Yerba Mate:  The Drink of Friendship

In Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, the Bolivian chaco, Chile, and southern Brazil, yerba mate is known as the “drink of friendship,” meant to be consumed along with conversation and savoring the day.

The ritual goes like this: first, a hollow gourd is filled with Yerba mate leaves, dried and ground into a powdery mixture, which is then brewed into tea.  The gourd is passed around the family circle, among friends, or sometimes even shared with strangers. This tradition goes back many centuries to the Guarani, a tribe from Paraguay who believed that yerba mate was ”the drink of the gods.’’

Among the many benefits of yerba mate are:

Over 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, and a high amount of antioxidants

It may help with weight loss, improve digestion, and increase mental focus and clarity

It may help people with diabetes control their blood sugar (glucose levels).

Yerba mate contains caffeine and is a stimulant, so be sure to drink it in moderation.

The nutrition in these traditional Latin American foods is important to your health.  But remember that food is more than a combination of nutrients.  The meals we prepare and share around a table sustain our families, friendships, and social bonds. So in planning your meals, be sure to include that most precious and treasured of all ingredients: time.

This site is for informational purposes only. Please consult your health-care professional to determine medical recommendations specific to you.  SEE TERMS OF SERVICE