Yes, that’s correct. All these famous personalities might have different professions and lifestyles, but they all drink Yerba Mate. It is because Mate has something for everyone, be it the best footballer in the world, Lionel Messi, or the Former POTUS, Barack Obama.
The tea-like beverage made from the dried leaves of the Yerba Mate plant is loaded with vital minerals and vitamins. Scientifically known as Ilex paraguariensis, the plant is peculiar to parts of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Tea has deep cultural significance in those parts of the world but with it being consumed by top celebrities it is slowly coming to urban households all over the world.
Athletes
Athletes need to follow strict regimes and diets to perform at the best level. For them, every minute addition to their daily lifestyle can cause a huge impact on the field and eventually the game's outcome. One of these minute details they have incorporated into their lifestyle, but has gone unnoticed, is their drinking Yerba Mate.
You must have seen footballers on social media stepping off a bus or inspecting the pitch with a calabash gourd in their hands and a thermos flask under their arm. Yes, that’s them drinking Yerba Mate. Not just Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo but most of the most successful footballers love Yerba Mate. But why? Why do all the best footballers in the world want to drink this powerful herb before and after a game?
Energy Boost
Yerba Mate contains a moderate amount of Caffeine, known to enhance energy levels. Yerba Mate contains the compounds Theobromine and Theophylline which work together to give a naturally occurring stimulant, which has a smoother, longer-lasting energy effect than caffeine. This is ideal for footballers, who have to maintain high energy levels for at least 90 minutes when playing a match.
Muscle Recovery
A study also demonstrated the potential effects of Yerba Mate on reducing muscle fatigue and a faster recovery time between exercises. This is because mate slows down the process of releasing lactic acid in the body. Lactic acid is often experienced during or following a rigorous exercise. Lactic acid is often the result of normal metabolism. Oxygen in the blood is required to convert glucose into energy. Whenever there is insufficient oxygen, the body breaks down glucose without oxygen, resulting in lactic acid. A buildup of lactic acid can make muscles feel sore or tired. Regular Yerba Mate consumption also helps keep lactic acid from building up in your muscles so you can decrease post-workout soreness and cut your recovery time.
Symbol of Bonding
Yerba Mate is the symbol of togetherness, especially in Latin America. It is usually shared amongst friends, where one person makes the drink, tastes it, and passes it on. This tradition has entered the locker room of many top clubs, especially due to South American influence. This beautiful culture has harnessed better team bonding and chemistry and thus you will see players usually enjoying in groups with one gourd being passed around.
Yerba Mate has something for everyone!
Apart from top athletes, you might have seen the likes of Obama, Pope Francis, James Hetfield, and many more sip on Yerba Mate. One of the major reasons it has been incorporated into their lifestyle is because the ceremonial drink has formed a deep relationship with them. Rightly referred to as the "God's Drink". Yerba Mate drinkers, Materos, have this aura around them that is tough to encapsulate in words. The polyphenols and the Xanthines combine to create such a powerful drink, the effect is profound. Once a part of your lifestyle, you will notice that it increases mental focus and alertness. Yerba Mate is an exceptional energy source, which stimulates neurons and promotes brain activity, conscious awareness, memory, and reasoning. Theobromine and theophylline, these alkaloids have relaxing effects which help regulate all body systems and can minimize stress levels. And by stressing less, you’re clearing your mind, which means you can up your focus and get work done. The minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, and polyphenols found in this beverage balance the caffeine it contains. So, it seems that Yerba Mate’s restorative effect on the mind and body is superior to other drinks containing caffeine; as it has a double effect that is both stimulating and relaxing at the same time. Drinking mate throughout the day can be energizing and stimulating but also calming.
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