Coffee is an all-time favourite for that boost of energy. But what if it doesn’t come from an espresso bean and you get it from a plant? Indeed, there is one on planet Earth from the herb native to South America called Yerba Mate (pronounced as mah-the). Species of the holly genus Ilex native to South America, the stepped leaves, and twigs of indigenous Ilex Paraguariensis plant provide a super-beverage popular in America that tastes like herbal tea and hits you like a coffee but is technically neither of the two. Let us look at this herb and its health benefits.
Also Read: Linden Tea: What Makes This Exotic Tea Popular? Health Benefits Of This Healthy Beverage
Origin Of Yerba Mate
Dating back to the pre-Columbian era when the local Guaraní people in Paraguay discovered and started to aggressively cultivate the herb this wellness beverage is strong, bitter, and vegetal, with a taste like that of green tea, with hints of tobacco and oak. Yerba mate has the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the joy of chocolate as well. Isn’t that a great combination in one herb? Moreover, it is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B complex, manganese, potassium, and zinc, which are essential for overall health and well-being.
Health Benefits Of Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is renowned for its numerous health benefits. Here are some of them:
Boosts Energy And Mental Focus
Yerba mate contains caffeine, which can enhance energy levels and mental focus. However, it also contains other compounds like theobromine and theophylline, which can provide a smoother, longer-lasting energy boost compared to coffee.
Aids Weight Loss
Yerba mate may help with weight loss by boosting metabolism, increasing fat oxidation, and reducing appetite.
Supports Digestive Health
Yerba mate contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects in the digestive tract. The herb has been traditionally used as a digestive aid, helping to relieve constipation and promote regularity.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Drinking yerba mate may help lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It has saponins and certain anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties besides antioxidant properties that may also protect against cardiovascular damage.
Augments Physical Performance
The caffeine and other compounds in yerba mate can improve physical performance by increasing endurance, delaying fatigue, and enhancing muscle contractions.
Supports Immunity
With high levels of antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, the herb can protect your body from oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory compounds in yerba mate can strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.
Promotes Mental Well-Being
Yerba mate contains compounds called Xanthine. These compounds act as stimulants that may have mood-enhancing effects, potentially reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, its caffeine content can improve alertness and cognitive function.
Also Read: Sip On These Aromatic Herbal Teas For Digestive Health
How To Make A Wholesome Yerba Mate Beverage?
While the drink made from yerba mate is traditionally consumed from a container known as a gourd and sipped with a metal straw that has a filter to strain out the leaf fragments, you can follow these simple steps to the simplest method for many to prepare yerba mate and make a delicious mug of this super beverage every time!
Shop From Our Range Of Herbal Supplements
Yerba Tea Recipe
- Add 2 yerba a mate tea bags to a mug
- Moisten the tea bags with cold water
- Fill the mug with boiling water
- Steep the tea bag for about five to seven minutes and remove them
- The tea is ready
- You can add lime or honey to enhance flavour
A Word Of Caution: An excessive intake of caffeine can lead to negative health effects. Consult with your healthcare provider before adding the herb or its supplements.
References:
- Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Beverage: Nutraceutical Ingredient or Conveyor for the Intake of Medicinal Plants? Evidence from Paraguayan Folk Medicine
Monika Kujawska, Institute of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, University of Lodz, ul. Lindleya 3/5, 90-131 Lodz, Poland
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5872613/
2.https://www.yerbamatelab.com/product/yerba-mate-review-journal/
