In the competitive world of professional sports, athletes constantly seek an edge to enhance their performance. Even minor adjustments to lifestyle, training routines, and diet can significantly impact results.
In recent years, Yerba Mate has gained considerable traction among footballers. This traditional drink, also reportedly enjoyed by the late Pope Francis, has spread from its origins in South America across the Atlantic to become popular in Europe.
Beyond its various health advantages, the preparation and consumption of mate is deeply rooted in social customs, often enjoyed collectively. But what exactly is this beverage? Let`s delve into what Yerba Mate is, which prominent footballers are fans, and how to prepare it.
Understanding Yerba Mate
Mate (pronounced mah-teh), or Yerba Mate, is a traditional hot beverage originating from South America. It is made by steeping dried and finely chopped leaves of the Yerba Mate plant.
Characterized by its distinctive bitter taste, it holds significant cultural importance and is widely consumed in countries like Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil, and also has a presence in Syria and Lebanon.
Sometimes referred to as chimarrão in Portuguese or cimarrón in Spanish, the drink`s history can be traced back to the indigenous Guarani and Tupi peoples of South America.
Traditionally, mate is a communal drink, shared among friends from a single container.
While commonly consumed hot, Yerba Mate can also be prepared and served as an iced tea.
Football Stars Who Drink Yerba Mate
Given its status as a traditional South American drink, it`s no surprise that many top players from countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay are regular drinkers.
Perhaps the most globally recognized enthusiast is eight-time Ballon d`Or winner, Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami forward is frequently seen in photographs and social media posts holding his mate gourd.
Messi`s teammate at Miami, Luis Suárez, is another well-known fan, as is fellow Argentine Sergio Agüero. Liverpool`s World Cup winner, Alexis Mac Allister, is also part of the Argentine contingent who enjoy the drink.
World Cup winners with France, Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba, have incorporated mate into their routines, alongside Brazilian superstar Neymar.
Former Argentina international Gonzalo Higuaín was featured enjoying mate in the Netflix series “First Team: Juventus” and has shared the drink with South American teammates like Douglas Costa and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Interestingly, the custom spread to England before the 2018 World Cup. Several Tottenham players introduced it to the national team setup. Eric Dier mentioned that the strong South American influence at the club at the time – including Erik Lamela, Juan Foyth, and manager Mauricio Pochettino – helped popularize the habit.
Since then, players like Dier, Danny Rose, and Dele Alli have included it in their diets. Dier notably commented in 2018, “At Tottenham quite a lot of the players have started drinking it… I am a bit addicted to it now.”
Health Benefits of Yerba Mate
The increasing popularity of mate among high-performance athletes is largely attributed to its associated health benefits. As a beverage rich in caffeine, it acts as a stimulant, similar to coffee or tea. It is believed to enhance focus, improve mood, and can even contribute to better sleep patterns for some individuals.
Due to the presence of polyphenol antioxidants, mate is also considered a beneficial addition to the diet for those managing their weight, drawing comparisons to green tea in this regard. The drink also supplies essential vitamins B and C, which are vital for metabolic processes and supporting the immune system, respectively.
Preparing Your Own Mate Tea
What You Will Need:
- Dried Yerba Mate leaves
- A gourd (or suitable cup)
- A bombilla (filtered straw)
- A thermos flask (to maintain hot water temperature)
Step-by-Step Preparation:
Preparing Yerba Mate is relatively simple, comparable to making other infused hot drinks.
It is traditionally served in a gourd, often made from a dried calabash squash, and consumed through a metal or bamboo straw known as a bombilla. The bombilla serves a dual purpose as both a straw and a filter, preventing the loose leaves from being ingested.
To prepare, fill the gourd about half to three-quarters full with the dried yerba leaves. Then, cover the top opening with your hand and give the gourd a good shake. This helps to settle the finer particles and stem pieces.
Next, place the bombilla into the gourd. Add a small amount of cold water first – this helps to moisten the leaves and protect them from the initial heat. Once the cold water has absorbed, carefully add hot (but not boiling) water. Fill the gourd, avoiding pouring directly onto the bombilla`s opening.
And voilà! Your mate is ready to be enjoyed. For those trying mate for the first time, the taste can be quite bitter. While purists may disapprove, you can add a little honey or sugar to sweeten it if desired.
Traditional gourds and bombillas can be quite decorative, with silver being a common material for older or more elaborate sets.
Note: This article provides general information. Consult with a health professional for personalized advice.
