Maté is an herbal drink made from the yerba mate plant, which grows in South America. Compared to tea, dry maté is used in much greater proportion to the amount of water, and instead of using boiling water for steeping, the water used is cooler, around 80º.
Maté contains caffeine and two other methylxanthines, but the combined effect is said to be relaxing rather than stimulating. Yerba mate has been said in some cases to be helpful in weight management when consumed without added sugar. Maté drinks are also recommended to be drunk after meals, as they also maintain a feeling of being full and the antioxidants they contain support the overall well-being of the body.