WHAT IS MATE?

WHAT IS MATE?
Mate is South America's famous green tea which has won worldwide admiration because of its special energizing and nutritional qualities, as well as its uinque delicious flavor. Mate is made from the dried leaves of Ilex Paraguarensis, a native South American holly. Long used by the indigenous people of South America(Argentina, Brasil, Uruguay y Paraguay) it was adopted by European colonizers from the 17th Century onwards. Today Mate is consumed by millions of South Americans as an all occasion drink, occupying a position like that of coffee in the US or tea in Britian and China.
NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF YERBA MATE
The beneficial and therapeutic aspects of yerba mate (Ilex paraguayensis), verified after centuries of observations and use, were lately confirmed by numerous scientific studies. As to its chemical properties, yerba mate is similar to green tea, though much more nutritious. Significant quantities of potash, sodium and magnesium are present in the leaves as well as the infusion .Vitamins B-1, B-2, A, riboflavin, carotene, colin, pantothenic acid, inositol and 15 types of aminoacids are also contained. These, as well as the presence of eleven polyphenols are some of the components that make yerba mate a very healthy drink. Recent studies indicate that polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that strengthen the organism´s natural defences, and protect it against the cellular destruction that cause physical deterioration and the development of sicknesses. Mateine, a chemical substance from the family of the xanteins, is also contained in yerba mate. Its chemical structure is similar to that of caffeine, but with different effects on the body. Even though mateine, as caffeine, is a stimulant of the central nervous system and a promoter of mental activity, it is different from the later as it does not interfere with sleeping patterns. And contrarily to other xanteins, mateine is also a smooth diuretic. Regarding the effects of yerba mate, changes in behaviour such as an increase in energy and vitality are also observed, as well as an increased capacity of concentration, reduction of nervousness and increased resistance to mental and physical fatigue. An improvement of mood, specially in cases of depression, frequently occurs as a result of its use . Apart from providing essential minerals to the body, such a potash, sodium and magnesium, yerba mate retards the accumulation of lactic acid in muscles. This turns it into an excellent natural energizer for people that practice sports or other physical activities.