Mate Drink, What Is It?

Have you ever heard of Mate Drink? Chances are, you’ve heard of yerba mate, also known as the drink of the gods. Yerba mate has become the new go-to energy drink for many. It has many benefits, including increasing your energy while potentially boosting your immune system and keeping your stomach healthy. It’s also known as a caffeine drink that won’t make you jittery. It has less caffeine than coffee, but more caffeine than green tea. Similar to green tea, yerba mate is derived from an herb that is put in water to flavor the water. It is not, however, steeped in boiling water, like green tea, and the herb is often left in the water while drinking it. So, what is mate drink? Sometimes the names “Yerba Mate” and “Mate drink” are used interchangeably to refer to the same thing. Nevertheless, there is a difference between the two.

How are Yerba Mate and Mate Drink Different?

Yerba Mate and Mate Drink refer to different things but are also related. Yerba Mate has been around for centuries and is used for healing purposes. It’s made with dried leaves and twigs from a certain species of Holly Tree that is native to South America. Once dried, the leaves and twigs are used to create an herb that is then placed in hot water, creating the Yerba Mate tea. Mate drink refers to a certain part of this process. Mate means “gourd herb,” referring to a part of the traditional South American ritual of drinking Yerba Mate. The herbs are placed in the Mate and then water is poured over them. A special tool, called the bombilla, is used to drink the beverage without drinking the leaves. It filters the mixture, allowing the person drinking it to enjoy the flavored water. The mate is passed around so that everyone can enjoy the beverage. Since the mate is used during the traditional process of creating Yerba Mate, people often refer to Yerba Mate as a Mate drink.  

Is the Mate Drink Healthy?

Yerba Mate has become popular, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. However, health benefits are part of the reason yerba mate was traditionally consumed. There are a lot of potential health benefits to drinking Yerba Mate. It contains many vitamins, including vitamins B and C. It contains potassium and zinc as well. With all of the health benefits it offers, Mate drink can be considered a superfood. It can help soothe your stomach and boost your immune system. It may also positively contribute to weight loss. It contains about 85 mg of caffeine per cup, which is less caffeine than coffee. Yerba Mate is considered quite healthy.

Even though Yerba Mate and Mate drink mean two different things, they are related. Yerba Mate refers to a drink that is made up of leaves and added to hot water, and Mate drink refers to the gourd that traditionally contains that drink. You can call it by either name and people will likely know what you are referring to. Now that you know what yerba mate and mate drinks are, will you give it a try?