YERBA MATE

Yerba mate is a tea-like beverage consumed widely throughout South America. It is an integral part of the cultural life and an essential element in the daily diet of the people of this region.

The native people of Paraguay, the Guarani Indians, refer to it as "the drink of the gods." Since pre-Colombian times, the Guarani have gathered the leaves to use them in their folk remedies and as a stimulant and restorative tonic.

Today young & old, business executives & housewives and old men playing checkers on the street all have one thing in common: YERBA MATE.

You should get to know what millions of South Americans already know: the magic of yerba mate.

 

PREPARING YERBA MATE:

Preparing yerba maté is not rocket science. It is prepared essentially the same way as any "herbal tea."

 

On Avenida Espnana in Asuncion, it is a common sight to see people from all walks of life drinking yerba maté in a hollowed out gourd sipped through a metal filtered straw, called a bombilla.

The gourd & bombilla is the traditional way to drink yerba mate. You may find it easier to prepare your mate this way or in a smiliar loose tea infusion method, such as a tea ball, or the like.

Many people make their mate in a drip coffee maker, with excellent results.

No matter what method you choose, it really doesn't matter. The important thing is that you get the magic out of the yerba mate and into your body.

 

HEALTH BENEFITS:

Anyone interested in promoting and maintaining optimum health should consider making yerba mate part of their daily life.

Truly a drink for body and soul, the Guarani Indians – the ultimate experts – have relied on the drink for centuries as a principle part of their diet. They believe it is good for:

 

• boosting immunity
• detoxifying the body
• reducing blood pressure
• toning the nervous system
• controlling appetite
• curing insomnia
• retarding aging
• reducing fever

 

Plus, research now supports the claims that yerba mate can help:

• diabetes – by balancing blood sugar levels
• constipation – by stimulating digestion
• hypertension – by relaxing peripheral blood vessels
• high cholesterol – by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL
• allergy & hay fever – by reducing symptoms

A natural stimulant – without the side effects of coffee – remarkably, it induces better (not worse) attributes of sleep.

It invigorates both the mind and the body promoting an overall feeling of well-being... and is a great natural source of nutrition.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YERBA MATE :

YERBA MATE ASSOCIATION OF THE AMERICAS: www.yerbamateassociation.org