Mate

Mate, or yerba mate (ilex paraguariensis) is a member of the holly family, and is used in the production of herbal teas.  Its growing popularity amongst coffee and uses for medical treatments is certainly assisting with many peoples lives as well.

Using Mate

It is found naturally in South America, particularly Brazil, Bolivia and Chile, and grows in warm climates.  Despite its natural origins it has now been naturally propagated across the world, and is involved in producing a drink of the same name which is continuing to grow in popularity.  The drink Mate is usually used for social purposes, and is similar in nature to weak coffee or tea.  It is common in South American culture for this to be consumed in common amongst friends at social gatherings.  Mate is derived from drying the leaves of the shrub, which are consequently infused, as tea or coffee, in water.   Mate (pronounced ma-tay as in café) can be mixed with other flavours to such as orange and mint to make for a more palatable beverage.

Side effects of Mate

Mate contains stimulants similar in nature and construction to caffeine.  It also contains small amounts of caffeine in its raw form (although this increases when infused with boiling water) and contains similar properties to both chocolate and coffee.  Mate has been proven to create similar effects on the body to coffee and tea, including heightened awareness and alertness, as well as an ability to think clearer.   Although given that it is less chemically strong than other drinks, the effects are somewhat less pronounced.  For this reason many prefer consuming mate to coffee and tea, and feel that it sits more delicately than otherwise is the case.

Interestingly, research has been conducted at a preliminary stage showing that mate may have a role to play in treating cancer and reversing the development of cancer cells.  Further work has been commissioned into the exact role of mate in fighting the condition, although its results have been promising even in comparison to other known cancer fighting substances.  Whereas coffee stimulates the brain and central nervous system, mate is said to have more of a profound effect on the muscles, and has shown a tendency towards relaxation in test subjects.  Having said that, is does still retain similar heart stimulating properties which would suggest that, like coffee, there may be a potential increase in heart attacks and strokes derived from prolonged frequent consumption. 

Mate Cautions 

Mate also boasts a lack of negative side effects such as anxiety, palpitations and diarrhoea often associated with coffee, given that there are sufficient chemical differences in its make up to avoid these aspects.  This makes it less 'heavy' on the body than coffee, without losing its attractiveness as a beverage.

Although an engrained part of South American culture, mate is still only marginally popular elsewhere.  Despite this, it is continuing to grow from strength to strength garnering support from doctors and consumers alike.  In the near future, it looks set to continue growing and expanding into consumer markets across the developed world, particularly in light of its promising medicinal properties.