Multiple functional benefits of this native plant from countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay expand opportunities for innovations in different categories of food, beverages and supplements
Traditional in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, yerba mate is gaining ground among consumers from different parts of the world. The functional multi-properties of the plant originating in South America have attracted the attention of the industry, seeking opportunities to meet the growing interest of consumers in foods and beverages that promote naturalness, health and well-being.
Popularly consumed as mate tea (hot or iced), chimarrão (hot) or tereré (iced), studies reveal yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) as a rich source of bioactive compounds, which has aroused interest due to the high caffeine content and the presence of compounds related to important biological activities.
In addition to nutrients, minerals and vitamins (C, B1, B2 and B6), it has a richness in phytochemicals, especially polyphenols (phenolic acids and flavonoids), alkaloids (methylxanthines, including caffeine, theobromine) and terpenes (carotenoids and saponins).
And it is precisely because of the diversity of functional properties, that yerba mate is increasingly explored in different categories, mainly by the association with benefits such as stimulation in the central nervous system, antioxidant, vasodilator and anti-inflammatory action, in addition to positive effects on the lipid profile, glycemia and weight reduction.
Another potential of the plant is the unique flavor it gives to the products, providing new consumer experiences.
Guarani yerba mate legend
The origin of yerba mate consumption is associated with the Guarani tradition, pre-Columbian ethnicity that inhabited different parts of South America. The name “mate” comes from the Quechua term “mati”, which designates the container where the chimarrão is drunk.
The benefits of green jewelry have even inspired an indigenous legend. The story goes that a Guarani warrior was saddened that he was too old to fight and lived with his daughter Yari, who had refused many marriage proposals in order to take better care of her father.
Legend has it that one day a strange traveler arrived at their house, wearing exotic clothes and blue eyes, and was extremely well received by the old Guarani and his daughter, who sang to him and served him the best food. The next day, the traveler, thankful for his hospitality, revealed himself to be a messenger of the god Tupã. And to repay kindness, he offered them the grant of a wish.
The old warrior asked that the forces of youth be returned to him so that his daughter would be free to marry. The messenger handed him the foliage of the Caá plant, taught him how to grow it and how to prepare an infusion with it. The magic potion that brought the old Indian back to life was yerba mate tea.
Launches around the world using yerba mate
Yerba mate is commercially exploited and industrialized specially to produce beverages and non-alcoholic stimulants, dairy and snacks, in addition to other products. Check out some recent releases:
Learn more about the multiple benefits of yerba mate and its potential opportunities for the global industry in the white paper:
