Argentinian yerba mate

Last march, yerba mate from Argentina has obtained the Geographical Indication. Yerba Mate is an infusion which has the “strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate" all in one beverage. Of the six commonly used stimulants in the world: coffee, tea, kola nut, cocoa and guarana, yerba mate triumphs as the most balanced, delivering both energy and nutrition.

Yerba mate (yer-bah mah-tay) is made from the naturally caffeinated and nourishing leaves of the celebrated South American rainforest holly tree (Ilex paraguariensis). For centuries, South America’s Aché Guayakí tribe have sipped yerba mate from a traditional mate gourd for its rejuvenative effects. These rainforest people find tremendous invigoration, focus, and nourishment in yerba mate. The origins of yerba mate come from the Guaraní natives, who used its leaves as a drink, cult and currency in their exchanges with other prehistoric cultures. The production of yerba mate is concentrated in the northeast of Argentina, where about 165,000 hectares are cultivated.

Benefits of yerba mate

Powerful antioxidant: Source of B-group vitamins

Source of minerals, potassium and magnesium

Energizing effects: Matein, a substance of the same type as caffeine, is contained in this infusion and is the main cause of these beneficial effects for the body, promoting mental activity, increasing energy levels and concentration.

According to research, yerba mate helps to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and triglycerids.