Mate drink indications contraindications. Health benefits of mate tea

Mate tea can be called the most exotic tea for our country. It refers to ethnic teas, along with Brazilian catuaba tea, Argentine lapacho, African rooibos. You can read a lot of conflicting reviews about mate tea, which are dictated unusual properties drink. So what can be expected from mate tea, harm or benefit?

History of tea

The indigenous people of Latin America shrouded this tea in numerous legends, believing that magical properties. Mate can cause an unusual surge of strength and vigor, satisfy hunger and thirst. In the 16th century, missionaries bought raw materials for next to nothing unusual tea. Sending it to Europe, they decently earned. Mate tea was drunk by sailors, during long sea voyages, he saved them from severe fever and scurvy. He supported and invigorated travelers during their journeys through the rainforests.

For some time, tea was undeservedly forgotten. But in the 19th century, the plant Illex Paraguariensis was discovered. It began to be cultivated in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay. From the crushed shoots and leaves, they began to make mate tea, which was produced on an industrial scale. On the South American continent, he immediately became extremely popular.

Then the tea ceremony was invented using special dishes for mate: bombilla and calabash. The calabash was a pumpkin container, and the bombilla was a reed tube.

What is mate tea made from?

The raw materials for the manufacture of mate tea are the shoots and leaves of the Paraguayan holly. The plant is found in the wild and is also cultivated on plantations. Holly can reach a height of 15 meters. Has toothed leaves, small greenish-white flowers.

Collectors take the branches of the plant, pluck the leaves from them. The material is thoroughly dried. After that, the shoots, the leaves are crushed to a powder state. Tea good quality can be determined by the following parameters: the presence of dust, broken pieces of leaves and small remnants of the stem is mandatory.

The chemical composition of mate tea

Holly leaves contain more than 190 different components. This discovery was made by scientists from the Pasteur Institute. Among the elements contained in tea, the following can be distinguished:

• organic acids (isobutyric, isocaproic, isovaleric, resinous);
• vitamins (nicotinic acid, A, B, C, E);
• bioflavonoids (quercetin, rutin);
• tannins (tannin);
• saponins (beta-amirin);
• macro- and microelements (manganese, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron).

Compared to the classic green tea mate contains more antioxidants and alkaloids. Experts note that green tea contains caffeine, and mate contains mateine. It is similar in its action to caffeine, but its effect on the human body is more gentle and gentle. Matein does not cause an increase in heart rate, overexcitation. The invigorating effect of caffeine lasts about three hours, and mateine ​​invigorates several times longer. An important advantage of mate is that it does not cause sleep disturbances.

Health benefits of mate tea

Since ancient times, the Indians used a drink from holly to treat infectious diseases. Currently, for many diseases, mate tea is recommended, the benefits of which have been proven by scientists.

• Stimulates work gastrointestinal tract.
• Has a diuretic effect.
• Has antispasmodic properties.
• Improves vascular permeability.
• Accelerates metabolism.
• Reduces appetite.
• Improves the work of the heart.
• Helps to cope with depression.

Contraindications and harm of mate tea

Through research, scientists were convinced not only of the beneficial properties of tea, but also found that it can be harmful. Were examined people who for many years in large quantities used mate. A relationship has been found between the occurrence of certain types of cancer and tea intake. The scientists concluded that heavy consumption of tea, combined with active smoking of tobacco and the intake of alcoholic beverages, becomes a catalyst for tumor growth.

Statistics showed that the cause of oral cancer was that people drank tea too hot. Calabash, from which the drink is drunk, retains a high temperature for too long. This circumstance led to the occurrence of diseases of the bladder.

PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonates) have been found in tea. Their combination with alcohol, tobacco, fried meat creates favorable conditions for the development of tumors. It is not recommended to drink a large number of hot drink, especially while drinking alcohol and during a feast. If you follow these rules, use paraguayan tea no more than two or three times a week, tea will only benefit.

How to make mate tea

There are some subtleties of brewing this tea. Brew it in the original container. It is called calabash, calabash. Previously, calabash was made from pumpkin, now it is made from stainless materials, wood, and plastic. They differ in volume. There are large volumes of calabash for big companies, there are small ones designed for single enjoyment of a drink.

Mate connoisseurs, after acquiring calabash, prepare it for further use. Pour the tea mixture into the calabash, pour 2/3 of the volume with water high temperature. The vessel is left for a day without closing it with a lid. After that, the mixture is poured out, and the calabash is cleaned with a damp cloth.

A person who makes tea is called a sevador. The art of cooking is sevar. You can not rush when brewing a drink. Tea leaves are poured into calabash, poured cold water, leave for a while so that the tea leaves swell. Then a tube (bombilla) is inserted into the middle. On one side of this tube is a strainer, on the other - a mouthpiece. The tube is made of metal, before it was made of bamboo. Hot water is added to the container. After two minutes you can enjoy original taste drink. Tea can be brewed again.

How to drink mate

For residents South America the process of drinking tea is a sacrament. It lasts almost two hours, usually takes a long time. friendly company, in a warm environment. Mate tea is drunk in small sips, the liquid is drawn out through a tube from the very thick. The tea must not be allowed to ferment in the vessel. Otherwise, bitterness is formed, the drink will become harmful. In tea rarely, but add ice, milk, sugar. It is believed that tea will fully open only after the fourth addition. hot water.

At daily use drink calabash enough to rinse after use, store wet. At rare use calabash and bombilla must be thoroughly washed, turned over so that the water is glass.

The world-famous South American mate tea is a drink made from the leaves and shoots of a tree called Paraguayan holly, and also Paraguayan tea or mate. It is a drink with a long history, unique in its composition and tonic effect.

Paraguayan tea is spelled hierba mate in Spanish. In Russian, two spellings of the word are considered correct - “mate” and “mate”. They are pronounced the same - with a shock "e" at the end. Although the whole world pronounces the name of tea with an emphasis on the letter "a" (the first syllable).

The word "mate" also refers to a vessel for tea or other drinks, made from a hollowed and dried gourd. But in the Russian language, an analogue of the name of such a vessel has taken root - calabash (or calabash, calabash).

History of tea

The exact time of occurrence of mate has not been established, but this drink was valued by the Indian tribes of South America in the 16th century. The mention of the word "mate" as the name of the vessel is found in literary works of the early 17th century, "mate potion" - in the first half of the 18th century. But tea itself existed long before that.

The Gauranis of South America have a very beautiful legend. In it, the goddess of the Moon and the goddess of the Clouds descended to earth. Inadvertently, they were almost attacked by an angry jaguar, but were saved by an old man from the Gaurani tribe. As a reward, they gave the old man a Paraguayan holly seed and a recipe for amazing tea.

Since the end of the 16th century, the European colonization of South America has led to the popularization and distribution of this type of tea. Today it is considered Argentine, although its use is included in the national traditions of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Properties and composition of tea

An infusion of holly leaves has unique tonic properties due to chemical composition the raw material from which it is made. In its composition there are:

• more than 10 acids useful for the human body, including nicotinic (vitamin PP), pantothenic (vitamin B5), ursolic;
• caffeine, tannin (tonic substances);
• protein;
• riboflavin (vitamin B2), rutin (vitamin P), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), choline.

Beneficial features

The list of beneficial properties of tea is very impressive. It is noted that as a result of its use:

1. Normalizes blood pressure.
2. The heart is better oxygenated.
3. Stabilizes blood circulation throughout the body (including the brain).
4. There is a decrease in high cholesterol levels.
5. The immune system becomes more resilient.
6. The mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines are restored.
7. The nervous system is strengthened, stress resistance increases.
8. Increased potency in men.
9. Reduced cravings for alcohol and smoking.

The main quality of tea is high tonic properties. Benefits of mate tea effective method relieve fatigue, refresh the head, give vigor and strength.

Is it possible to use infusion for weight loss

It is believed that mate infusion can be used for weight loss, it can help in the fight against extra pounds. It has a stimulating effect on digestion, improves metabolic processes in the body. Thus mate tea acts on weight loss.

Of course, it's ridiculous to expect a drink to magically "burn fat." Weight loss is a long process associated with food restriction and increased physical activity. A exotic tea can be a good help in this.

Harm from use, contraindications

The benefits and harms of drinking tea are determined individual features person, health status. Like any highly active agent of natural origin, tea has a number of contraindications for use:

1. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood.
2. The presence of an inflammatory process, accompanied by fever, high blood pressure.
3. Kidney disease, stones in the urinary or gallbladder.
4. Allergic reaction to tea components.

For serious health problems, it is better to consult a doctor about the possibility of regular tea consumption.

Reviews of doctors

In discussion possible harm From the use of mate, a lot of controversy is caused by a large amount of carcinogens in the infusion. Carcinogens are poisonous and can trigger oncological diseases. According to doctors, this effect is associated with the use of infusion of very high temperature.

Tea should be brewed at a temperature not exceeding 80 degrees Celsius, and drinking should be moderately hot (not boiling water).

The properties of yerba mate were tested by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization. According to research results, very hot tea was officially included in the list of carcinogens.

Calabash with bombilla

A real calabash (or calabash, calabash) is made from a certain variety of gourd. It was from them that the Indians made calabash, generously decorating the walls of vessels with scorched or carved patterns. Subsequently, the Spaniards, who adopted the mate recipe and dishes for it, began to make calabash from certain types of trees (rosewood, oak), as well as porcelain, ceramics and even silver.

In memory of the round pumpkin, the calabaza for brewing tea has the shape of a small pot-bellied pot. In order to drink calabash mate, he is supplied with either a cane or bamboo stick, or a special tube - bombilla.

Bombilla is made of silver or cupronickel. It is all permeated with small holes, which filter the tea when climbing it, clearing the infusion from small particles of tea leaves. Calabash and bombilla are essential attributes of a proper yerba mate tea brewing ceremony.

tea recipe

It is necessary to properly brew mate tea, armed with special utensils and brewing raw materials. To prepare a traditional mate, a “tea master” will need:

• calabash;
• bombilla;
• a flat lid that fits snugly over the top of the calabash.

Ingredients:

• mate powder;
• boiling water.

Although exotic, the brewing ritual is not that complicated and consists of the following steps:

Step 1. Pour mate into calabash. The vessel must be filled with tea raw materials by 65-70%.

Step 2 The throat of the calabash is tightly closed, and the vessel itself is vigorously shaken several times. This is necessary so that large parts of the tea leaves are at the bottom, and the “dust” is on top.

Step 3 The water temperature for brewing tea should not exceed 80 degrees. Since water boils at a temperature of 90 degrees, after boiling it is allowed to cool slightly.

Step 4 Boiling water must be poured so that the distribution of raw materials in the vessel is preserved. To do this, the vessel is tilted at an angle of 45 degrees, and boiling water is slowly poured along the wall. Gradually, the calabash takes up a vertical position, filling completely.

Step 5 To prevent the bombilla from clogging with tea leaves, its upper part is tightly clogged with a finger, the other end is inserted into the vessel, carefully leading it along the wall to the very bottom.

Step 6 The drink brews quickly. The recommended time is from 30 seconds to 2 minutes (no more than 5 minutes). Tea is prepared immediately before drinking, and the longer it is infused, the more bitterness will prevail in taste.

How to drink mate tea

Traditionally, all those gathered for a tea party drink mate directly from the calabash through one bombilla. Takes the first sips tea master”, and then the calabash is passed around. It is slowly sipped, capturing the thick at the bottom.

It was considered indecent and even offensive to come to tea with your bombilla. Such a tea party was beautiful ceremony, and the ritual of rallying friends, uniting people into a strong union.

How to make a drink without calabash

If there is no calabash and bombilla, it does not matter. Mate tea can be brewed in the usual porcelain teapot and then pour into cups through a strainer. Of course, the tea ceremony will lose its South American charm, but taste properties tea will not be affected by this.

Types of mate tea

According to the territory of origin of raw materials, mate tea is divided into Argentinean, Brazilian and Paraguayan. To create raw materials, both a dry holly leaf and its stems are used:

• tea without stalks is stronger, richer and more fragrant (mate sin palo);
• the stalks in the tea leaves give the infusion a soft taste (con palo variety).

Other main varieties of mate:

• organic - tea leaf assembled by hand and “aged” for at least two years;
• traditional - the exposure period is equal to a year;
• "soft" - not as bitter as other varieties;
• “with smoke” (barbagua variety) - this feature is given by a special processing of the sheet.

For lovers, tea is produced with all kinds of fruit and berry additives. For example, popular varieties: with orange flavor - mate aguante tea, with cherry or raspberry, apple, lime, lemon. Option - Herb tea mate. Mint leaves and lemon balm are added to the main raw material. For people with diseases of cardio-vascular system ginkgo biloba mate tea will be especially useful.

Additional Information! Mate raw materials are also used to prepare another drink called "terere". To do this, calabash with tea powder is poured with cold clean water or juice, adding spices and spices.

Packed mate

Popular Argentine tea mate in bags for tea leaves in a regular cup. Today in Russia, all popular varieties of yerba mate can be purchased in packaged packaging.

Tea bags are popular in European countries, where complex tea rituals are not respected, and people are used to brewing and drinking tea as simply as possible.

ABOUT step by step instructions mate brewing, about the appliances that will be needed to prepare the drink, and about its taste characteristics in this video:

Mate tea is easy to prepare on your own, armed with special utensils and raw materials for brewing. It is popular due to its tonic, healing and taste properties. However, there are contraindications to the use of this drink.

Hot mate tea is interesting for its ancient history, and its brewing and drinking according to all the rules is a beautiful exotic ritual.

Tonic, tart, bewitching tea with a very rich composition came to us from South America, or rather, from Paraguay. There it has long been used both for friendly gatherings and as a medicine. The tradition of tea-drinking mate appealed to lovers of exotic and ethnic rituals, so by the end of the last century, Paraguayan tea became widespread.

The benefits of mate tea were also appreciated, which is why it was included in the diet of many people suffering from chronic diseases. And for some, this South American drink has become an equivalent coffee substitute.

Distribution history

In the Middle Ages, the holly tree grew only in Paraguay, where its leaves were used for this drink. But in the middle of the last century, holly became more widespread. Today it is grown for own consumption and for export in Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina. This is due to the fact that there is a great demand for the import of Paraguayan tea in America, Europe and Asia. To understand the reason for such popularity, it is worth evaluating mineral composition and useful properties that mate has.

Nutritional value of mate

Because the drink plant origin, it is light and dietary, its dry calorie content is 61 kcal. It is devoid of fat, and proteins and carbohydrates are minimal in it.

But much more important is its vitamin and mineral composition, flavonoids, phytonutrients, alkaloids and organic acids.

Vitamins in the drink

100 g of dried leaves contain many vitamins, organic acids and minerals. Some vitamins are present in high concentrations, for example:

• PP - 8 mg or 57% of the recommended daily allowance;
• B2 - 1 mg or 56%;
• C - 10 mg or 12%.

In smaller, but no less valuable concentrations, there are vitamins B1 and A.

B1 and B2 are active participants in metabolism, A supports vision, C promotes cell regeneration and stimulates the immune system, and PP not only promotes normal absorption and distribution nutrients but also involved in the production of sex hormones.

Micro and macro elements

In many countries of the world, mate is also valued for its mineral composition, in which it is especially worth noting:

• Magnesium - 110% of the recommended daily allowance;
• Phosphorus - 103%
• Potassium - 99%;
• Calcium - 50%.

Sodium is also present, but in low concentrations. Research was carried out on dried leaves plants ready for brewing. But the benefits of mate tea are preserved even with proper brewing.

Tea tradition

The secret of the cooking procedure lies in a special vessel - calabash, which is made from a small pumpkin. The pulp of the vegetable is removed, the vessel-shaped bark is dried and framed with a metal rim for reliability. Mate tea leaves, poured into calabash, are soaked for several minutes in a small amount cold water to form a slurry. Only after that hot water is poured, cooled to 80 ° C. It is important not to overheat the water, because in this case, in the process of drinking tea, you can get a burn of the larynx.

The harm of this tea is associated with the peculiarity of the drinking procedure. It is not used in the usual way, that is, filtered and directly from the mug. Especially for this drink, a metal tube was created, complemented by a strainer. As you know, through the straw the drink goes directly to the larynx, practically bypassing the oral cavity. Tea overheated during brewing not only loses its useful qualities, but it also becomes very dangerous for the larynx and esophagus.

Matein is a worthy replacement for caffeine

In Paraguay, there is a special institute that has been studying the composition of mate tea and its effect on all body systems for many years. Scientists at this institute found that the drink contains a close analogue of caffeine - the alkaloid mateine. Its action is similar to caffeine: it stimulates brain activity, invigorates, activates the body's reserve capabilities. At the same time, matein is much softer than a relative, and acts 3 times longer. Mug for the average person strong coffee will give cheerfulness for 3 hours, and a cup of tart mate - 9 hours.

The drink has no side effects - no trembling in the hands, no negative impact on nervous system, heart palpitations, no sleep problems, no addiction. Moreover, light tea before going to bed will only help him and help him fully relax.

Effect on the cardiovascular system

The most serious effect regular use Paraguayan tea on the walls of blood vessels and the heart muscle. Potassium together with magnesium helps to strengthen the muscular walls of the cardiovascular system, and calcium ions help to normalize the heart rhythm.

Polyphenols and chlorogenic acid regulate lipid metabolism, get rid of "bad" cholesterol, thus performing the prevention of atherosclerosis. In addition, the active components of tea are able to prevent oxidative processes with reactive oxygen species, which prevents strokes.

Digestive system and weight loss

The benefits of mate are also reflected in the gastrointestinal tract. Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties help with poisoning and intestinal infections. The drink contains flavoncides that kill E. coli. Cool yerba mate helps to get rid of heartburn.

Tannins, which are about 14 mg in tea, help strengthen the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, help resist pathogenic microorganisms, and increase local immunity.

Especially valuable property for weight loss is to slow down the process of digestion, stop the oxidation of fats, accelerate the onset of satiety. Tea acts specifically on the part of the brain that is responsible for the feeling of hunger.

Chlorogenic acid directly affects the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body. It significantly lowers the level of glucose in the blood, accelerating its processing into glycogen, which is deposited in the liver. It is this acid that, when hunger occurs, causes the body to use its fat reserves and prevents it from using glycogen.

Mate tea for diabetes

Gradually, in the body of a patient with diabetes, glycolysis of proteins occurs, that is, their combination with glucose, which is in excess. Such compounds provoke changes in the structure of proteins and most complications in diabetes. Tea contributes to the accelerated "neutralization" of glucose and is an inhibitor of the process of its connection with proteins.

Other health benefits of tea

Regular consumption of mate helps:

• reduce cravings for smoking and alcoholic beverages;
• slow down oxidative processes;
• suppression of bacteria, fungi and viruses;
• strengthening immunity;
• soothe inflammatory processes.

Contraindications to the use of mate

Scientists from the Paraguayan Institute found that regular consumption of mate tea in an excessively hot form can lead to cancer of the bladder, larynx, esophagus and stomach. At the same time, there is a special danger of the simultaneous abuse of tea, alcoholic drinks and smoking.

What do you think about mate tea? Write your feedback in the comments!

Unique natural ingredients, which are part of mate (or mate), are able to bring great benefit for a person. With the right preparation method, in which mate retains its beneficial properties, it allows our body to receive a large set of natural vitamins that cannot be obtained from any other product (Bixby, 2005).

Below are some properties of mate tea:

• mate is a good detoxifier (helps to remove toxic poisons from the body)
• mate improves sleep
• mate increases immunity and improves the protective properties of the body
• reduces allergic reactions
• gives energy
• reduces the risk of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients
• helps to relax muscles after physical activity
• enables the body to burn more calories
• increases the ability to concentrate
• improves mood
• improves metabolism and oxygenation of organs
• reduces the feeling of hunger
• slows down the formation of cancer (based on research from the University of Illinois, Chicago.)
• reduces the risk of heart attack and heart attack
• helps digestion

Some of these properties are also inherent in green tea, but there are much more such properties in the arsenal of mate. Of the 196 chemical components of mate tea, only 144 are found in green tea. A processing process similar to that of green tea preserves most of the antioxidants and other useful elements. The Journal of Alternative Medicine concludes: "Yerba mate is a rich source of polyphenols and has antioxidant properties that are superior to those of green tea (2). As it turns out, mate cooked traditional method, "much more effective than green tea and red wines at producing polyphenols and increasing their concentration in the blood" (Bixby, 2005).

Useful properties of mate lie in truly unique elements that are not found in green tea, or they are contained in it in low concentration. The Journal of Ethnoformacology names many of them: Vitamins B-1, B-2, A, riboflavin, carotene, coline, pantothenic acid, inositol and 15 types of amino acids (3). During the research it was found that: "The significant amount of potassium, sodium and magnesium present in the leaves is also present in the prepared drink." All these components are very important for the healthy functioning of the human body.

Other chemical components contained in mate:

• 2-butoxyethanol
• linalool
• geranyl citate
• caprylic acid
• caproic acid
• l-penten-3-ol
• œ-terpineol
• pelargonic acid
• geraniol
• 6-methyl-(E)-3,5-heptadien-2-one
• 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one
• 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-hydroxycyclohexanone
• œ-ionone
• octanol
• 5,6-epoxy-ß-ionone
• ß-ionone
• 6,10,14-trimethylpentadecanone
• heptanol
• (E)-2,(E)-4-heptadienal
• hexanal
• (E)-2-pentenol
• (E)-2-hexena

The benefits of mate: conclusions

As a result, we can conclude that mate is much healthier than green tea.

Please remember that each person's body is unique and stimulants of any kind should be taken seriously. Use the above information as a springboard from which to build on your further exploration of mate.

Mate has all the advantages of green tea and almost no cons of coffee (increased pressure, negative effect on the heart). At the same time, mate is a very mild and completely natural stimulant that energizes for the whole day.

Mate slows down aging

Mate, also known as Paraguayan tea, appears to strengthen the body's natural defenses, help reduce cell damage, and thus slow down aging and prevent the development of various diseases. Doctors came to this conclusion. They attribute such properties great content polyphenols, which are found in a decoction of mate leaves.

To achieve the maximum effect from the use of this tonic drink, it is necessary to properly prepare the decoction. To do this, you need to take 50 grams of mate and pour 0.5 hot water (the optimum temperature is 70 degrees Celsius).

In this case, the content of antioxidants in the resulting drink will reach 500-600 milligrams, which is much more than in the same amount of black or green tea.

And a little more about the benefits of the mat

Mate tea is real gift that the Indians of South America made to Europeans. Another name for mate is Paraguayan tea. It is brewed from the leaves of the Yerba mate plant. The drink is bitter with a slight sweetish tint.

Brewing mate is a special ritual for which you will need a vessel for brewing calabash (calabash in some readings), which is made from a gourd, and a tube with a sieve at the end of a bombiglia (bombija).

The range of useful properties of mate tea is very wide. Tea has an invigorating effect and helps to recover from intense physical exertion. This is due to the fact that the mat contains matein (Metil Xantine). This substance acts like caffeine, ie. tones the body, gives strength and energy. But the hallmark of mateine ​​is that, unlike caffeine, it does not increase blood pressure or increase heart rate. Thanks to the same matein, mate tea increases immunity and enhances the body's resistance to viral infections.

Mate has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (effective for constipation and diarrhea), helps with kidney diseases, genitourinary system. It perfectly cleanses the blood and blood vessels of cholesterol.

It should be especially noted that the Indians who discovered this tea, in fact, mate could replace food, especially on long journeys. The thing is that mate tea contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for human life:

• vitamins of groups B, A, C, E,
• tannin,
• carotene,
• biotin,
• nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, hydrochloric acid,
• magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, manganese, silicon, phosphates, sulfur.

The classic brewing of mate tea with calabash involves several stages, during which you should not rush. Dry tea leaves are poured into the calabash by about 2/3 and tilted so that a void forms at one of its edges. Then in hesitation in small portions hot (or cold - for cold mate) water is poured in such a way that the tea leaves are only slightly wetted. After the water is completely absorbed into the tea leaves (after 3 minutes), the latter will lose its flowability and will look like a thick slurry. A bombilla is placed in the oscilla so that it reaches to the very bottom, and the container is filled to the top with water.

It should be remembered that mate tea should not be poured with boiling water, because then it will lose all its beneficial properties and even be unpleasant in taste. The temperature of the water for brewing should be no higher than 80 degrees.

Mate tea can be drunk almost immediately after refilling with water, the infusion lasts only 1-2 minutes. It is worth noting that if the tea is steeped too long, it starts to taste bitter. Having placed the bombilla in the very thick of the calabash, the tea is slowly sipped in small sips.

Mate tea can be brewed with sugar or honey by placing a sweetener on the bottom of the wobble before brewing. Mate can also be brewed like coffee. Tea leaves in the ratio of 50 grams per liter of water are boiled for a couple of minutes.

Cold mate is prepared in almost the same way, but such tea will be infused much longer. IN cold drink mate is sometimes added with orange, lemon or grapefruit juice, as well as mint leaves, sugar or honey. It is believed that the classic bitter mate is the drink of a man, while the sweet mate is drunk by women and children. But the custom of drinking mate with sugar was brought to Argentina by our compatriots who settled on the banks of the La Plata and Parana rivers.

Oct-14-2016

What is mate tea

Questions about what mate tea is, the benefits and harms of this tea for human health, and whether it has any medicinal properties are of great interest to those who care about their health and are interested in folk methods treatment. And this interest is understandable. Maybe this article, to some extent, will answer these questions.

Mate (Spanish: Mate, also in Spanish-Russian dictionaries, the accent on the first syllable is sometimes found) is a high-caffeine tonic drink made from dried, crushed leaves and young shoots of the Paraguayan holly (Ilex paraguariensis). An integral part of the culture of Argentina and a number of neighboring countries of South America.

Strong mate has tart taste with a slight sweetish aftertaste and contains alkaloids from the xanthine group (this group includes caffeine, theobromine and theophylline).

Mate is recommended as a remedy that reduces the destructive effect of neurosis and depression, which affects the general psycho-emotional state - mood improves, activity increases, but at the same time acts gently, while relieving symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, fussiness, emotional imbalance and nervousness. This is largely due to the suppression of the release of the hormone adrenaline. Does not disrupt sleep cycle. Many people report that they need less time to sleep after drinking mate. The body plunges into a stage of deep sleep, which allows you to relieve tension and fatigue that occurs due to restless sleep and insomnia.

Based on the tea extract, a number of tonic and energy drinks.

Wikipedia

Benefits of mate tea

Mate tea has been the most popular national drink of the people of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay for hundreds of years. It is made from the leaves of the eva mate tree. Mate is a drink with a slight stimulating and refreshing effect, with a sweet and sour taste and a smoky aroma. The Indians attributed magical powers to him, as he was able to satisfy hunger and relieve fatigue. Traditionally, the drink is prepared in a special dish - a pumpkin goblet and drunk hot through a special metal straw, but you can also use European style: teapot and cups.

Historically, mate was used as remedy. The fact is that mate contains a unique set of vitamins, acids and trace elements that improve memory, regulate cholesterol levels in the liver, participate in cell regeneration, purify the blood, increase concentration and prevent nervous breakdowns. Spanish sailors used mate to treat scurvy, and the Indians who drank mate did not know what fatigue was.

Mate contains pantheic acid, which maintains the desired level of adrenaline in the blood, is involved in cell regeneration, and has a beneficial effect on digestive disorders of nervous origin. It is pantheic acid that improves memory.

Mate is rich in vitamin E, which is necessary for normal sexual life, contains choline, which regulates cholesterol levels in the liver. Mate plays an important role in cell regeneration and is an ideal blood purifier due to its high chlorophyll content. In mate there is a special substance - mataina, the effect of which is stronger than that of caffeine, but it does not cause nervous excitement, but increases concentration and physical strength. Mate does not affect sleep.

Mate has a high content of vitamins B1; B2, and C, preventing the occurrence of stress and nervous breakdowns. Unique mate property is to reduce the craving for alcohol.

Harm of mate tea

Mate tea has a number of contraindications for use. It is not recommended to drink the drink in too hot form. Since hot tea temperatures over 80 °C can produce carcinogens. Also overuse of this drink is likely to cause dry skin and reduce perspiration. In addition, scientists have learned that the abuse of mate contributes to the appearance of lung disease. Therefore, first of all, you need to drink mate in moderate amounts and not too hot. At correct use, tea will benefit and improve metabolism, but when losing weight, you should not rely only on it, you should also monitor your diet and play sports.

How to brew mate tea

The drink is prepared sweet or bitter, i.e. with or without sugar. It is believed that bitter mate is a drink of gauchos, men; it is also good for a lonely person, because it encourages reflection. Sweet mate is most often drunk by women and children. And the custom of drinking mate with sugar in a bite was brought to Argentina by immigrants from Russia, who had long settled on the banks of La Plata and Parana. However, recipes brewing mate there are many.

Good recipe:

The classic tradition of brewing tea "mate" involves the presence of a special vessel - calabash and tubules - bombilla (with which the drink is sipped). Since this technology is too complicated, you can use a simpler brewing recipe. Pour water not hotter than 70-80 ° C 3-5 tablespoons of tea leaves (per cup). If you pour boiling water over mate, it quickly loses its taste properties and begins to taste bitter. Infusion time - from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, that is, they begin to drink mate almost immediately after pouring hot water. From too long insisting mate also begins to taste bitter.

Boiled mate is prepared like coffee or cocoa. Pour tea leaves into boiling water - about 50 g per 1 liter of water. Boil for 1-2 minutes, and then remove from heat and pour through a strainer into cups. Boiled mate is often drunk with sugar. Sweet mate is prepared with sugar or honey. Wherein granulated sugar(or powder) you can first fall asleep with dry tea leaves (or put a spoonful of honey on the bottom of the vessel), and then pour hot water. Cold mate is prepared like a classic bitter, only it is poured with cold water and infused a little longer (sometimes up to an hour). Ice, sugar, orange, grapefruit or lemon juice, mint leaves.

How to drink mate tea

Traditionally, mate is drunk, as we have already said, from a special vessel - calabash through a special tube with a filter at the end - bomby (or in another pronunciation - bombilla).

No one forbids, of course, mate and brew in a teapot. But for many, calabash is half the pleasure of the process of drinking. It's nice to hold, admire, feel warm, think about the person who put his skill and soul into this object. From the point of view of esotericism, calabash is an integral element in mate-drinking. Only in calabash is the energy of the drink fully revealed.

They start drinking mate immediately, from the very bottom. You can add such tea leaves with hot water several times, but you can’t leave it in the vessel for a long time - it begins to ferment and release strong bitterness, which actively impregnates the walls of the calabash. In this case, all subsequent mate will be bitter.

Mate tea for men

Mate is rightly considered a true tea for men. Especially appreciated paraguayan mate. Mate drink has a real masculine taste, somewhat bitter, tart, it is recommended to drink it with a spoonful of natural bee honey.

Mate should be paid attention to men who want to get rid of excess weight because it activates the metabolism. And for athletes, such a drink can be excellent and natural replacement energy drinks. And vitamin E will help any man feel a surge of strength and be ready "to fight", as this vitamin increases potency.

Mate tea for weight loss

Leaves of the plant from which to prepare this drink, contain 196 different chemical compounds, including a range of vitamins (B-complex vitamins and vitamin C), minerals (manganese and magnesium, zinc and potassium, calcium and copper), antioxidants, 11 different polyphenols, and mateine. The latter is considered to be a key ingredient in allowing the use of mate tea for weight loss.

These components play an important role in maintaining a healthy weight. They regulate appetite and hunger, blood glucose levels, the rate of calorie burning, etc. Mate tea also contains active plant substances - theobromine and theophylline, which improve blood flow in the lungs and for this reason are included in asthma medications.

A classic serving of mate tea can contain up to 500 mg of matein. The beauty of this compound is that it has tonic properties without side effects characteristic of caffeine. For example, it does not cause anxiety and insomnia. Matein stimulates the central nervous system, improves concentration, accelerates thermogenesis - the process of burning fats for their conversion into energy and increasing the internal body temperature.

Nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky recommends using mate tea to lose weight and lower dangerous lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.

In 2001, Danish scientists from the Medical Center in Charlottenlund, led by Toben Andersen, proved that herbal capsules containing mate leaves, guarana and damiana help to lose weight. When they are consumed, food stays in the stomach for a longer time, causing a prolonged feeling of fullness. Ultrasonic testing confirmed the findings of scientists. The results were published in the Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics.

In 2008, Korean experts from Jonsen University found that mate significantly reduced weight in rats, as well as the amount of glucose, lipids, leptin and insulin in the blood and liver.

Almost any product that promotes digestion will help you lose weight. Mate tea, according to Dr. Leslie Taylor, relaxes smooth muscles, increases bile secretion and prevents constriction. blood vessels. All this allows you to get rid of excess weight.

Attention! Medical studies of people who regularly drink large amounts of mate (more than 1 liter per day) indicate an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus, mouth, lungs and larynx. To a certain extent, this discovery reduces dietary value drink.