The 7 Health Benefits of Yerba Mate!

The benefits of yerba mate are diverse, as it has a large amount of essential nutrients for the general health of the body. Yerba mate has many health benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and improving health. It has antioxidant properties and helps with healthy weight loss. It also has antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties.

Yerba mate is a well – known non-alcoholic beverage widely consumed by people in South America. It is made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis tree, which is a native South American tree.

It is found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Yerba mate has been used by indigenous people since many centuries ago as a drink with medicinal properties. It is gaining popularity in Europe, United States and other countries because of its stimulating effect and health benefits.

Many studies have been carried out and the results suggest that yerba mate is beneficial in reducing the risk of various health problems. Many include yerba mate as an alternative to coffee and tea.

The mate tree is a subtropical plant that grows to a height of 18 m. It requires good precipitation and can withstand temperatures of -6 degrees Celsius. It flowers between October and November and produces fruit between March and June. The sheets go through several stages of processing that include bleaching, drying and aging of the sheets. Processing conditions may vary, but generally the overall process remains the same.

Nutritional Value of Yerba Mate: Yerba mate contains several nutrients that help in maintaining good health. It is a good source of polyphenols, xanthines, caffeoyl and saponins. In addition, it has minerals that contain zinc ,   chromium , potassium , copper , aluminum, iron , manganese and nickel. Yerba mate also contains vitamins that includeVitamin C , B1 and B2 . So, check out the 7 health benefits of yerba mate.

Yerba Mate Benefits For Antioxidant Properties: Consuming yerba mate provides antioxidant benefits to the body. It has many different phytochemicals such as polyphenols, chlorogenic acid and its caffeoyl derivatives that make it a beneficial antioxidant.

One study suggests that the extract present in yerba mate can reduce oxidative stress, which increases the risk of liver and heart damage. It also reduces nitrosative stress that can cause DNA damage, cell death and lipid peroxidation. Compared to yerba mate tea it is more effective in preventing cytotoxicity associated with blood flow restriction heart diseases such as stroke etc.

Yerba Mate Benefits For Cardiovascular Benefits: Yerba mate contains compounds, such as polyphenols, that may be beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Results of a research study suggest that yerba mate intake has a beneficial impact on lipid parameters and that it helps to reduce LDL cholesterol in people with hypercholesterolemia. Yerba mate consumptionprotects the myocardial tissue of the heart and also reduces oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can cause stroke etc.

Yerba Mate Benefits for Antimicrobial Properties: Results from a study conducted to determine the effects of the yerba mate on E. coli suggest that it has antimicrobial properties that may help prevent health risks caused by E. coli bacteria. Because of this, it has the potential to be used as antimicrobials in various beverages and foods against E. coli.

Yerba Mate Benefits For Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The flavonoids found in yerba mate can be beneficial in reducing inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties make yerba mate beneficial in reducing the risk of chronic disease and thus improving overall health.

Yerba Mate Benefits For Cancer Prevention: Yerba mate health benefitsinclude cancer prevention. Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the anti-cancer properties of yerba mate and the results suggest that it actually has the potential to protect the human body against cancer.

Yerba Mate Benefits For Diabetes: Yerba mate may be beneficial in reducing complications of hyperglycemia in diabetes. Hyperglycemia results in dicarbonyls that cause many diabetic complications. Yerba mate as an antioxidant plays a role in the glycation process that reduces the dicarbonyl action resulting from oxidation and hyperglycemia.

Benefits of Yerba Mate for Weight Control and Obesity: Yerba mate is considered to have a beneficial health effect in reducing obesity. This weight loss effect of yerba mate is attributed to increased fat oxidation, decreasing gastric emptying and increased feelings of satiety.

Yerba Mate – Side Effects:  Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been associated with increased cancer risk. It is important to make sure that the yerba mate during processing does not become contaminated by PAHs, as this can pose a risk of cancer in the oral cavity, esophagus and larynx. Consumption of yerba mate may not be safe for children as well as pregnant women. It can also be avoided by women during postpartum breastfeeding.

Yerba Mate Tea: How to prepare and select:  Traditional yerba mate is prepared by pouring hot water on dry leaves of Ilex paraguariensis in a calabash. This is repeated many times and then consumed over the gourd using a metal straw.

Yerba mate is readily available in stores around the world in the form of leaves or tea bags. A roasted version is also available in stores. It can be served as a hot or cold drink with milk or fruit juice.

Abstract:  Yerba mate has been consumed for many centuries due to its medicinal benefits. It is becoming more and more popular as a daily drink around the world. Yerba mate is most often available as a dry tea. But because of the growing popularity it may also be available as a supplement or a food additive. Yerba mate is full of health benefits and is safe for moderate daily dietary use.