The Drink of the Gods
Yerba Mate (yer-bah mah-tay) is a traditional drink made from the dried leaves of an evergreen holly, Ilex paraguariensis, a native plant of South America. It is often referred as 'Bebida de los Dioses' or 'Drink of the Gods'. This hugely popular caffeine-infused drink became the national drink of Argentina, Southern Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. In fact, Yerba Mate is consumed at a rate 6 to 1 over coffee in these countries. Over the years it has been a symbol of unity and friendship, bonding families and friends together. Yerba Mate tastes like a tea and hits you like a coffee!
Yerba Mate taste is often described as earthy, herbaceous and bittersweet. Most Yerba Mates are aged after drying. Aging softens the flavor and affects the color. Fresh green Yerba Mate can be very bitter, especially if wood dried. The longer the yerba is aged the smoother it becomes. It is by far the most popular drink within athletes specially soccer players as Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, Luis Suarez, Neymar and many more!
Yerba mate has gained popularity among athletes and fitness enthusiasts for its potential benefits related to sports and physical performance. Some of the ways in which yerba mate may be relevant to sports and exercise include:
Energy and Alertness: Yerba mate contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant. The caffeine in yerba mate can provide an energy boost, enhance alertness, and reduce the perception of fatigue during physical activity. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes looking to increase their endurance and stamina.
Improved Focus and Concentration: The caffeine in yerba mate can enhance mental focus and concentration, which can be valuable for sports that require precision and mental clarity, such as archery or golf.
Fatigue Reduction: Yerba mate's caffeine content can help delay the onset of fatigue, allowing athletes to train or compete for longer durations.
Weight Management: Some studies suggest that yerba mate may aid in weight management by increasing metabolism and reducing appetite, which can be relevant for athletes who need to maintain or cut weight for their sport.
Recovery and Muscle Health: Yerba mate is a source of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. This may promote quicker recovery from exercise and support overall muscle health.
Hydration: Yerba mate can be consumed in various forms, including cold or iced tea, making it a refreshing and hydrating option for athletes before, during, or after physical activity.
Social and Cultural Aspect: Yerba mate is often consumed in a social and communal setting, which can provide a sense of camaraderie and relaxation for athletes when off the field, court, or track.
Yerba Mate contains 196 active compounds. Studies have shown that it contains most of the B vitamins in trace amounts and higher quantities of B1, B2, B3 and B5. It also has Vitamins A, C, and E. Yerba Mate also has Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Phosphorus, Calcium Pantothenate, and Selenium, Manganese and Silicon.
It also contains15 different amino acids including cystine, histidine, isoleucine, methionine, tryptophan, aspartic acid and tyrosine. Fatty acids in Yerba Mate are palmitoleic, stearic, oleic and linoleic (primary Omega 6 oils) and a variety of triterpenes and sterols along with chlorophyll, which is helpful in blood regeneration and organ detoxification. (1)
You just found out WHY so many people are turning into Yerba Mate drinking and leaving coffee behind...
Ready to order BOHEMIA YERBA MATE?
(Click above to access the E-shop)
Keep reading:
- Yerba Mate Benefits
- How to drink Yerba Mate
- Caffeine in Yerba Mate
- Yerba Mate Unsmoked vs Smoked Explained
- The Yerba Mate Ritual
Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Check with your doctor before incorporating herbal products into your diet if you have any questions or concerns.
The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
References:
1) https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00535.x