Overview

• Mate, Argentina's most consumed infusion and a cultural emblem, is celebrated for its social and nutritional significance.
• Recent expert guidelines recommend consuming mate below 75°C and away from main meals to avoid gastric discomfort and optimize nutrient absorption.
• Bioactive compounds in mate, including polyphenols and saponins, provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.
• Herbs like mint, hierbaluisa, and boldo are increasingly added to mate for benefits such as improved digestion, energy boosts, antimicrobial effects, and pain relief.
• Excessive mate consumption can lead to overstimulation, causing symptoms like dizziness, increased heart rate, and fatigue, underscoring the need for moderation.