What is Yerba Mata tea?
Yerba Mata tea is one kind of herbal tea. It is sometimes referred to as Brazilian tea. This tea is a popular drink in South America. Mate is name of the plant. Its scientific name is Ilex Paraguariensis. Other names of this plant are Jesuit’s tea or Paraguay tea.
Photo courtesy of fd
The leaves of Mate plant is evergreen and can be as long as 8 inches. Between the leaves are small white flowers and sometimes red fruit. This plant is only cultivated in Brazil and Paraguay. When the leaves are plucked, they are then finely chopped to powder and are put into small bags.
Drink tea the South American’s way
There is a unique way to drink this herbal tea in South America. Sugar and hot water is placed in pot. Hot milk, boiling water, and lemon juice are added. Stir the mixture well before serving. People often suck the tea using a straw, or what they called bombilla.
Yerba mate tea benefits
The parts that often are used to make tea is the leaves. They can be roasted or dried before packaging.
People often drink this tea to reduce fatigue, alleviate kidney problems, and accelerate the metabolism of sugar and fats.This herbal tea contains high level of caffeine. Thus, it can provide mental alertness and clarity. However, it also has several side effects like coffee.
Overdose of this herbal tea can result in loss of sleep, dizziness, headache, and loss of appetite.
People with heart condition, women who are pregnant, or people who think they may be allergic to caffeine must consult with their doctors before drinking this herbal tea. To prepare this herbal tea, just add about 1 teaspoon of dried Mate into hot water and steep for about 5-7 minutes. This Yerba mata tea taste better if the infusion time is shorter.
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