Yerba mate tea is made from the leaves of a holly tree native to the South American Atlantic rainforest. It’s harvested by cultivators (known as yerbateros) from small farms and indigenous communities in Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. After the yerba mate leaves have been dried and ground up, they’re traditionally steeped in hot water inside of a gourd. The tea has been enjoyed in South America for many centuries, and for good reason. Yerba mate packs a deliciously strong, earthy, complex flavor that many describe as euphoric. And according to registered dietitian Keri Glassman, yerba mate is also a rich source of powerful antioxidants (even more than green tea!) and packed with B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, potassium, and manganese. Here are a few more reasons Glassman says we should all be partaking. RELATED: 7 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Eat Every Day for Long-Term Health and Happiness RELATED: 11 Easy Iced Tea Upgrades You’ll Want to Sip All Summer Long
