Habits of consumption of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in a population of the Departamento Central, Paraguay (2022)

Abstract

Introduction: yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) constitutes a native food resource, forming part of the food tradition and culture of Paraguay. However, there are few local studies on the consumption habits and preferences of Paraguayans. Objective: to describe the consumption habits of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in the Departamento Central in 2022. Methodology: descriptive, cross-sectional study, with primary data, carried out in the Departamento Central of Paraguay. Non-probability cluster sampling. Self-developed instrument, designed as a digital survey on the Google Form® platform (USA). The variables were grouped into demographic data, related to the consumption of mate, tereré and cocido, processed in Microsoft Excel® (USA) and EPI INFO® 7.0 (USA). Results: people participated was 207, the majority were between 18 and 40 years old, female (83.22 %, 119), single, university students. The most frequent consumption was mate + tereré + cooked (43.96 %, 91) and tereré + cooked (14.01 %, 29). All respondents received more than two minimum wages, and were full-time workers. 81.64 % (169) consumed tereré, 69.08 % (143) consumed mate, 80.23 % (138) cooked. The most consumed type of herb was “composed with medicinal herbs”, with an average of 1.5 Liters per day. Conclusion: the most consumed forms are tereré, cooked and mate, the type of yerba is the one composed with the addition of medicinal herbs. It is suggested to carry out larger population studies on the consumption of yerba mate-based drinks in Paraguay, as well as expand studies on the possible interactions and safety between yerba mate and medicinal herbs.