Sol Mate Drink for Energy Seekers

17/10/06 Need a lift? Yerba mate, a centuries old South American drink and social custom is finding a new niche with today's health conscious energy seekers.

Pronounced MAH-tay, the brewed beverage has been used as a whole body tonic for generations throughout countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. "Native cultures have long enjoyed the mental lift and physical stimulation of yerba mate. This natural organic plant continues to be the national drink in many of these countries," says Billy Brown, an expert in sourcing South American botanicals and co-founder of the Sol Mate Beverage Group, Ltd.

Sol Mate was recently unveiled as a lightly carbonated drink that harnesses the natural uplifting properties of yerba mate. "This new organic craft-brewed beverage in clear glass bottles is a 'no-jitters' alternative to coffee, teas, sodas, and other energy drinks," Brown says.

"Yerba mate contains naturally occurring caffeine and theobromine (a xanthine alkaloid and known mood elevator commonly found in chocolate) which provides a more sustainable, longer lasting physical or mental lift than many of the new quick-fix energy drinks. And, the real value of yerba mate is in its high levels of antioxidants, nutrients and minerals - all great news for today's consumers," Brown says.

The traditional preparation begins with putting the dried leaves (yerba) into a hollowed out gourd (mate). The leaves are then slowly covered with hot water and allowed to steep. A hollow reed (bombilla) is used to sip and savor the tea. The tradition also entails passing the gourd around to friends as an occasion of social bonding or hospitality to guests.

"Like the ancient cultures, people today want the healthy energy of yerba mate. However, they may not have time to prepare it. Ready-to-drink Sol Mate brings the authentic natural lift of yerba mate to the morning coffee break, the afternoon pick-me-up, or whenever a physical or mental lift is needed," says Brown.