What is mate tea and how to drink it correctly. Harm and contraindications of mate

Mate tea, benefits and harm which I would like to consider here, has been steadily popular with us for quite some time. The fashion for it came from overseas - from South America. They drink mate tea all the time: bitter in the morning, cold in the afternoon, and sweet in the evening. But since you and I are not exactly South Americans and have not been accustomed to it since childhood, it makes sense to consider the harms and benefits of mate tea regarding the average resident of the middle zone.

Mate tea: benefits

Benefits of mate tea No. 1

Mate tea reduces the body's production of adrenaline, which is undoubted benefit for people exposed to high load, as well as those suffering from insomnia, depression, and irritability. Surprisingly, but true - you sleep better after it.

Benefits of mate tea No. 2

Mate tea is remarkably invigorating because it contains twice as much caffeine as. True, in the form of its analogue mateina. What brings with it only additional benefit: matein has a gentler effect on the heart and does not cause overexcitation. And 3 times longer than caffeine - up to 9 hours.

Benefits of mate tea No. 3

Benefits of mate tea No. 4

Due to the large number of vitamins (and in total there are as many as 196 biologically active substances in it), mate tea is useful for increasing immunity.

Benefits of mate tea No. 5

Mate tea is beneficial, which, in turn, benefits the entire body - digestion improves, bad cholesterol levels decrease. Mate tea is also believed to reduce addiction to smoking, alcohol and coffee.

Benefits of mate tea No. 6

Mate tea increases the production of the hormone of youth and, through this, human sexuality. We will leave this benefit without comment.

Benefits of mate tea No. 7

Yerba mate tea reduces the harm from a variety of foods by cleansing the body of them, has a pronounced diuretic effect and stimulates metabolism. So what? That's right, it's losing weight! Plus it suppresses the feeling of hunger - this is a proven fact.

Now about the harm.

Mate tea: harm, not benefit

• Mate is harmful to people with heart rhythm disorders: it still stimulates the heart too much.
• You should also not drink it when high blood pressure– it can become even higher. The same thing will happen at high temperatures.
• If you abuse mate tea, it can harm the sweating process and the skin - it will become too dry.
• Mate tea is not recommended for drinking.
• It is not advisable to drink mate tea, as well as with gastritis of high acidity.
• Mate is also harmful for diseases of the lungs and bronchi.
• People suffering from urolithiasis should also use it with caution.
• And most importantly - regular consumption of large quantities of very hot mate in combination with smoking, alcohol and fried meat can lead to cancer. However, this is not at all inevitable harm, but only a possible (and undesirable, although traditional in South America) use option.

Mate tea: both harm and benefit

• Mate tea is usually brewed in pumpkin jugs called calabash. On the one hand, pumpkin is organic and, of course, microorganisms will grow on it. On the other hand, it is they who form their own, unique taste, which occurs only with constant consumption of mate only from this sausage. Whether it is harmful or beneficial is up to you to decide.
• It is customary to drink mate tea through a “bombilla” straw, passing the calabash around. Again, this has both harm and benefit: it is believed that bombilla protects tooth enamel from direct contact with tea (plus tradition, uniting people in one ritual, etc.). However, no one has canceled the basic rules of hygiene. By the way, if you brew mate tea simply, how regular tea, then it will not lose any of its beneficial properties.

Neither harm nor benefit of mate tea

• When stored for more than two years, both the harm and benefits of mate tea come to naught: it simply loses all its properties.

In general, the benefits and harms of mate tea depend solely on a sense of proportion. Two or three cups of warm mate per day will only benefit you. And anything bigger and hotter is only harmful. So be healthy and sensible!

Mate tea appeared in our country relatively recently and still remains more of an exotic drink than an everyday one. They drink mate both for pleasure and for some of the beneficial properties of this drink.

Paraguayan tea, except amazing taste, has a lot of useful properties. First of all, it is an excellent tonic that helps restore strength and has a beneficial influence on the protective functions of the body. It is drunk to improve mood, relieve symptoms of nervousness and anxiety, and increase physical activity. If you drink the drink regularly, insomnia and obsessive feelings of anxiety will gradually go away.

Experts recommend mate as a remedy that affects the general psycho-emotional state and helps calm the nervous system. This drink helps lower blood pressure and has a better effect on the functioning of the heart.

What is mate

Mate is very different from the traditional varieties of tea we are familiar with. If tea is the leaves of the tea bush, then mate is the leaves and stems of the evergreen Paraguayan holly plant. It is a branched tree-like shrub with smooth whitish bark that grows up to 15 meters tall in the wild. But on plantations, these trees are pruned to form neat bushes up to two meters high, in order to facilitate the collection of young shoots later.

In order to obtain “Paraguayan tea” from Paraguayan holly, young shoots of the plant are collected, cutting off the stems along with the leaves (which again differs significantly from the top three leaves collected from a tea bush). After collection, the branches are thoroughly dried at a very high temperature. The dried product is crushed and ground most thoroughly until a very dry powder is obtained, consisting of different fractions.

A good mat must contain dust, which serves as an indicator of proper drying, small pieces stems and brittle leaves.

According to some scientists, mate may well lay claim to the title the oldest drink on our planet. There is evidence that Indians used mate as early as the 7th millennium BC.

Useful properties of mate tea

Mate has a truly unique composition. This drink contains an amazing amount of vitamins and microelements; it truly has amazing healing properties.

According to scientists from the Pasteur Institute in Paris and the Parisian Scientific Society, it contains vitamins A, C, E, P, all B vitamins (and in a higher concentration than in the mother's milk). bee honey!), magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, sulfur, niacin, pantothenic acid and much more.

Yerba mate contains mateine, which, while similar in action to caffeine, lacks it side effects, such as increased heart rate, hand tremors and nervous tremors. Matein is a stimulant of both physical and mental activity of a person, and it is mild and non-addictive. It helps a person stay fresh, alert, and also induces deeper sleep. So if you need a good night's sleep in a short amount of time: drink mate.

Paraguayan tea significantly reduces the manifestations of depression, neuroses, anxiety syndromes, and regulates the sleep cycle. Many scientists note the immunostimulating effect of the drink and even insist on its use by residents of large cities, because Oxygen and chlorophyll contained in the mat help purify the blood.

In addition to this incredible combination of vitamins and minerals, yerba mate increases the level of high-density lipoprotein in the blood, which means an increase in HDL cholesterol (colloquially “good cholesterol”). At the same time, scientists note a noticeable decrease in that very “bad” LDL cholesterol. It is this mechanism that serves the best prevention cardiovascular diseases.

Contraindications to mate

How to brew mate

Mate tea also has other features - it is brewed in a special container “calabash” (calabash) and drunk from it through a special “bombilla” straw with a mouthpiece at one end and a strainer at the other.

The process of brewing mate is also quite interesting and should not be rushed. Classic way Brewing mate involves filling the calabash one third, then the filled mate must be shaken and moistened a little with water. Water - important aspect for brewing mate. It should be soft enough optimal temperature brewing 75-80 °C. Next, the bombilla is carefully inserted inside the slightly swollen tea leaves and the calabash is filled completely. Just wait 1-2 minutes and the mate is ready for use. On average, one tea leaves can be filled with water 7-9 times.

How to drink mate

They start drinking mate right away, from the very bottom. Top up hot water This tea can be brewed several times, but you can’t leave it in the vessel for a long time - it begins to ferment and release a strong bitterness, which actively saturates the walls of the calabash. In this case, all subsequent mate will taste bitter.

Residents of Paraguay have always worked hard and had little rest. One day, listening to their complaints and lamentations, the gods took pity and sent them mate tea. Since then, this nectar of the gods has become national drink Latin Americans. They drink it throughout the day. A bitter infusion in the morning tones and gives vigor, a cool drink in the afternoon quenches thirst, and sweet tea in the evening provides sound sleep. If you want to be less tired and get more done, while maintaining excellent health, mate tea is your choice.

Features of mate

In fact, mate is not a tea, but a herbal drink that is prepared from the young shoots of the Paraguayan Holly. According to plant classification, holly is considered an evergreen shrub, although it grows up to 15 m in height. It grows in the wild and is grown on plantations in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Holly leaves go through several stages of drying, which give them a slight bitterness and a hint of smoke in the aroma.

Three countries supply high-quality raw materials: Brazil (53%), Argentina (37%) and Paraguay (10%).

Mate is a storehouse of vitamins and useful substances which have a positive effect on the body. It quickly restores strength, lifts your mood, and relieves nervousness. Flavored drink invigorates even with severe fatigue and charges the body with energy. There will be no headaches or insomnia.

The word “mati” or in Russian “mate” (with the emphasis on the first syllable) has Indian roots and means a vessel made of a pumpkin.

For a drink like mate tea, the benefits depend on the shelf life - after 2 years, the raw material loses all its properties. Special attention is paid to adherence to brewing technology. It has a number of subtleties that must be followed accurately. Even perfectly prepared tea can be harmful if drunk incorrectly.

Chemical composition

The benefits and harms of any product depend on its composition. The leaves and stems of the Paraguayan Holly are simply champions among their evergreen counterparts and contain up to 200 components, including:

• vitamins;
• organic acids;
• xanthine alkaloids;
• bioflavonoids;
• choline;
• tannins;
• polyphenols;
• saponins;
• microelements.

Vitamins A, C, E, P, B and trace elements strengthen the body and improve metabolism. Together with bioflavonoids, they are strong antioxidants and reduce cellular oxidation. Tannins cause an astringent and bactericidal effect, saponins have an anti-inflammatory effect. Choline helps reduce bad cholesterol. Other components of Paraguayan tea are no less useful.

The mat contains the alkaloid “matein”, which tones and relieves tension. Mateine ​​and caffeine belong to the same group of substances and have similar effects on the body. But matein’s action is delicate and at the same time long-lasting. He doesn't provide negative influence on the heart and blood vessels, does not excite the nervous system and does not cause sleep disturbances.

Unlike caffeine, the tonic effect of mateine ​​is 3 times longer and lasts up to 9 hours.

Benefit

According to the Indians, bestowed by the gods healing drink restores strength, expels diseases, relieves sadness and prolongs life. To this day, mate tea, the benefits of which have been proven by numerous studies and scientific reports, has a miraculous effect on the body. It is indispensable during periods of strong physical and emotional stress. There is also an opinion that the temperament of Latin American machos is fueled by this magical infusion.

Children under 7 years of age, nursing and pregnant women are not allowed to drink mate.

Medicinal properties of mate

The positive effect of the drink in question is as follows:

1. Has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and digestive systems.
2. It lifts your mood and helps fight depression.
3. Normalizes sleep and relieves insomnia.
4. Relieves muscle tension and quickly restores strength.
5. Excellent invigorates and increases endurance.
6. Activates mental activity and increases alertness.
7. Stimulates metabolism.
8. Increases potency and sexuality.
9. Strengthens the immune system.
10. Removes toxins from the body.

Nervous system

The amazing properties of tea are manifested in its effect on the nervous system. On the one hand, it invigorates and lifts your spirits, and on the other, it relieves tension and normalizes sleep. With high fatigue, mate tones the tired body, increases alertness and endurance. It calms down when overexcited and helps with insomnia. Use healing tea helps to harmonize work nervous system and cope with stress.

Digestive system

Mate tea has an antispasmodic and diuretic effect. Its regular use stimulates work gastrointestinal tract, improves digestion and helps get rid of constipation.

Drinking tea is contraindicated at high temperatures and blood pressure.

Cardiovascular system

Mate dilates blood vessels and improves nutrition of the heart muscle. Drinking tea helps stabilize blood pressure, improve cerebral circulation.

Mate for weight loss

Rich chemical composition tea helps fight overweight. It speeds up metabolism, burns calories and body fat, inhibits the areas of the brain responsible for appetite. If you have an increased appetite, mate will become a real magic wand - one cup of tea will help get rid of the feeling of hunger.

Interesting to know: Paraguayan Holly extract is included in dietary supplements for weight loss.

Harm

An absolute contraindication is individual intolerance to mate tea, which is expressed in allergic reaction body. It can manifest itself as a skin rash, sneezing, watery eyes, and coughing. If these symptoms appear after drinking a cup of tea, drinking it is strictly prohibited. In addition, doctors have identified certain categories of people and body conditions in which drinking the drink is extremely undesirable.

Research conducted and statistical data collected over several decades have proven the existence of a connection between regular use excessively hot mate and the development of cancer.

Drinking tea whose temperature is above 80° C can provoke the development of oncological tumors of the esophagus, larynx, and bladder.

Contraindications:

• children under 7 years old;
• nursing and pregnant women;
• high temperature;
• hypertension;
• heart rhythm disturbance;
• peptic ulcer and increased acidity stomach;
• chronic kidney disease;
• urolithiasis and cholelithiasis;
• allergic diseases.

About 20 aromatic compounds (PAGs) were found in mate, which are also found in tobacco, alcoholic beverages and fried meat. Their combination creates favorable conditions for oncological tumors.

The combination of mate with alcoholic beverages, tobacco and fried meat is dangerous to health.

How to cook and drink mate

By appearance freshly brewed mate resembles green tea. The infusion has a golden-green color, a bitter-sour taste and bright aroma. In the homeland of mate, the raw material poured into a vessel is brewed up to 8 times. Its taste changes with each pour and reaches optimal saturation by the third time. Classic tea is prepared only from herbal raw materials, but stevia leaves are sometimes added to add sweetness.

Dried and crushed holly leaves are called "yerba" and serve as a raw material for making tea. Yerba is poured into a vessel and filled with water, the temperature of which is 70-80 ° C. The tea is steeped for 2-3 minutes and drunk immediately. Mate should not be brewed with boiling water - such an infusion not only begins to taste bitter, but also becomes harmful to health. They drink mate through a special bombilla tube, the lower edge of which looks like a strainer. This design allows, when drinking a drink, to filter it from particles of tea raw materials.

The temperature of mate while drinking should not be higher than 80 °C.

Traditionally, tea is brewed in a special container from the fruits of the lagenaria vine, which look like small pumpkins. This utensil is called "calabash". Modern calabashes are also made of wood, metal, and ceramics. Bombilla is made from silver, cupronickel, stainless steel, wood or hollow plant stems. If you do not have the opportunity to purchase special utensils, tea can be prepared in a regular teapot.

Today there are many ways to brew mate. Manufacturers add fruits and flavors to yerba. Bitter mate is preferred by men, while sweet mate is preferred by women and children. “Summer” mate is very popular in Latin America. To prepare it, yerba is poured cold water, add lemon, sugar, mint leaves, orange or grapefruit juice.

To get off the tea maximum benefit, you need to buy only fresh yerba without additives.

Mate brewing technology:

1. Fill the calabash 2/3 full with yerba, cover it with your hand and shake it.
2. The calabash is tilted at an angle of 45 degrees. On the side where the void has formed, a bombilla is inserted. The vessel is then placed vertically and the bombilla is pushed to the bottom.
3. Bombilla is poured hot water.

As a result, little infusion is obtained, so the procedure is repeated until the taste disappears.

From the moment of first brewing, tea should be drunk within an hour.

Mate treats illnesses, gives strength to the body and calms the soul. But in order for this drink to bring only benefits, you must strictly follow the rules for its preparation and use.

Yerba mate is a drink of South American Indians. Despite the fact that it has been known in Europe since the 16th century, tea still remains exotic for most. The unusual tart taste and non-standard brewing method make it popular only in a narrow circle.

Description of tea, history

Written sources are silent about when the history of mate began. But when the Spanish conquistadors arrived on the shores of America, the Indians were already drinking this unusual drink. Mate tea is a product made from the dried and ground leaves of the Paraguayan holly tree. This is a beautiful low tree native to South America. It is also found in Europe, as it was brought by the Spaniards, who recognized it the best remedy from scurvy.

Paraguayan tea differs from traditional green or black tea both in taste and production technology. Holly leaves are not fermented, they are dried in natural conditions and crushed after drying. The drink tastes like herbal, bitter tea with an unusual aroma.

Mate tea is also brewed and consumed in an unusual way. The main attributes of the process are a special vessel made of pumpkin, called kolebas. To make it, take a small pumpkin with a thick skin, cut it top part and scoop out all the pulp to the crust. Dry until hardened.

Classic sausage with copper tube

The sausages come in different sizes and decorations. Some samples are decorated with silver, embossing, and painting. The sausage is complemented by a bombilla - a tube with a mouthpiece and a strainer at the base. It is through it that mate is eaten. To brew the drink, you also need a kettle with hot water. Most often, tea is prepared for one person in a small sausage. They drink it slowly, stretching out the process for an hour or more, since hot water is added to the vessel several times during the brewing process. The photo above shows a traditional mate sausage.

So, what is mate tea? This is the national tonic drink of the Paraguayans, made from dry, unfermented holly leaves. Europeans who are not accustomed to its taste are not yet in a hurry to get carried away with such exoticism, although mate is much more popular today than just a few decades ago.

Useful properties

The composition of mate tea is similar to that of green tea, which is also almost not fermented. It is due to this that most of the health-promoting components are retained in dry holly leaves.

Dried tea leaves contain:

• vitamins A, C, E, PP, group B;
• sodium, magnesium, iron, manganese, potassium, sulfur, iron;
• alkaloids;
• tannins;
• organic acids;
• chlorophyll;
• theophylline;
• matein, etc.

Mateine, a type of xanthine compound, was discovered by French researchers. So far, no other plant can boast of such valuable components. It is a natural stimulant with unique properties. On the one hand, matein increases endurance and overall physical activity, on the other hand, it does not excite the nervous system and does not lead to insomnia.

Only holly leaves contain a harmless analogue of caffeine - mateine.

Hypertensive patients and heart patients can safely drink mate tea to increase their overall tone, which cannot be said about coffee, which provokes a rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure. The effect of mateine, unlike caffeine, lasts up to 8-10 hours.

Useful properties of mate tea:

• normalizes blood pressure levels;
• stimulates blood supply to the brain;
• has an antioxidant effect;
• increases the level of adrenaline in the blood;
• lowers blood cholesterol levels;
• promotes active digestion;
• strengthens the immune system;
• tones.

Mate can be used as an antidepressant. It stimulates the passive activity of the nervous system, improves mood, and increases the body's ability to cope with stress. Tea has a positive effect on digestive system. It contains a lot of tannins that help cope with disorders. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, the drink relieves stomach pain, heals the mucous membrane, and normalizes stool.

The benefits of mate tea include reducing the craving for smoking and alcohol. For men, the drink is useful because it increases potency and prevents diseases of the genitourinary system.

For insomnia, mate tea is also recommended. It contains theobromine, which reduces the excitability of certain parts of the nervous system, due to which a person calms down and the deep sleep phase increases, when a person really rests.

The properties of mate tea can be used by people who want to lose weight. The drink reduces appetite, stimulates digestion and helps break down fats. In addition, it is rich in vitamins, micro- and macroelements, which is important in conditions dietary nutrition.

Harm and contraindications

The rich composition of the drink also has contraindications for use. It is not advisable for people who take theophylline and theobromine to drink it. dosage form and those for whom these substances are contraindicated.

Harm from mate tea can be expected by people with stones and sand in the kidneys and gallbladder. It is also not advisable for children and nursing mothers. In Uruguay, studies were conducted on the relationship between the appearance of neoplasms and mate tea. Scientists have concluded that holly leaves can provoke the development of tumors of the esophagus and other organs. This connection was observed in people who regularly drink large quantities of tea.

Despite the many beneficial properties, this fact speaks in favor of more familiar teas, especially green teas, which are distinguished by antioxidant and antitumor properties. But sometimes, for fun, you can drink this iconic drink.

Cooking recipes

The classic method of brewing Paraguayan tea is called sevar. The person who performs the procedure is called a sevador. The procedure requires a sausage or several if there is a group gathering, metal bombillas, a teapot with boiled water, the temperature of which varies from 70 to 80°C.

Mate is a strong and rich tea. Fill the sausage 1/3 with dried holly leaves. Next, tilt the vessel to the side and pour in a little water. room temperature. The holly should be slightly soggy. After this, the sausage is filled with hot water and infused for no more than 2 minutes, drunk through a hot straw, periodically adding hot water another 3-4 times, diluting the concentrated tea.

If you brew mate longer, it will acquire a pronounced bitterish and tart taste, which you need to get used to.

Mate loses its bitterness with milk

How to brew mate with milk? For 1 glass of hot milk take 1 tbsp. l. holly leaves. Place the container on the fire and bring to a boil, but do not boil. Mix thoroughly, pour into cups through a strainer and add honey.

Paraguayan tea can be prepared cold in the European style. To do this, put 2 tbsp in a regular kettle. l. tea leaves, pour 500 ml of hot water and let it brew for 10 minutes. Place a little honey in a glass goblet fruit juice, ice and pour mate through a strainer. Allow the drink to cool completely and drink through a straw.

Yerba mate tea is offered by many tea brands, such as Greenfield, which combines holly leaves with lemon in a bag for individual brewing. You can buy pure mate, with additives and flavorings, in loose or bagged form.

Mate is an ancient drink that is far from classic tea. For a long time it was considered a sacred elixir that bestowed physical strength and insight. At first glance, it may seem tasteless or completely tasteless to a European, but it is worth trying even for the sake of general interest.

Mate tea can be called the most exotic tea for our country. It belongs to ethnic teas, along with Brazilian catuaba tea, Argentine lapacho, African rooibos. You can read a lot of conflicting reviews about mate tea, which are dictated by unusual properties drink So what can you expect from mate tea, harm or benefit?

History of tea

The indigenous population of Latin America shrouded this tea in numerous legends, believing that magical properties. Mate can cause an unusual surge of strength and vigor, quench hunger and thirst. In the 16th century, missionaries bought raw materials for next to nothing unusual tea. By sending him to Europe, they made decent money. Sailors drank mate tea; during long sea voyages it saved them from severe fever and scurvy. He supported and invigorated travelers during their treks through the tropical forests.

For some time, tea was undeservedly forgotten. But in the 19th century, the plant Illex Paraguariensis was discovered. It began to be cultivated in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. From crushed shoots and leaves they began to make mate tea, which was produced in industrial quantities. On the South American continent it immediately became extremely popular.

Then a tea ceremony was invented using special utensils for mate: bombilla and calabash. The calabash was a pumpkin container, and the bombilla was a reed tube.

What is mate tea made from?

The raw materials for making mate tea are the shoots and leaves of the Paraguayan holly. The plant is found in the wild and is also cultivated on plantations. Holly can reach a height of 15 meters. It has serrated leaves and small greenish-white flowers.

The pickers take the branches of the plant and tear off the leaves from them. The raw materials are thoroughly dried. After this, the shoots and leaves are crushed to a powder. Tea good quality can be determined by the following parameters: the presence of dust, broken pieces of leaves and small remains of the stem is mandatory.

Chemical composition of mate tea

Holly leaves contain more than 190 different components. This discovery was made by scientists from the Pasteur Institute. Among the elements contained in tea are the following:

• organic acids (isobutyric, isocaproic, isovaleric, resin);
• vitamins (nicotinic acid, A, B, C, E);
• bioflavonoids (quercetin, rutin);
• tannins (tannin);
• saponins (beta-amyrin);
• macro- and microelements (manganese, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron).

Compared to classic green tea mate contains more antioxidants and alkaloids. Experts note that green tea contains caffeine, and mate contains mateine. It is similar in its effect to caffeine, but its effect on the human body is more gentle and gentle. Matein does not cause an increase in heart rate or overexcitation. The invigorating effect of caffeine lasts about three hours, and mateine ​​invigorates several times longer. An important advantage of mate is that it does not cause sleep disturbances.

Beneficial properties of mate tea

Since ancient times, Indians have used a drink made from holly to treat infectious diseases. Currently, for many diseases it is recommended mate tea, the benefits of which have been proven by scientists.

• Stimulates the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Has a diuretic effect.
• Has antispasmodic properties.
• Improves vascular permeability.
• Speeds up metabolism.
• Reduces appetite.
• Improves heart function.
• Helps cope with depression.

Contraindications and harms of mate tea

Carrying out research, scientists were convinced not only of beneficial properties tea, but also found that it can be harmful. People were examined who, for many years in large quantities used mate. A connection has been discovered between the occurrence of certain types of cancer and tea intake. Scientists have concluded that heavy drinking of tea in combination with active smoking of tobacco and taking alcoholic drinks becomes a catalyst for tumor growth.

Statistics have shown that the cause of cancer oral cavity it was that people drank tea too hot. The calabash from which the drink is drunk retains a high temperature for too long. This circumstance led to the occurrence of bladder diseases.

PAGs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonates) were found in tea. Their combination with alcohol, tobacco, and fried meat creates favorable conditions for the development of tumors. Not recommended to drink large number hot drink, especially while drinking alcohol and during a feast. If you follow these rules and drink Paraguayan tea no more than two or three times a week, the tea will only benefit you.

How to make mate tea

There are some subtleties to brewing this tea. Brew it in the original container. It is called calabash, calabash. Previously, calabash was made from pumpkin, but now it is made from stainless materials, wood, and plastic. They differ in volume. There are calabashes of large volumes for big companies, there are small ones designed for enjoying a drink alone.

Mate connoisseurs, after purchasing calabash, prepare it for further use. Pour the tea mixture into the calabash and fill 2/3 of the volume with water. high temperature. The vessel is left for a day without covering it with a lid. After this, the mixture is poured out and the calabash is cleaned with a damp cloth.

The person who brews the tea is called a sevador. The art of cooking is sevar. Don't rush when brewing a drink. The tea leaves are poured into a calabash, filled with cold water, and left for a while to allow the tea leaves to swell. Then a tube (bombilla) is inserted into the middle. On one side of this tube there is a strainer, on the other there is a mouthpiece. The tube is made of metal; previously it was made of bamboo. Add hot water to the container. In two minutes you can enjoy original taste drink Tea can be re-brewed.

How to drink mate

For residents of South America, the process of drinking tea is a sacrament. It lasts almost two hours, usually takes place in a large friendly company, in a warm atmosphere. Mate tea is drunk in small sips, the liquid is drawn out through a straw from the very thick. The tea should not be allowed to ferment in the vessel. Otherwise, bitterness will form and the drink will become harmful. It is rare in tea, but ice, milk, and sugar are added. It is believed that the tea will fully open only after the fourth addition of hot water.

At daily use It is enough to rinse the calabash drink after use and keep it moist. If used rarely, the calabash and bombilla should be thoroughly washed and turned over to drain the water.