The National Mate Day is celebrated on November 30, in commemoration of the birth of the Guarani commander Andrés Guasurarí, who was governor of the province of Misiones from 1815 to 1819 and promoted the production of mate, and gave great impetus to the commercialization of yerba mate. Dr. Virginia Busnelli, a physician specialized in nutrition and director of the Endocrinology and Nutrition Center CRENYF, gave her opinion to Télam on the myths and truths surrounding the consumption of mate.
By Virginia Busnelli (MN 110351), physician specialized in nutrition and director of the Endocrinology and Nutrition Center CRENYF.
Since 2015, every November 30 we celebrate the International Mate Day in commemoration of the Guarani leader Andrés Guaçurarí y Artigas, who besides being the only indigenous governor in the history of Argentina, promoted the production and distribution of yerba mate. From then on, the consumption of mate became a tradition that has been maintained and unites us as Argentines for many years. In 2013 it was declared a national infusion, a symbol of our tradition and customs.
Let's dispel some myths about this GREAT companion, present in any environment and occasion.
"Mate does not contribute anything, it is like drinking water". Primed mate provides polyphenols, giving this beverage antioxidant properties. It also contains B vitamins, some minerals such as magnesium and potassium, and caffeine. Research suggests that yerba mate has properties such as helping to lower LDL cholesterol, protecting the hepatic system, stimulating the central nervous system and benefiting the cardiovascular system; to date there is insufficient evidence to affirm this.
"Drinking mate is slimming". As I always say, there are no slimming or fattening foods. Mate can be consumed in weight loss plans, as an infusion at breakfast or snack, or as an accompaniment during the day. It is important not to add sugar, as this would turn it into a drink that provides empty calories. A very common practice is to replace food with mate, with the aim of "cheating the belly", in this way, not only we could get to exceed with their consumption, but we are also wasting time deceiving ourselves when you could be working on learning sustainable habits over time.
"Breakfasting on mate alone is okay." Although no one is saying that it is right or wrong, breaking your nightly fast with mate alone may be deficient in terms of nutrient intake. Ideally, for breakfast to provide all macronutrients, satiate us and prepare us for the rest of the day, it should consist, in general terms, of a herbal tea, a fruit/vegetable, whole grains, and some source of healthy fats and proteins. This does not mean that we cannot have breakfast with mate, but if we are looking for our breakfast to be complete and integrate the necessary nutrients it will be insufficient.
"You can replace water with mate". There is no beverage that matches the hydrating function of water. Drinking mate has a diuretic effect, that is, it favors the elimination of liquids, so it should be an accompaniment, not a substitute, for your recommended two liters of water per day.
"You can drink as much yerba mate as you want". Although at this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate dosage range for the use of yerba mate, the ideal is not to exceed 2 liters per day as it can help with some inflammatory processes.
"It is the same if it is bitter or sweet". This is not so, when we add sugar to mate we are transforming it into a drink that favors overweight and obesity. The ideal is to get used to drinking it bitter or sweetened with a sweetener. Stevia leaves are a great natural option for those who are not used to the bitterness of mate.
"It can produce acidity". That's right, mate has compounds that can irritate in case of gastric acidity or any digestive discomfort, in those moments it is recommended to suspend its consumption.
There is no doubt that mate is part of the Argentineans, of our daily habits, of our way of life. We do not drink mate out of thirst, we drink mate out of habit, preference and sense of belonging. In the current context, the pandemic makes everyone have their own, this allows us to clink our mates and toast together celebrating life and its day.
SOURCE: Telam