Fans of long tea parties will surely appreciate a drink that surpasses even such useful green tea in its taste and effect on the body . The very name of this healing drink creates a feeling of softness and pleasant taste. Mate tea is a processed product of the evergreen Paraguayan holly plant. What properties of this mysterious drink evoke love for it among true tea connoisseurs?
From ancient times, Mate tea was consumed by Indians living in the territory of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina, where this medicinal plant grew. Today, its exports are developed in all countries of the world, so everyone can try mate. The main thing is to know which variety to choose, as well as how to brew such tea.
Varieties of mate: are you stronger or stronger?
Different varieties are obtained from the same shrub due to different combinations of ingredients and degree of aging. So, for the production of mate leaves (the main component of tea), stems and dust are used. As a rule, 60-65% of the raw material falls on the leaves and 30-35% on the stems, the remaining small part is the so-called dust.
Classic mate is aged from 1.5 to 2 years. Its taste is bright, with a little astringency and characteristic acidity, and the color is golden. A more tender drink is obtained by reducing the exposure time to 9 months. It is also called green mate. There is also a very tart, slightly bitter mate, in which stems are almost never used (no more than 10%). It has a strong effect on the body and perfectly tones.
The variety of varieties of the beverage expands due to the addition of aromatic herbs, such as sage, peppermint and ordinary mint, lemon balm, citrus flowers. Such tea is beautiful in itself, without any treats for it. Mate tea with pieces of fruit will help to cheer up and get a boost of positive energy. It has a light natural sweetness.
Unusual drink - special dishes
Having chosen a grade of mate to taste, you need to brew it correctly. It is prepared and drunk from a special vessel - calabash. Previously, it was made from pumpkin, now on sale there are wooden, porcelain and even metal containers.
Warm water is first filled in 1/3, and then gradually added until the vessel is completely filled. This allows the taste to reveal more fully. Tea should be drunk from a special filter tube called "bombilla." It can also be metal and wood (which is preferable).
Healing drink native to South America
Before setting off in search of mate tea, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with its beneficial properties. In addition to containing antioxidants in large quantities, it is also rich in various vitamins and minerals. Among them are: carotene, riboflavin, B vitamins, as well as potassium, magnesium, sodium and pantothenic acid.
Such is he - mate vitamin tea . The properties of this drink also positively affect the digestive system, activating the metabolism, improve the state of the nervous system, relaxing and creating a feeling of light trance. Mate tea perfectly tones and normalizes sleep, but it is not recommended to drink it at night - there is a high probability of not falling asleep. But in the morning he will be an excellent assistant for a quick awakening. Drinking mate tea, you will feel more cheerful, but at the same time your perseverance and attentiveness will increase.
Mate also helps the respiratory system, providing a greater flow of oxygen to tissues and organs. A number of studies have even revealed its effect on reducing the risks of heart attack and stroke. So drinking mate tea is not only pleasant, but also extremely beneficial.
You can, but carefully. About contraindications
Like a decoction of any plant with healing properties, mate tea has contraindications. With caution and in small quantities, it should be drunk by people with high acidity of the stomach, as well as in the presence of kidney diseases. You can not go too far with this drink and pregnant women.
Drink mate tea, recharge it with energy and nutrients, but remember about the measure!