Effect of yerba mate on the body

Yerba mate is an infusion that has a wealth of nutrients – essential minerals and vitamins. It also contains antioxidants that are valuable for health. This is what makes it such a drink rich in health properties. Find out if yerba mate is worth drinking, what effect it has on the body and what effects you can expect.

Summary:

1. What is in yerba mate?
2. What are the effects of yerba mate?
3. Yerba mate, digestive system and metabolism
4. Yerba mate and potency
5. Yerba mate and the heart
6. Who should not drink yerba mate?
7. Mate tea good for everything

What is in yerba mate?

A brief reminder of what yerba mate is. It is an infusion made from the dried and crushed leaves and twigs of Ilex paraguariensis, a plant that is only found in South America, on the border of four countries: Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The brew has a rather intense, herbal flavour and, depending on the production method, smoky notes may appear in its taste and aroma. Yerba mate is primarily known for its stimulating effect. It contains a large dose of natural caffeine, thus alleviating mental fatigue and having a positive effect on concentration and memory. It also contains an abundance of vitamins, these include:

• vitamin A, which is very good for vision and the eyes,
• vitamin C, which influences blood cell count and the immune system,
• vitamin E, which is responsible for the circulatory system and the exchange of substances at cellular level,
• vitamin B1, which influences nerve function and digestion,
• vitamin B2 for good eye and hair condition.

That's not all. Apart from vitamins, yerba mate also contains a lot of minerals valuable for the proper functioning of the human body, such as zinc (has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties), potassium (affects the functioning of the nervous system), phosphorus and calcium (affect, among others, the functioning of bones and muscles), silicon (responsible for the condition of the skin, hair and nails) and magnesium (its deficiency manifests itself in the weakening of the body). It is also appreciated by many thanks to its high content of polyphenols – antioxidants which are responsible for delaying the cellular ageing process.

What are the effects of yerba mate?

As we have already mentioned, the most important property of yerba mate, which has made it famous in South America and is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world, is its stimulating effect. The stimulation provided by each sip of the brew is not the only property of mate. In fact, it has an effect on the entire body:

• stimulates and improves concentration,
• eliminates the feeling of fatigue,
• nourishes and strengthens the body,
• reduces the feeling of hunger,
• cleanses the body of toxins,
• supports the digestive system,
• regulates blood pressure,
• relaxes and relieves stress.

Yerba mate, digestive system and metabolism

Yerba mate has an excellent effect on the functioning of the digestive system, resulting in the popular belief that it helps in the fight against excess weight. It improves intestinal peristalsis, stimulates gastric juice secretion and alleviates discomfort related to the digestive process. Yerba mate contains biotin, which in turn is responsible for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the synthesis of fatty acids. Yerba mate also has a good effect on liver function. It prevents fattying of this organ and also cleanses the body of toxins – above all harmful heavy metals, which place a significant burden on the liver. The cleansing effect is due to the diuretic properties of yerba mate, which are influenced by the saponins contained in it. Mate tea enhances kidney function. Improved removal of harmful substances from the body, in turn, increases metabolism, which contributes significantly to maintaining a slim figure. Yerba mate speeds up the metabolism and improves digestion. It helps to burn calories faster during exercise. The best effects are visible after about 45 days of regular drinking of the infusion. In addition, yerba mate causes a feeling of satiety – it reduces the feeling of hunger, so we snack less. Although yerba mate itself does not slim down, regular drinking of the infusion, combined with a suitable diet and exercise, can contribute to weight loss.

Yerba mate and potency

Some believe that yerba mate is a natural aphrodisiac, that improves fertility in both men and women. Yerba mate and fertility – does the South American brew really have a use in this regard? Health and well-being are the basis for a successful sexual life and mate tea has a positive effect on the whole body. The South American drink stimulates and invigorates the body, adding energy, which is an integral part of lovemaking. A prerequisite for a feeling of satisfaction and successful sexual experience is also mental wellbeing. Yerba mate relaxes and puts you in a good mood. By itself, yerba mate does not increase sexual performance. And does it affect sperm count or increase fertility? This has not been scientifically proven, but no less, increased energy, a better mood and, consequently, increased physical activity in bed can contribute to a significant improvement in libido.

Yerba mate and the heart

Yerba mate has a protective effect on the heart and circulatory system. It lowers cholesterol levels, has an anti-atherosclerotic effect and reduces the risk of heart disease. By lowering cholesterol, space in the blood vessels is increased and this results in more efficient blood flow and lower blood pressure. The theophylline and theobromine contained in mate tea dilate the blood vessels, regulating the stimulating effect of caffeine. Yerba mate regulates blood pressure levels, and optimal blood pressure is the key to a healthy heart. Mate also has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. By hight content of antioxidants, it neutralises free radicals, which helps lower the risk of cancer, liver disease or cardiovascular disease. In addition, it helps fight rheumatism and increases physical fitness. It has a very positive effect on improving mood, thus helping to combat depression. Yerba mate also adds energy, which allows you to feel much better.

Who should not drink yerba mate?

Due to the high amount of caffeine contained in yerba mate, pregnant women should not drink it. Breastfeeding mothers should also refrain from drinking mate during this special time. Caffeine can cause irritability and sleep problems in children, so yerba mate should not be given to toddlers. Although the ingredients in mate are good for the heart and circulatory system, people who have heart issues should consult their doctor whether drinking any energy drink is advisable for them.

Mate tea good for everything

Drinking yerba mate can bring many benefits. First and foremost, those that have a positive impact on our health and well-being. Apart from that, drinking this delicious beverage itself is very pleasant and tasty. And that's not all... Try it for yourself and find out what else yerba mate can do!

Source of information:

1. Wikipedia: Mate.
2. C. I. Heck, E. G. De Mejia, Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): A Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Health Implications, and Technological Considerations, Journal of Food Science, 2007.