Yerba Mate is EVERYWHERE

  Yerba Mate is a highly popular South American herbal drink made from the leaves of a South American rainforest tree (the holly tree) and is said to have the “strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate" all in one beverage. 

I had always wondered what was in the strange gourd-like cups of the South Americans on the beach in Mexico. It wasn't until a few months later that I learned the popular herbal beverage I was seeing everywhere is referred to as Yerba Mate. I was immediately curious to find out if it was vegan and if there were any health benefits.

From what I've experienced so far, mate is a hugely social drink and can be seen being shared between people of all ages in the streets, parks, beaches or pretty much anywhere people gather. Statistically, it's most prominent in northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil but is also gaining popularity in other countries, such as Australia and Poland. Literally, it is EVERYWHERE.

Here it goes...My first mate ever!!

Mate is made by steeping dry leaves from the mate plant into hot (not boiling water) and naturally contains:

 24 Vitamins and Minerals

15 Amino Acids

Abundant Antioxidants

Diuretics and Natural Detoxifiers

Caffeine 

I was a bit surprised by the taste, which to me was similar to a really bitter, grassy, unsweetened green tea with some loose leaves scattered about. I am a huge tea-drinker, but this beverage had a very strong taste unlike anything I had ever tried before. I will definitely try it a second time since it is such a prominent social practice here, but it will definitely take some getting used to!

..Okay I guess it gonna take some getting used to.

In conclusion, mate is indeed vegan-friendly. Some claims against the drink are that it has been associated with oral, cesophagus, and larynx cancer when consumed in large quantities over long periods of time. Smokers are also advised not to drink mate.

On the other end of the scale, positive claims include: energy boosts without the stomach acid and jitters of coffee, weight loss, and decreased appetite. It is also said to calm the central nervous system.

 Overall, I feel that there is definitely some nutritional value to drinking mate but it should  be consumed in moderation.

Read More:
What Is Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate- A South American Herbal Drink
Yerba Mate