabolic processes,
- Potassium – supports the heart and muscular system and regulates the body's water and electrolyte balance,
- Phosphorus – bone and tooth building component, also important for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system,
- Calcium – essential for healthy bones and teeth, regulates blood clotting and muscle function,
- Silicon – essential for healthy hair, skin and nails, strengthens bones and joints,
- Magnesium – essential for proper muscle and nervous system function, as well as regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Not only vitamins and minerals. The other “power ingredients” in yerba mate
Yerba mate is a drink that really surprises us with its complexity. As well as being rich in vitamins and minerals, it also hides other ingredients that have a not inconsiderable impact on our health and well-being. One of these is purine alkaloids such as caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. These natural stimulants act on the body in ways that may surprise many coffee lovers. The caffeine in yerba mate, often referred to as mateine, stimulates the body and mind, but does so in a more balanced way than caffeine from coffee. As a result, after drinking yerba mate, we do not experience a sudden surge of energy followed by an equally rapid decline. Theobromine and theophylline, although having a milder effect, also contribute to the feeling of stimulation and improved mood.
Mate tea is also a powerful source of polyphenols, including chlorogenic acid, which has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These valuable substances help fight free radicals, protecting our cells from damage and helping to slow down the ageing process. What's more, chlorogenic acid supports the cardiovascular system by lowering bad cholesterol and regulating blood pressure. Not to forget the other ingredients that make yerba mate so highly regarded among healthy lifestyle enthusiasts. Saponins, flavonoids and essential oils are ingredients with health-promoting properties that support our immune system, have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects, and support digestion and detoxification of the body.
Yerba mate – an infusion for health and well-being
Yerba mate, this miraculous brew from South America, with its rich composition of valuable substances and nutritional values, not only stimulates our senses and mind, but also makes a significant contribution to our health. Thanks to its abundance of antioxidants, yerba mate is a powerful ally in the fight against free radicals, which are responsible for the ageing process and the development of many diseases. Antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid not only slow down these processes, but also strengthen our immune system, making us less susceptible to infection and disease. Yerba mate also has a positive effect on our brain. The purine alkaloids it contains, such as caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, improving concentration and the ability to remember. This makes yerba mate an excellent drink for people who work mentally, students and anyone who needs mental support during the day. The benefits of drinking yerba mate also extend to the cardiovascular system and metabolism. Regular consumption of this brew can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. In addition, yerba mate supports the metabolism, which can be helpful for weight loss and maintaining a healthy body weight.
In the light of all the information we have presented in today's blog post, it is hard not to appreciate yerba mate as an extraordinary source of valuable nutrients. This green brew, which has been prized in South American cultures for centuries, deserves a special place in the daily diet of anyone who values a healthy lifestyle. Yerba mate is not only a tasty, natural and stimulating drink, but above all an extremely rich treasure trove of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support our health on many levels.
We encourage you to include yerba mate in your daily diet as a natural support for your body. Whether you need a boost, support for the immune system, improved concentration or support for the heart and metabolism, yerba mate can be your ally. It is a drink that not only stimulates, but also nourishes, supports and protects our bodies, providing them with the best of nature. Drinking yerba mate regularly is an investment in your health and well-being. Brew your mate, savour its taste and enjoy every sip of health. ¡Salud!
Source of information:
- Wikipedia: Yerba mate.
- C.I. Heck, E.G. De Mejia, Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): A Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Health Implications, and Technological Considerations, Journal of Food Science, 2007.
- D. H. Markowicz Bastos, D. M. de Oliveira, R. Lobato, T. Matsumoto, P. de Oliveira Carvalho, M. L. Ribeiro, Yerba maté: Pharmacological Properties, Research and Biotechnology, Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Science and Biotechnology, 2007.
- A. Gawron-Gzella, J. Chanaj-Kaczmarek, J. Cielecka-Piontek, Yerba Mate – A Long but Current History, Nutrients, 2021.
