Taken from the YMAA website (Yerba Mate Association of Americas)
What is the antioxidant power of yerba mate?
Antioxidants, like those in yerba mate, are natural molecules found in many plants. The antioxidants in yerba mate have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, as well as slow the aging process.
Yerba mate is naturally loaded with antioxidants:
Antioxidant Power*
Yerba Mate 5102
Black Tea 2947
Green Tea 2701
Will yerba mate help me lose weight?
Yerba mate receives a lot of press as a weight-loss tea. There are aspects of yerba maté that may aid in weight loss. These include raising metabolism, regulating appetite, and aiding in digestion. Yerba mate is considered to be “thermogenic”, which means that it actually induces the body to burn calories. Yerba mate also provides antioxidants, minerals, amino acids, and B vitamins for balanced, long-lasting stimulation
What are the health benefits of yerba mate?
Yerba mate contains a myriad of health benefits and a host of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants (polyphenols) and naturally occurring stimulants (theobromine and theophylline). For centuries, mate has been consumed as an ‘herbal tonic’ reputed to eliminate fatigue, aid with digestion, provide a stamina and immune system boost and generally stimulate the body and its functions.
Studies suggest it does not have caffeine, but rather what Argentineans called “matine.” When the Spanish first came to Argentina in the 1500s, Jesuit priests studied its use and not only found it was indeed a stimulant, but also a superb way to keep people from drinking alcohol. The priests promoted its use and it’s been a staple here since. It’s not uncommon to meet people today who swear by it, claiming it helps the digestive system and magically helps keep off weight.
The antioxidant content of yerba mate is greater than green tea, broccoli and orange juice. The vitamins and minerals in mate include: Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B-complex, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, manganese, phosphates, chlorophyll, hydrochloric acid, pantothenic acid and choline.
Is yerba mate a green tea?
Technically, no. Green and black teas are both derived from the tea plant, camelia sinensis. In contrast, Yerba maté comes from the leaves of the South American holly tree (Ilex paraguariensis). Because yerba maté shares many of the constituents that are found in green tea (antioxidants), it is sometimes called South America's version of green tea. A more accurate description for yerba maté would be a "caffeinated herbal tea" or a "tisane," the French word used to describe herbal infusions that are prepared and enjoyed like tea.
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