One of the reasons why I wanted to change coffee to something else is that, after you drink coffee you feel a fast boost of energy, but it doesn’t last too long and you eventually need more and more to maintain same level of energy. Things are different with Yerba Mate.
Note: All pictures of mate cups are mine, though the third one is from Google. And benefits listed below are from here.
But let’s start with a question:
What is Yerba Mate?
Yerba Mate (yer-BAH MAH-tay) is a holly shrub native to Paraguay, Argentina, Southern Brazil and Uruguay.The Guaraní Tribe of Paraná have used it for millennia, relying on its restorative, uplifting, and medicinal properties. With more healing compounds than green tea and equal amounts of caffeine as coffee, mate uniquely stimulates the mind and body without crashing or jittery effects.
Drinking yerba mate is often a social event. That’s why I love it. You can share it with your friends easily. Or you can drink it alone, like I do most of the time.
Health Benefits Of Yerba Mate:
Antioxidant Properties
Consumption of yerba mate provides antioxidant benefits to the body. It has many different phytochemicals such as polyphenols, Chlorogenic acid and caffeoyl derivatives that make it a beneficial antioxidant.
Research study suggests that mate extract may reduce oxidative stress that increases the risk of damage to liver and heart. It also reduces the nitrosative stress that may cause DNA damage, cell death, and lipid peroxidation. As compared to green tea yerba mate is more effective in preventing cytotoxicity associated with blood flow restriction heart disorders such as stroke etc.
Improves Cognition
Many people think of yerba mate as a brain booster, and studies show that this is true. The tea’s active ingredients are able to improve memory and attention, as well as focus, while the antioxidants in the tea can prevent plaque deposition in the brain, potentially countering the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Increases Sex Drive
Yerba mate is traditionally known as a mild aphrodisiac, used primarily by men to increase their libido and sex drive. The rich mineral and vitamin content can also help to improve fertility, hormonal balance, and reproductive health.
Promotes Digestion
Some of the unique compounds found in yerba mate, such as xanthines, are able to promote smooth muscle relaxation, which can be very good for digestion, particularly if you are struggling with constipation, bloating, cramping and other digestive issues.
Benefits Cardiovascular Health
Yerba mate contains compounds such as polyphenols that may be beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Findings of a research study suggest that intake of yerba mate has a beneficial impact on lipid parameters and it helps to reduce LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic people. Consumption of yerba mate protects myocardial tissue of the heart and is also beneficial in reducing oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS ) which may cause stroke etc.
Prevents Cancer
Health benefits of yerba mate include prevention of cancer. Antioxidants like chlorogenic acid are the primary active ingredients in yerba mate tea – which actually has a higher antioxidant level than green tea – meaning that this tea is very good for seeking out and neutralizing free radicals. This is why yerba mate tea is often considered an anti-cancer beverage. That being said, some studies have linked increased cancer risk in the upper intestinal tract to prolonged use of yerba mate.
So, as you can see, it does many good things for you. So why not change morning coffee to morning mate?
Have you ever tried Yerba Mate? Share your thoughts!
Thanks,
Narovski here!