Yerba mate tea: its health properties and contraindications

Interesting fact: since the discovery of tea by mankind almost 5000 years have passed. During this time, at least 14 billion cups have been drunk! If you just think about these figures, Russia occupies an honorable 4th place among the tea-loving countries. However with all the variety of colors and tastes only green, black and red remain popular. In the world there are other types worthy of recognition. This article will be an introduction to mate tea, which is so fondly attributed to Japan.

History of the Origin of Tea

There is no exact date of discovery of the drink, so it is believed that it happened in 1533, during the Spanish colonization of America. However, historians conclude that yerba mate was drunk long before the Middle Ages, and for Indians it was the same as "five o'clock tea" for the British.

According to one version, the etymology of the word "mate" goes back to the ancient Quechua language, in which it was called "jug. There is a logical connection, because the drink cannot be called just tea. Before you can tame your thirst, you have to work hard to find a "calebas" (a special container) and a "bombilla" (something similar to a straw).

The Spaniards, who consider themselves pioneers, translated the word "mate" as a potion and were right too. The tincture of the Paraguayan holly is extremely strong and may well replace coffee.

There are more romantic versions of the creation of yerba mate. As in many cultures, the Native Americans had their own deities and gifts. Some of those gave people the real life-giving elixir.

One day two sister goddesses decided to descend from heaven to mortals and see the world they had created for themselves. On their way they met many wild animals, but all feared them, except the jaguar, which was lurking in the thicket. Had it not been for a brave Guaraní Indian who miraculously happened to be nearby, the girls' immortality would have been put to the test. The young man saved the goddesses, and in gratitude they revealed to him the secret of the potion that gave him strength, so that even with age his courage and strength would not diminish.

The second legend tells of an old man and his daughter, who had unprecedented beauty both externally and internally. They were nomads and lived where they had to. The man's age was making itself felt, and soon he was no longer able to conquer the mountains and rivers, so the family was forced to stay in the wilderness. The young beauty worked hard, but her labor was unbearable far from the settlements. One day a sorcerer wandered in, and the girl warmly welcomed him for the night. When the man heard the story of the poor wanderers, he took pity on them and taught the old man how to make a tincture. When he tasted the potion, his bones grew stronger and the family was able to travel again.

According to another version, the meeting with the sorcerer ended miserably. Instead of a good heart in the chest of the magician was an emptiness, because how to explain his act? The man was so enchanted by the beauty that he did not want to share her with the rest of the world and turned her into a tree. However, the bright soul was reborn and has been helping people ever since, just as she once did when she was alive.

It was not only the Indians who believed in magic. The Spanish were no less superstitious and in the 16th century even banned yerba mate, calling it the drink of the devil. But this only worsened the situation, and the mystical fame played as an anti-advertisement. After all, even the main guardians of purity - the priests - drank tea.

So why is mate still attributed to Japan or China? History has an answer to this question. Of course, the Chinese and Japanese civilizations existed before our era, so it's hard to count the number of herbs and shrubs preserved by the emperors, but the clue is not there at all.

The year 1492 marked the era of the Great Geographic Discoveries, when Christopher Columbus set out in search of the New World. Sailing into the vicinity of the future South America, he thought it was Asia. Since that time a lot of water has flowed, however, as well as various plants to Europe. Because of a silly mistake, Native American culture continues to be attributed to the distant Land of the Rising Sun.

What is it made of

Mate is made from the leaves and stems of the Paraguayan holly. For a long time this tree did not take root on other continents, but now breeders have learned how to breed entire plantations.

Tea production does not require complicated processes. Thousands of leaves fall off the branches every year (the natural method of harvesting gives the highest quality beverage). Sometimes the stems are simply cut off. But the use of machines for the collection failed when the delicate shoots from rough exposure weakened and could not give a rich flavor. The mixture is then crushed and dried under the blazing sun, of which America has plenty, as well as in electric dryers. A guarantee of good mate is the dust that remains after drying. This is worth paying attention to when you buy it!

And connoisseurs of ancient traditions will have to wait at least 2 years for their kalebasa mate to go through the stage of fermentation (getting rid of bitterness) and be infused with the smell of other herbs.

Composition and calories

It begs the question: why did the Indians like the drink so much? The main value lies in the "life-giving" components, and these are:

• mateine;
• caffeine;
• protein;
• resin;
• wax.

This is the unusual composition of the tea. The caloric value per 100 grams is 61 calories, which is incomparable to bagged dust, which has only 3 calories per cup.

At the same time, the leaves contain a whole encyclopedia of vitamins and trace elements, for example, manganese and iron for the circulatory system and blood vessels, phosphorus and potassium, which affect mental abilities and general well-being, as well as calcium, copper, sodium, nitrogen.

Mateine or caffeine
Before torturing the search engine with queries, it's worth hearing once and not asking again. The term "matein" is used only in reference to this tea, as evidenced by the root "mate" of the same name. In the dispute over the existence of this word, science is divided into two camps. One believes that the drink's strength and invigorating properties are so much higher than Americano and espresso that it goes beyond caffeine. As proof of this, they cite a special harvesting and brewing technique.

It turns out that if even one of the steps is violated, the delicious mate will turn into a bitter killer that can cause cardiac arrest.

The opposing side, on the other hand, relies on chemistry and argues, not unreasonably, that the formula of mateine is identical to caffeine, and adding a new term will only confuse people. In some ways they are right!

Deciding who to root for is a purely personal matter, and the main lesson is that getting carried away with a homemade drink can be dangerous to your health.

The beneficial properties of mate tea

General Benefits

In the words of the Chinese emperor Shen Nung, "Tea is a marvel because it calms and invigorates at the same time!

Just like its brethren, yerba mate tea helps relieve tension and calm the nervous system, at least for a while. Rich in phosphorus and copper, it stimulates thinking, memory and attention, and is prescribed for all creative people and teenagers before exams. In addition, it is scientifically proven that even the famous green tea is inferior in its usefulness.

After a hard workout, yerba mate relieves muscle cramps and lactic acid, giving you energy for the rest of the day. Often tea is also used in medicine, for example, records of successful treatment of scurvy with fever have survived from medieval Spain.

The smell of the leaves wards off anxiety in people with depression, panic attacks and some stages of bipolar disorder. Sufferers from restless sleep or no sleep at all should also look at these herbs. A daily nightcap will ensure a truly good morning, but it is better to set two alarms.

Those who quit smoking or drinking should be aware of the beneficial properties of this drink. After all, yerba mate actively fights bad habits no worse than nicotine patches and other expensive medications, and replacing alcohol with tea will only benefit the body. A sore heart will say "thank you" for this folk medicine. Mate strengthens the walls of blood vessels and accelerates blood circulation. The large amount of iron in the tea will not be superfluous for anemia.

If diabetics are bored with chicory or green tea, yerba mate is a great alternative, because it does not affect blood sugar at all.

Hot drinks are generally recommended for cold weather, but yerba mate will protect the immune system better, since whole pieces of the stems contain chlorophyll. This is one case where it's okay to splurge!

For Women

An unfamiliar characteristic of tea is its diuretic effect. In the fight against reproductive and ureteral problems, it is an indispensable helper.

With cystitis it is important to drink more fluids, but if you replace water with hot tincture, the disease will go away twice as fast! This is affected by a large amount of sodium, which kills bacteria, and vitamins of groups A, B, D, restoring the microflora. Mate is an acidic environment (it contains butyric, nicotinic, valerian acids), in which even the most resistant parasites die.

Of course, the benefits of the drink also apply to the kidneys and gallbladder. Doctors strongly recommend their patients to drink a whole course to remove stones and excess protein.

Painful menstruation affects over 20% of the female population, and here tea can help and act as a natural analgesic. The main thing is not to overdo with strength and frequency of drinking.

And in the modern world's pursuit of eternal youth, the Indian drink may well be considered a philosopher's stone that removes toxins from the body and prevents skin aging. As you know, more moisture means less wrinkles.

For men

The Indians and later the Spaniards knew exactly how to improve potency.

Mateine is an energy drink, but it doesn't affect the nervous system as aggressively as caffeine, and the effect of vivacity lasts no more than three hours. During this time, there is a natural production of adrenaline, and as a consequence, testosterone, which is important for men's health.

The presence of protein in the composition as if hints at the gym, where the muscles will need extra protein, as well as at bed, where you will have to sweat. However, a longer erection will be noticeable already after 3 cups (but not a day!) because of the good blood circulation in the pelvic area.

In pregnancy

Pregnancy is a process that goes completely different for every woman. Therefore, it is difficult to say with certainty how the body will react. It is necessary to be guided by the absence or presence of allergies or intolerance of components, as well as the state of health after coffee.

Pregnant yerba mate is not prohibited, but you should add it to your diet with caution. If you really want it, it is better to drink it not too rich. During the period of threatened miscarriage (1-5 and 37-40 weeks) it is better to abstain from its consumption, because it stimulates smooth muscles and emotional excitement, which can lead to premature labor.

In South America, yerba mate is drunk at least 5 times a day, but expectant mothers are forbidden to drink it at all times! The drink is very strong there because Paraguayans don't understand the mockery of adding water.

When breastfeeding.

For the local area tea is considered exotic and can be harmful even for men, what to say about lactation?

Matein is detrimental to the immature nervous system of an infant, and theophylline and other alkaloids cause a severe allergic reaction.

Tip! For example, green tea increases the amount of breast milk, but mate is able to reduce it, so it is preferable to use it during the transfer of the baby to regular food.

Mate is identical to coffee or concentrated black tea. These are products strictly forbidden during breastfeeding, so he too.

Post-2012 studies show that mate's harmful effects on the baby subside after 6 months of age.

For babies

Argentine babies are getting a calebasse as early as 1.5 years old and they're doing great! Maybe it is the climate or genetics, but Russian pediatricians forbid mate for children because the thianine present in the drink can provoke a lack of calcium, and in its advanced forms - rickets and skeletal damage.

In addition, caffeine is detrimental to sleep and the heart. But tea advocates argue that yerba mate with milk and honey, on the contrary, fights insomnia and normalizes biorhythms. The best age to start tasting exotics is 10 years old.

When losing weight

Wanting to lose hateful pounds, girls turn to mate, and rightly so! The hot drink leaves a feeling of fullness for a long time and improves the metabolism.

Digestion works like clockwork, and overeating comes to naught. And with a burst of vivacity, approaches on the track at the gym become twice as effective. For good weight loss you should drink 3 cups a day at intervals of at least 5 hours.

Tea can be used to shift your eating schedule if you don't have time for breakfast (the main meal).

In 2001, a study was conducted on the dependence of weight on the consumption of yerba mate. The Danish scientists were pleasantly surprised by the results: macronutrients and acids in the leaves irritate the intestines, speeding up the process of digestion.

Harm and contraindications

Who will have to give up the miracle tea leaves?

1. Frequent consumption of tea can lead to short-term amnesia, disorientation in space and hallucinations in especially neglected forms.
2. People with hypertension and heart defects should refrain from strong mate to avoid angina, high blood pressure, and nosebleeds.
3. As already mentioned, yerba mate perfectly absorbs alcohol, but with a hangover can start vomiting and dizziness with an "after-code" effect.
4. The presence of acids in its composition makes yerba mate prohibited for ulcer patients.

But the main danger lies at the stage of preparation. Special attention is paid to the temperature of the water. It should be between 65 and 80 degrees. If the mercury column reaches 100 degrees, the tea can cause malignant tumors. The fact is that when heated, the components of the plant become dangerous carcinogens. Among yerba mate lovers, there are many who suffer from stomach, esophageal, and bladder cancer.

In addition, the drink is addictive, and somewhere at 5 cups a day there is a line, crossing which you can not stop.

How to Choose and Store

1. Give preference to producers from Argentina or Paraguay (it is better, of course, to go and try on the spot).
2. The dried mixture should not be homogeneous, in a quality product are seen pieces of leaves and stems 1-2 centimeters long.
3. The colors vary from darker shades of brown to lighter colors (like milk chocolate). There should be no red or yellow flecks among the teas.
4. The smell of yerba mate is specific, completely different from bagged tea. Its aroma resembles hay or dried grass, but it is not disgusting.
5. Volume. Low strength and low concentration yerba mate is sold in large bags, but the label indicates 200 g.
6. Transparency. Natural tea can withstand four or five brewings before it completely loses flavor.
7. Small particles left on your fingers are a sign that the leaves are properly dried.

The storage rules are quite simple: dry, dark place, in a box with a good seal and away from children.

How to brew and drink yerba mate tea correctly

There are many secrets to the tea ceremony that are worth learning so that the drinking process can be felt fully.

1. Before preparation, the calebasse and bombilla are disinfected by scalding. Two-thirds of the mixture is placed on the bottom. Professionals pre-pour the herbs with cold water. When the tea seeds are saturated with moisture, they are poured over with boiling water.
2. Mate has to be brewed several times! Argentinians believe that the true drink of the gods is obtained after four uses. And in home conditions, it is preferable to be guided by the appearance of foam.
3. Festive mate is made with milk and a small piece of charcoal in sugar for flavor. In hot weather, the boiling water is diluted with water and refreshed with lemon slices.

This is a basic rule, which it is better to adhere to all, so as not to ruin your health:

• mate should not be drunk on an empty stomach;
• it should not be drunk before going to bed;
• mate must not be drunk from a mug, only from a calybe;
• you may only drink it through a bombilla in small sips;
• It is forbidden to drink more than three times a day.

Attributes of traditional matings

A calebasse is a special vessel for liquids made by the Indians from the gourd (fruit) of the throat tree. Nowadays kalebas are sold in different kinds of wood and are often decorated with precious metals and stones. Divine water, after all!

A word of advice! When choosing your calebasse, be guided by the size. The most comfortable size will be the one that will be firmly held in your palm and will not slip out.

Bombilla is a bent wooden or metal tube with a filter on the end. It is also decorated with stones, paintings, and inimitable bends.

Strong yerba mate is drunk early in the morning. In America, they even get up three hours earlier in order to make good tea and enjoy its flavor without rushing. In the evening, the concentration is reduced and sweetener is added for a deep sleep.

Why drinking mate tea through a bombilla

Drinking tea through a tube is important for preserving enamel. The concentration of chemical elements is so high that teeth can't take it and crumble. That's why mate is drunk long, in small sips, and after quenching your thirst, rinse your mouth thoroughly.

Interesting facts about yerba mate tea

1. Argentine shepherds drank yerba mate while walking in order not to start counting sheep in their sleep and not to freeze. By the way, this is one of the reasons to drink tea through a straw: your lips will freeze in the mountains.
2. Mate is at least 2 millennia older than green tea!
3. Mate is a drink of friendship that must be shared with at least 10 people.
4. If friends have left and the mood is bad, mate is drunk alone. The Indians believed that at that moment a person shared the calebasse with his or her own soul.
5. Che Guevara adored mate and drank it every day.
6. The first kalebasas were made from human skulls.

Photo of mate tea