Very traditional in the south and center-west of the country, as well as Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay, the yerba-mate originates from the South of the continent and has been used as an energy drink since before the times of American colonization, mainly by Guarani indians of the region where today is the capital of Paraguay, Asunción. The yerba-mate is well known for its energetic and stimulating power, but the plant’s properties are numerous. It helps in reducing the “bad cholesterol” (LDL) and increasing the “good” (HDL), in preventing heart disease, in metabolic balance and in digestion.
The dried extract of yerba-mate can be used in the beverage and food industry as herbal products, cosmetics and health care products.
