What is the main ingredient in yerba mate?
This South American herb was first cultivated and consumed by the indigenous Guaraní. It was a staple for agriculture and nomadic lifestyles. Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a plant used to make the beverage called mate. It was originally used by Guaraní—ancient people who occupied parts of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina.
The mate herb is generally not consumed as a sole ingredient. It‘s often described as a beverage with the energy kick of coffee, healing components of herbal tea and joy of chocolate. It contains caffeine, theophylline and theobromine, the stimulants also found in coffee, tea and chocolate. Each infusion contains vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, niacin, B5, B complex and the minerals calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus.
The herb keeps your heart healthy with antioxidants that also protect against heart disease, a unique benefit.
It increases the body’s dependence on fat for energy during exercise. It has as many antioxidants as green tea. The caffeine content makes it a natural energy drink, improving alertness, mental focus, and wakefulness.
After being dried, ground and packed the leaves can be easily purchased. The tea is the most popular beverage in Argentina, surpassing coffee and tea.
What does yerba mate do to your body?
The leaves contain caffeine, theobromine, vitamins, and antioxidants which can increase energy, improve mental focus, and provide nutrients with less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. It can boost energy and physical performance with more nutrients than coffee.
Some research found compounds that could treat colon cancer cells. Other potential benefits are lowering blood pressure and blood sugar, boosting immunity, and protecting the heart and liver.
The flavor is strong, herby, bitter, or nutty. It’s an acquired taste that’s often sweetened or flavored with lemon. The tea is popular in South America. Moderate consumption has few risks but the caffeine could negatively affect blood sugar control for diabetics.
Overall, it is a healthy beverage offering mental and physical benefits beyond tea or coffee. With a unique flavor profile, it is worth trying if you want an antioxidant nutrient boost alongside energy.
What is the stimulant in yerba mate?
It contains caffeine, theophylline and theobromine which stimulate dopamine production, the body’s "feel good" neurotransmitter. It provides mental function benefits like improved mood, memory, focus and concentration while reducing fatigue.
It has a diuretic effect helping eliminate toxins and purify the body. It also contains antioxidants and acids with anti-inflammatory and cholesterol reducing properties providing neuroprotection.
The cancer warnings refer to very large daily amounts over long periods combined with smoking, poor diet and oral hygiene. Moderate consumption is reasonably safe.
It can be made traditionally or in tea bags with more nutrients than coffee or tea. Side effects can include stomach upset, anxiety and insomnia.
Is yerba mate psychoactive?
It is a traditional South American brew containing caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline providing an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties regulating the body’s systems. The increased alertness and energy felt by consuming it is caused by stimulation of the nervous system. For some people with hypertension or heart disease, caffeinated drinks may cause complications. Further research is necessary regarding cancer development. It contains compounds that prevent oxidative damage and modulate antioxidant enzymes.