SICK OF WATER? How bout the drink of the gods?

**JOE213** · 03-19-2003, 11:00 PM

Just thought I'd post some info on a Drink called YERBA MATE. It's known i South America as the drink of the gods.
It's much like green tea but has tons of vitamins, minerals,and antioxidants. It even gives you a buzz if you make it strong enough (very mellow though).I buy it at a local health food store in bulk so it only cost about 7-8 cents a cup. Sorry if this ends up being really long but this is the most informative site but the link to it is wierd and wouldnt send you right to this page so I cut and pasted it. Enjoy!

Yerba Mat�, or Mat� as it is often called, is a South American herb that has won many admirers in wide-ranging parts of the world. In the search for a natural stimulant devoid of side effects and toxicity, Mat� currently holds the most hope. An invigorator of the mind and body, a natural source of nutrition, and a health promoter par excellence, Mat� deserves the attention of every person interested in optimum health. Yerba Mat� was introduced to colonising and modern civilisations by the primitive Guarani Indians of Paraguay and Argentina. It has seemingly always been the most common ingredient in household cures of the Guarani. In modern Argentina and Paraguay, however, Mat� tea has become almost pathologically ritualised in a manner reminiscent of coffee and tea abuse in Western and Eastern countries. Among the native Guarani, on the other hand, the natural use of Mat� for healthful purposes has persisted. They use it to boost immunity, cleanse and detoxify the blood, tone the nervous system, restore youthful hair colour, retard ageing, combat fatigue, stimulate the mind, control the appetite, reduce the effects of debilitating disease, reduce stress, and eliminate insomnia.
Mat� (flex paraguariensis) is an evergreen member of the holly family. It grows wild in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Brazil, but is most abundant in Paraguay where it is also cultivated. The plant is classified vaguely, according to Western herbal medicine, as aromatic, stimulant, bitter, aperient (laxative), astringent, diuretic, purgative, sudorific (sweat inducing), and febrifuge (fever reducing). Mat� contains numerous vitamins and minerals. There is the usual array of resins, fibre, volatile oil, and tannins that characterise many plant substances. And there is also carotene; vitamins A. C, E, B-1, B-2 and B-complex; riboflavin; nicotinic acid; pantothenic acid; biotin; magnesium; calcium; iron; sodium; potassium; manganese; silicon; phosphates; sulphur; hydrochloric acid; chlorophyll; choline; and inositol. In 1964 one group of investigators from the Pasteur Institute and the Paris Scientific Society concluded that Mat� contains practically all of the vitamins necessary to sustain life.

In addition to the regular nutrients, Mat� contains a substance belonging to a specialised class of chemical compounds called xanthines. Though only small amounts of these substances occur in Mat�, their presence has generated a huge amount of attention. The primary xanthine in Yerba Mat� is called mat�ine. The substance probably contributes little, if anything, to the overall activity of the plant, but has drawn a disproportionate share of speculation. Some xanthines are obviously less desirable, such as caffeine. Others, such as theophylline and theobromine, have specialised action and a characteristic set of side effects. Although the xanthines have similar chemistries, each has a unique set of properties. Researchers at the Free Hygienic Institute of Hamburg, Germany, concluded that even if there were caffeine in Mat�, the amount would be so tiny that it would take 100 tea bags of Mat� in a 6-ounce cup of water to equal the caffeine in a 6-ounce serving of regular coffee. Consequently, the active principle in Yerba Mat� is not caffeine!

There is only one effect that seems to be shared by all xanthines: smooth muscle relaxation. It is this action that makes them (with the exception of caffeine, in which smooth muscle relaxant effects are diminished by other side effects) good clinical dilators of the bronchi and hence useful in the treatment of asthma. mat�ine appears, then, to possess the best combination of xanthine properties possible. For example, like other xanthines, it stimulates the central nervous system; but unlike most, it is not habituating or addicting. Likewise, unlike caffeine, it induces better, not worse, attributes of sleep. It is a mild, not a strong, diuretic, as are many xanthines. It relaxes peripheral blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure, without the strong effects on the medulla oblongata (end part of the brain connecting to the spine) and heart exhibited by some xanthines. We also know that it improves psychomotor performance without the typical xanthine-induced depressant after effects. Dr. Jose Martin, Director of the National Institute of Technology in Paraguay, writes, "New research and better technology have shown that while mat�ine has a chemical constituency similar to caffeine, the molecular binding is different. mat�ine has none of the ill effects of caffeine." And Horacio Conesa, professor at the University of Buenos Aires Medical School, states, "There is not a single medical contraindication" for ingesting Mat�. Clinical studies show, in fact, that even individuals with caffeine sensitivities can ingest Mat� without adverse reactions.

GASTROINTESTINAL PROPERTIES

Perhaps the main area to benefit from Mat� is the gastrointestinal tract. Reported effects range from immediate improvement in digestion to the ability to repair damaged and diseased gastrointestinal tissues. Constipation, acute or chronic, can easily be overcome through the use of Mat�. Mat� appears to work mainly by softening the faecal mass, but it also appears to stimulate normal movement of the intestines to some degree.

EFFECTS ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Better than any other xanthine alkaloid, Mat� has the ability to increase mental alertness and acuity and to do it without any side effects such as nervousness and jitters. It seems to act like a tonic, stimulating a weakened and depressed nervous system and sedating an overexcited one. Our knowledge of Mat�'s effects is currently limited to observations of behaviour changes such as more energy and vitality; better ability to concentrate; less nervousness, agitation, and anxiety; and increased resistance to both physical and mental fatigue. Improvement in mood, especially in cases of depression, often follows drinking the tea. This may be a direct or indirect result of increased energy. One of the remarkable aspects of Mat� is that it does not interfere with sleep cycles; in fact, it has a tendency to balance the cycles, inducing more rapid eye movement (REM) sleep when necessary, or increasing the amount of time spent in delta states (deep sleep).

CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS

Heart Ailments of all kinds have been treated or prevented through Yerba Mat� use. Yerba Mat� supplies many of the nutrients required by the heart for growth and repair. In addition, it increases the supply of oxygen to the heart, especially during periods of stress or exercise. Mat� has become a favourite of body builders and anyone interested in the health benefits of exercise. The metabolic effects of Mat� appear to include the ability to maintain aerobic glycolysis (breakdown of carbohydrates) during exercise for longer periods of time. This results in burning more calories, increasing cardiac efficiency, and delaying anaerobic glycolysis and the resulting build-up of lactic acid during exercise. Reports of Mat� reducing blood pressure are not uncommon.

EFFECTS ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

A consistent observation in most South American literature on Mat� is that it increases the immune response of the body, stimulating natural resistance to disease. This results in a nourishing and strengthening effect on the ill person, both during the course of the illness and during convalescence, sometimes dramatically accelerating recovery times. Exact mechanisms of Mat�'s action have not been worked out, but they involve both a direct action against infectious organisms, and an effect on overall resistance to disease. The nutritional content of the plant probably plays a major role here, but it is also probable that other constituents contribute to the action by stimulating the activity of white blood cells.

NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES

The interaction of the many nutrients in Mat� have never been systematically studied. But the stories surrounding the nutritional application of Mat� tea are nothing short of amazing. Mat� is often used as a staple food, sometimes substituting for such important foods as bread and vegetables. It easily eliminates the sensation of hunger and can impart as much invigoration as a full meal, according to the well-known Chilean herbalists J. Zin and R. Weiss. Peace Corps workers have reported cases in which large groups of natives remain in good health for extended periods of drought and famine, even though they eat only one small meal per day. How so? By drinking copious amounts of Yerba Mat� tea. Some natives spend their entire lives on such a diet and live to very advanced ages, sometimes in excess of 100 years. South American governments have adopted the practice of encouraging mothers, especially in the poorer regions, to include Yerba Mat� in the diet of their school-age children.

**Mummer43** · 03-20-2003, 11:25 AM

I thought Yuengling was the drink of the Gods.

**Original Poster** · 03-20-2003, 12:13 PM

I'm not sure about the "drink of the gods" you speak of........
But I do know that my PW shake is a "Drink for a GOD". LOL

**JOE213** · 03-20-2003, 01:02 PM

What's Yuengling?

haha yes i think a good PW shake is definelty the drink of the muscle gods.

Well i love coffee, but when i got serious about lifting i gave it up, I love soda pop, but i gave it up (although i do have a diet soda every now and then), I even gave up black tea which i love, and I only drink alcohol once a week and not very much of it (that's the best i can do ok I'm irish : )

So in Yerba Mate I found a drink that doesn't contain cafeine, but wakes you up and gives you energy and but also tastes good (especially with some no calorie sweetener). not to mention it has more antioxidants per volume then any type of fruit or vegetable juice. PLus it very inexpensive. You just need to buy a tea strainer which is a few bucks.

I guess lots of bodybuilders drink it already but i didn't hear about it until i talked to some of my Hippy friends. Neways just wanted to share some info on it with everyone. Hope you likeit as much as i do.

**Mummer43** · 03-20-2003, 01:30 PM

www.yuengling.com

**lucas3794** · 03-21-2003, 09:20 PM

Hi, im from argentina so i drink mate all the time, it tastes great and its very good for your health but it does contain caffeine, not much.

**musmar** · 03-21-2003, 11:26 PM

Big post! Yikes! Very good info though on this "drink of the Gods".

**97LT1** · 03-22-2003, 05:17 AM

Originally posted by lucas3794
Hi, im from argentina so i drink mate all the time, it tastes great and its very good for your health but it does contain caffeine, not much.

Cool buddy. Good to have "direct user results"

I love water. Since it seems that it goes better with so many of the supplements i take. I drink about 12 ozs of orange juice and 12 of apple juice per day. The rest is water.

Right now i'm up to about 2 gallons a day........yes, i go to the bathroom every 12 minutes or so.

**wannagetbig** · 03-22-2003, 06:17 AM

Mummer I can tell you're a PA boy such as myself!! I plan on pumping a few 12 oz'ers tonight.

**Moss** · 06-13-2003, 08:37 AM

Question (s) about Yerba Mate. How much of it do you drink a day? Is this something a person might "stack" with a Creatine, or would it be something a person might use in it's place (off cycle or both)?

Part of my question is based on the following:

"Mat� has become a favourite of body builders and anyone interested in the health benefits of exercise. The metabolic effects of Mat� appear to include the ability to maintain aerobic glycolysis (breakdown of carbohydrates) during exercise for longer periods of time. This results in burning more calories, increasing cardiac efficiency, and delaying anaerobic glycolysis and the resulting build-up of lactic acid during exercise. Reports of Mat� reducing blood pressure are not uncommon. "

**stealth114** · 06-14-2003, 09:18 AM

Interesting drink but I love water.

If you keep a jug in the fridge and you get used to it. Try going a few hours without drinking and it sure cries out for some if you drink 1-2 gallons per day like myself. If you are on keto, your body will take up water like a sponge. Most other drinks simply dont quench thirst as well as the real thing. Water does make protein shakes etc taste great.
If you get fed up, start drinking your water in a long glass with an orange or lemon lsice to make it seem more apetising.. Just my small suggestion..

**EL37** · 06-01-2009, 06:18 AM

According to ancient mythology "ambrosia" was the drink of the gods, but my opinion is that scotch is more so.

**Jill75** · 06-01-2009, 06:43 AM

Nice one but our body still needs the required water in our body to replenish the lost ones when we perspire or pee or other things. Just like some drink tea but you also need to take water somehow. But nice post and info about it.

**iothar** · 06-01-2009, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by EL37

According to ancient mythology "ambrosia" was the drink of the gods, but my opinion is that scotch is more so.

What 19 year old drinks scotch...

You drinking with Clint Eastwood?

Go out and live a little... Monster bombs, TONS AND TONS OF BEER, Cheap everything.

**machx** · 06-01-2009, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by iothar

What 19 year old drinks scotch...

You drinking with Clint Eastwood?

Go out and live a little... Monster bombs, TONS AND TONS OF BEER, Cheap everything.

a smart one.

Scotch > ALL

**iothar** · 06-01-2009, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by machx

a smart one.

Scotch > ALL

So when a 19 year old goes out partying and whips out his bottle of scotch all the 19 year old girls go wild for it and want some.

**EL37** · 06-09-2009, 04:03 AM

Originally Posted by iothar

So when a 19 year old goes out partying and whips out his bottle of scotch all the 19 year old girls go wild for it and want some.

Drinking age is 18 here so it is not such a novelty for me, I like scotch best though

. I have seen "black absinthe" around but never really got around to trying it, anyone know if it is any different than the regular?

**double gonad** · 06-09-2009, 06:13 AM

I would drink it if it didn't taste like hay.

**EL37** · 07-13-2009, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by double gonad

I would drink it if it didn't taste like hay.

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

**Macnatty** · 07-13-2009, 02:26 AM

Good scotch is bomb.

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SICK OF WATER? How bout the drink of the gods?

Hey Joe213

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