Twelve Health Benefits of Yerba Mate
Photo by pulguita
Yerba mate is made by infusing the dry leaves in hot water, much like making tea. It has a very interesting and unique flavor, rather like grass or hay. Some people compare it to green tea and others say it tastes like herbal. Regardless, unlike other beverages it doesn’t become bitter if it’s steeped too long.
But why drink this unique beverage? Let’s take a look at twelve yerba mate health benefits.
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Caffeine
Yerba mate contains caffeine, a known stimulant. This can be just the ticket to help you maintain focus throughout the day.
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Weight loss
Yerba mate has also been said to increase metabolism and suppress appetite. This is likely due to the caffeine.
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Vitamins and minerals
Yerba mate contains B vitamins, which are good for the skin and for managing stress. It also contains various minerals and fifteen amino acids.
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Antioxidants
One of the major benefits of yerba mate is that it’s a great source of antioxidants. It contains eleven polyphenols, which can help prevent cancer and help protect against cellular destruction.
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Gentle on your stomach
Unlike coffee, yerba mate is much easier on your stomach lining and gastrointestinal system.
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Diuretic
Yerba mate is also said to be a diuretic, a gentle one, which means it helps reduce your body’s retention of fluids.
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Digestion and elimination
Some believe that yerba mate improves digestion, softens stools and stimulates your intestines to eliminate, thus avoiding constipation.
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Diabetes
Yerba mate has been shown to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products, which is thought to play a role in the development of complications from diabetes.
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Cholesterol
A study has been conducted which showed LDL oxidation is inhibited by ingredients in yerba mate.
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Allergies
Yerba mate has been shown to reduce the severity of some allergies, particularly pollen allergies, by stimulating your adrenal glands to suppress inflammation.
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Immune Booster
The phytochemicals in yerba mate, called saponins, along with the antioxidants are said to help your body fight disease and strengthen your immune system.
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Beat Bad Breath
The polyphenols in yerba mate have been shown to prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth, which is often the cause for bad breath.
While yerba mate has been consumed in other countries for centuries, it’s only recently made its way into North America and into traditional supermarkets and grocery stores. If you’re looking for a hot beverage without the side effects of coffee and perhaps with a different taste than tea, consider yerba mate.
