Mate

Origin and history


Mate, also known as yerba mate, is a plant native to South America, where it has been consumed for centuries by the Guaraní people. These populations considered mate to be a "gift from the gods," a source of strength and mental clarity. Introduced to Europe in the 16th century by Jesuit missionaries, it quickly spread around the world as a natural alternative to coffee and tea. Today, mate is an iconic drink in South American culture, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, where it is traditionally shared in a calabash gourd using a metal straw called a bombilla.

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Properties and benefits of Maté

Mate is known for its many benefits for the body and mind:


  • Natural stimulant: thanks to its caffeine content, it improves alertness, concentration, and physical performance.

  • Invigorating: it helps reduce fatigue and restore energy, without causing excessive nervousness like coffee.

  • Antioxidant: its polyphenols protect cells against oxidative stress and support overall vitality.

  • Draining and slimming: it promotes renal elimination of water and contributes to fat burning.

  • Digestive: it stimulates digestion after heavy meals and supports liver metabolism.

Thanks to its gentle and balanced action, mate is often included in programs designed to promote vitality, digestive comfort, or weight loss.

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