Mate is a popular drink in South America. Especially in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. Mainly known for its energizing and slimming properties, mate is drunk in a container (the calabash) using a filtering straw (the bombilla).
1. A SOUTH AMERICAN PLANT
Originally from South America (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil), the mate tree grows easily along river banks in mountainous forests located between 500 and 700 meters above sea level .
In its natural state it can reach up to 20 meters high . In cultivation it is pruned to reach a maximum of 4 to 8 meters.
The Guarani people are the first people to use mate. Their territory covers Paraguay, northern Argentina and southern Brazil. These people used this drink which “ chased out fatigue ” and “ promoted good humor ”.
They also used it as a base in their medicines.
2. MATÉ: A DRINK TO SHARING
Mate remains the companion of many South Americans' moments of rest, conviviality and inspiration because it is definitely rooted in their history, their culture and their habits .
It has become a national symbol in several South American countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay .
In these countries, being invited to share a mate is a gesture of sharing and conviviality. You thus enter a circle of friendship.
3. MATÉ: THE INFUSION OF ATHLETES 
Mate has notable effects on the human body. Sport causes oxidation in the body and the more pronounced this is, the greater the downstream recovery.
In this case, mate is a trick , in order to facilitate sports performance. Mate and its benefits help limit the degradation of muscle, tendon, bone and brain cells. This allows us to provide prophylactic and prevention support during busy schedules.
This is for example the case of professional athletes like Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann , where maintaining the load is essential and the sequences of sessions are numerous.
Find out more: The benefits of Mate
4. BEST ALTERNATIVE TO COFFEE
Mate contains caffeine like coffee (much less) and yet mate is much better for your health.
For example, mate contains a variety of vitamins and other beneficial compounds such as riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and manganese . All these elements give the body an extra boost. Mate also contains small amounts of potassium and vitamin B as well as zinc, magnesium and vitamin C, as well as
antioxidants .
antioxidants .
Mate's stimulating effects on the body and mind are unlike any other caffeinated beverage .
Find out more: The benefits of Mate
