With the virtues of green tea and the sweetness of cocoa, consuming mate daily is good for your health. Like coffee, it is known for its energising effect and its many properties and benefits. What is this drink made of? What are the benefits of mate on the stomach? Is it good for digestion and transit? Kusmi tells you more about it.
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Where does yerba mate come from?
Yerba mate leaves come from a shrub belonging to the aquifoliaceae (holly) family found in South America, in Argentina. The Guarani Indian tribe in Paraguay was the first consumer of yerba mate. Today, this hot drink is appreciated all over the world for its multiple health benefits!
The composition of yerba mate
Yerba mate contains caffeine and theobromine, a molecule found in cocoa. The combination of these two components makes it a boost and detox drink at the same time. Drinking a cup of mate will give you the energy you need for your day. It is composed of :
• vitamins: A, C, E, B1 and B2 for energy and to strengthen the immune system and defences;
• minerals: magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, selenium, phosphorus;
• amino acids: isoleucine, methionine, tryptophan, contributing to the good balance of the body;
• polyphenols: with antioxidant effects!
The health benefits of yerba mate
Mate has many health benefits: Like coffee, mate is rich in caffeine and is therefore a natural stimulant. It has energizing properties. Drinking a cup of yerba mate will give you a real boost in your day! In this respect, yerba mate is a very good alternative to tea or coffee.
Mate is also rich in antioxidants (polyphenols). These molecules are very important for the proper functioning of our body and the maintenance of good health. They help to fight against the development of certain diseases but also the premature ageing of cells. They also help to strengthen the immune system.
Is mate good for digestion?
Yerba mate is also said to have beneficial effects on the stomach and digestion. Its regular consumption would allow :
Digestive function: it would improve the secretion of gastric acid.
Diuretic role: it promotes the evacuation of waste in the body.
Slimming ally: it helps to burn fat and regulate the appetite.
Stomach aches: side effects of mate?
The risks of excessive consumption
Containing caffeine like coffee, mate can cause stomach upset when consumed in excess. Note that the recommended daily dose of caffeine is 300 mg. Since one cup of mate contains 70 mg, it is recommended to limit your consumption to 4 cups per day. This way you can avoid possible side effects of mate, such as :
• nervousness, anxiety, agitation ;
• insomnia ;
• increased heart rate;
• heartburn, heartburn and stomach ache, diarrhea.
Focus on theine and caffeine
Did you know that theine and caffeine are actually derived from the same molecule? Yes, they are! However, they have different effects on the body. Caffeine, which is mainly contained in coffee, is available immediately and provides an energy boost after consumption. Theine, on the other hand, is released more gradually in the body throughout the day. This is why coffee is said to be an excitant, whereas tea belongs to the family of stimulants.
Kusmi Tea, an organic mate made in Normandy
Kusmi offers a quality organic mate made in Normandy, from organic farming. Discover our blends of mate made from natural ingredients selected by our experts. Mixed with green tea, nettle or citrus fruits, mate reveals a powerful flavour accompanied by a dose of freshness.
How to prepare yerba mate?
You need a bombilla, a calabash and some organic mate leaves. Heat the water in a kettle, but do not exceed 80°C as this will damage the leaves and you will not get the full benefits! If the water is too hot, it may give a bitter taste to your drink. Place the mate leaves on one side of the bottom of your calabash. Place your bombilla on the other side. Put the hot water in the container. Leave to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your taste. The infusion time depends on your taste! A long infusion will give a full-bodied, strong drink, while a quicker infusion will give a softer, lighter mate. Enjoy!
Mate can improve your digestion, provided you don't abuse it. Consuming more than the recommended amount can cause digestive discomfort, just like coffee. It's all a question of moderation! But as you can see, this drink is not lacking in benefits!
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The diuretic properties of mate