Health Benefits Of Yerba Mate

Medically reviewed by Kira Brown, MD

Yerba mate, or Paraguayan tea, is a type of herbal tea made from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, native to South America. In Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil, it is often used as a drink and as an alternative medicine.

Unlike most herbal teas, mate contains caffeine. Its potential health benefits include antioxidants and energy boosters. However, some studies have shown that consuming large amounts of yerba mate may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Read on to learn more about the potential health benefits of yerba mate, as well as the health risks associated with it and how to use it safely.

It can help boost your energy levels

Yerba mate contains phytochemicals, naturally occurring compounds produced by plants known as methylxanthines. These include caffeine and theobromine, both of which have stimulant and bronchodilator effects. A cup of mate tea contains as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.

Like coffee and other caffeinated foods and beverages, yerba mate can boost your mood and energy levels, reduce fatigue, improve memory and cognitive function, and prevent headaches. It also helps improve metabolism, which helps control weight.

This can reduce inflammation.

Besides providing energy, Irba Mate is a good source of polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

Antioxidants reduce the amount of free radicals in the body, preventing the effects of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a process that makes it difficult for cells to regenerate. This can lead to inflammation, organ damage, and other health problems.

Yerba mate's strong antioxidant properties may be why the tea is used as a natural medicine in many parts of the world.

It can help increase bone strength

There is preliminary evidence that yerba mate tea may help prevent osteoporosis. In one study, women who drank yarrow tea regularly had higher bone density in the neck and spine. However, more research is needed to determine exactly whether consuming yerba mate can help increase bone density.

It can improve heart health

Some studies show that tea has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. This is because it contains natural plant compounds known as saponins, which are known to lower cholesterol and blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Both high cholesterol and high blood sugar can affect your risk of heart disease.

Specifically, drinking tea can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, sometimes called "bad" cholesterol, and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, sometimes called "good" cholesterol.

It can improve physical activity

Yerba mate tea can help improve a number of physical activities, including endurance, perceived strength, and speed.

A 2018 study found that cyclists who drank yerba mate tea had higher lung capacity, adrenaline levels and more energy during exercise.

The Dangers of Eating Yerba Mate

Some studies have shown that long-term consumption of large amounts of fresh yerba mate tea may increase the risk of developing the following types of cancer:

This may be due to exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, these risks were only seen in people who drank more than the average amount of alcohol (ie, more than a liter or 4-8 glasses or more per day).

Because yerba mate contains caffeine, too much of it can cause side effects similar to other stimulants. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to the following problems:

Tips for using Yerba Mate

Yerba mate tea is usually made by steeping the leaves of the plant in boiling water. It is also available as a herbal supplement. Here are some tips for safe use

• Do not mix it with alcohol or nicotine.

• Do not drink Yerba Mate tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the harm is unknown.

• Limit your yerba mate intake (ie, less than 400 milligrams (mg) per day) to avoid side effects.

• Do not drink yerba ball every day.

• Avoid other sources of caffeine when using yerba mate.

• Tell your doctor about any other supplements, teas, or medications you take to avoid possible side effects.

• Avoid drinks with added sugar, as this increases your risk of health problems.
  

A brief overview

Yerba mate is an herbal tea made from the stems and leaves of a South American shrub. Potential health benefits of yerba mate include increased energy, reduced inflammation, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, improved physical activity, and increased bone density.

However, consuming large amounts of yerba mate, especially over a long period of time, has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.

If you want to try yerba mate, ask your doctor if it's right for you and what the right dosage is.

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6 Health Benefits of Yerba Mate