Far beyond chimarrão and tererê, yerba mate has been studied by researchers and universities for its numerous health benefits. With indigenous origins and a strong presence in southern Brazil, the plant combines tradition, functionality, and potential for innovation in foods, beverages, and supplements.
In this article, you will learn about its history, the main compounds present in yerba mate, and how it can contribute to well-being.
Popular name:Yerba Mate
Scientific name: Ilex paraguariensis st.hill
Family Aquifoliaceae
Origin Native species from South America
Main active compounds: Caffeine, theophylline and theobrimine, tannines and chlorogenic acid
These compounds offer stimulating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and are widely valued in healthy formulations.
The yerba was used by the indigenous populations since 1.000 a.C, it was either chewed or consumed through an infusion of the plantleaves with water inside a“gourd.
This “gourd” in the indigenous dialect Quichua, was called Mati, which originated the yerba name: mate. They considered it to be “mystical”, since it offered strength and energy, and it was also related to fertility.
With the arrival of the colonizers, the habit spread — and chimarrão was born, now a cultural symbol in Brazil and neighboring countries.
In the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, the yerba harvesting spawned a great gathering of riches and promoted the so called “Barões do Mate (Mate Barons), key figures in the economy of the 19th century.
In the 70’s, with agriculture upgrading process, the soy, corn and wheat crops changed the production dynamics of the yerba mate in southern Brazil, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, a state that is no longer the biggest national producer.
The yerba mate was preserved in its native forest in the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, and it's valued for growing in the shade of araucaria trees. Through the years, the crop production increased, especially in Paraná, with incentive policies and branch organization.
Recent research reveals that yerba mate contains more than 190 chemical compounds, including:
- Alkaloids (caffeine, theobromine, theophylline)
- Polyphenols and flavonoids (antioxidants)
- Minerals, B vitamins, and amino acids
- Dietary fiber and even proteins of high biological value
These compounds help fight free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall well-being.
Studies also show that the compounds in yerba mate are absorbed in the intestine, which ensures that the benefits are actually utilized.
Today, yerba mate is used in various forms:
- Traditional teas or tea bags
- Blends with other herbs
- Energy and functional supplements
- Ingredient in capsules, foods, and industrialized beverages
In addition, its export grows year after year, driven by the appreciation of natural and clean label ingredients.
Ongoing research indicates that yerba mate can be used in feed for fish, poultry, pigs, and even pets. The compounds present help modulate cholesterol, improve the immune system, and even reduce odors—in addition to improving the taste of meat, as already recognized by countries such as Japan.
Yerba mate is much more than a traditional beverage. It is a plant rich in history, functionality, and potential for innovation in the food, supplement, and even pharmaceutical industries.
Would you like to learn about raw material options with quality, provenance, and certification?
We work with dry extracts, liquids, and leaves of different types and sizes, with organic certification and sustainable production.
Follow us on social media, on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Most Read
Archive
Triunfo do Brasil. All rights reserved
