The Benefits of Yerba Maté

The Benefits of Yerba Maté

Ayman Mallick
7 minute read

Tea and coffee have been a staple in almost everyone’s routine. Then it slowly progressed into people wanting to find a healthier alternative. Green tea and matcha became the most popular choices (choosing between them is a whole other conversation!). Another alternative that is slowly gaining more popularity is the Yerba Maté. 

 

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If you want to know all about the benefits of Yerba Maté, read on to find out!

 

What is Yerba Maté?

Yerba Maté is derived from the dried leaves and twigs of the holly tree (Ilex paraguariensis) and is commonly steeped to make a traditional South American beverage. It is popular in countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil, where it is commonly consumed as a tea-like drink, either hot or cold. 

Maté is often sipped through a metal straw (bombilla) and shared among friends as a symbol of social bonding. It is known for its high caffeine content and unique flavour, described as a blend of green tea, coffee, and herbs. Maté is also believed to have various health benefits, including increased energy, improved mental alertness, and reduced appetite.

 

Why should we switch?

Many people are seeking healthier alternatives to tea and coffee due to the high levels of caffeine found in both drinks, which can cause negative side effects such as jitters, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. Additionally, excessive consumption of tea and coffee has been linked to a higher risk of certain health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and anxiety. As a result, people are looking for beverages that can provide the same level of energy and stimulation, but without the negative side effects and health risks.

 

What is it made of?

Yerba Maté is said to have very similar characteristics and benefits to coffee, tea, and even chocolate in some ways. You can find below some of the compounds present in the Maté -

 

Xanthine - These are the stimulant compounds. They include caffeine and theobromines which are also found in tea, coffee, and chocolate. 

 

Caffeoyl derivatives - They are the main health-promoting antioxidants found in Yerba Maté. 

 

Saponins - These are bitter compounds that have anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties. 

 

Polyphenols - These are a large group of antioxidants that work to reduce the risk of many diseases. 

 

Many of these compounds and their antioxidant properties may seem incredibly similar to that of green tea. 

 

Yerba Maté also comprises other micronutrients like -

  • Thiamine
  • Vitamin C
  • Riboflavin
  • Vitamin B6

 

As well as -

  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Phosphorus
  • Manganese
  • Iron
  • Magnesium

 

While it has so many nutrients and compounds, it is also to be noted that they are only present in small concentrations. This impacts the intensity of the effects of the Maté. 

 

What are the benefits of Yerba Maté?

As stated previously, Yerba Maté has a lot of benefits. Some of these are quite similar to those of tea, coffee, green tea, matcha, and more similar drinks. Each compound present in the Maté has different properties that work well together. Some of the amazing benefits that you can get from Yerba Maté include -

Caffeine Benefits

 

Caffeine itself has a ton of benefits in it. The caffeine content in the Maté (about 80g in every cup) is the same as coffee. It is a central nervous system stimulant that has several benefits, including - 

 

  1. Alertness: Caffeine helps improve alertness, focus, and concentration by blocking the action of a neurotransmitter called adenosine that makes you feel sleepy.
  2. Improved mood: Caffeine can increase feelings of happiness and well-being by boosting the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
  3. Enhanced physical performance: Caffeine has been shown to improve physical performance in activities that require endurance, such as running and cycling, by reducing fatigue and increasing alertness.
  4. Improved memory: Caffeine has been shown to improve short-term memory recall and may help with long-term memory formation.
  5. Reduced risk of certain diseases: Some studies have shown that moderate caffeine consumption may lower the risk of certain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver cancer.

However, it is important to note that excessive caffeine consumption can lead to negative side effects, such as anxiety, jitters, and sleep disturbance, and may interact with certain medications.

 

Yerba Maté has been shown to have the same benefits but with lesser “side effects” that coffee shows in our bodies. However, this has not been scientifically proven through studies.

 

Physical Performance 

Caffeine and other compounds also have a great effect on us physically. This may include reducing fatigue, improving muscle contractions, and improving physical abilities. 

 

Weight Management

 

The Yerba Maté’s compounds help increase the body’s reliance on burning fat to fuel energy. This results in your body getting rid of the fat in your body while giving you the energy boost you need. 

 

Health benefits 

 

The high concentration of antioxidants in Yerba Maté can have numerous positive effects on health. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and potentially reducing the risk of various diseases like -

  • Cancer, 
  • Cardiovascular disease,
  • Neurodegenerative disorders.  


Additionally, the antioxidants in Yerba Maté can help to improve overall health by - 

  • Boosting the immune system, 
  • Preventing cellular damage, 
  • Promoting healthy ageing. 

 

Furthermore, the polyphenols in Yerba Maté have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic inflammation and associated health problems. 

 

In summary, the high concentration of antioxidants in Yerba Maté can play an important role in maintaining good health and reducing the risk of various diseases.

 

Things to keep in mind 

 

While Yerba Maté has a lot of benefits, there are also certain things one must be careful with. The optimum quantity to be consumed has not been proven yet, but consumption in large quantities should be avoided. Drinking too much of it at high temperatures is not great for you and has been linked to many health issues. 

 

The Teami Way -

Teami has studied and understands the benefits of the Yerba Maté. We have used it as an ingredient for its antioxidant properties and other benefits. Our Teami Skinny has Yerba Maté as a featured ingredient that helps to naturally raise our energy levels. It provides the same daily boost needed to get out of the midday slump as coffee but without the jittery feelings and caffeine crash!



To conclude

In conclusion, Yerba Maté has numerous benefits for people. It is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it beneficial for maintaining good health. Yerba Maté also contains caffeine, which can provide a natural energy boost, its unique combination of compounds can help with weight loss, improve mental focus, and reduce stress levels. Additionally, it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower the risk of certain diseases. 

 

Overall, Yerba Maté can be considered a healthy beverage option that can bring numerous benefits to those who choose to drink it.



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