You may not have heard much about yerba mate (pronounced “mah tay”). I heard about this a few years ago while he was researching the ingredients of a popular protein drink. And yet I learned that Yerba Mate is not a new discovery. In fact, native South Americans have used it since at least the early 16th century.
In addition to being a popular drink throughout South America, it is also considered an herbal medicine most often used as a stimulant to increase stamina, reduce fatigue, suppress hunger, and help with digestion. Here in America, yerba mate is often marketed as an energy-boosting diet/detox tea. It is also an ingredient that you will find in many diet pills or tonics that you see on the market today.
As a tea, it can be served cold as a refreshing iced tea drink or brewed strong and drunk hot. You can even add cream or milk for what I like to call my “Mate Latte”. Either way, drinking it as a hot or cold tea provides your body with plenty of healthy antioxidants and a safe energy boost.
When I drink it, I generally find that I get a more sustained energy boost than coffee, without the crash or jitters or stomach issues I get after drinking coffee. Many people report that drinking Yerba Mate produces a general feeling of alertness, but still being able to fall asleep normally.
Yerba mate is much less studied than its close cousin green tea, but some scientific research has been done and even published in recent years. Throughout these studies, it shows that it appears to be far above the benefits of green tea. It appears to have 196 active compounds, while the active compounds found in green tea are only 144.
Yerba Mate contains xanthines. Xanthines are chemicals that can increase your metabolic rate by up to 10% and are rich in pantothenic acid, which prevents overstimulation of the nervous system. It has been found to be a powerful antioxidant and even a fighter against oral cancer.
Other research confirms the polyphenol activity found in this tea, and it is highly recommended as a general cleansing drink. Several small studies have found that it helps with weight loss. Most research concludes that the use of 500 to 1,500 mg of Yerba Mate daily in supplement form is effective for weight loss. But the scientists also say more research is needed.
Yerba Mate is for those who live a fast-paced life and for those of us who just need a little extra healthy energy from time to time. Everyone could benefit from the antioxidant activity found in it, as well as the thermogenic benefits. Yerba mate is not very expensive and can be found online or in most health food stores.