Overview of Yerba Mate Benefits

There are many health benefits associated with Yerba Mate, gained from its nutritional and chemical compounds. Research suggests that the special way in which Yerba Mate is consumed makes it uniquely beneficial to the human body (Bixby, 2005).

• a good detoxifier
• produces deeper sleep
• boosts the immune system
• relieves allergies
• increases energy
• possibly reduces the risk of diabetes and hypoglycemia
• relaxes muscles
• burns more calories
• increases mental focus
• improves mood
• possibly increases the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the heart during exercise
• decreases hunger cravings
• possible prevention of some cancers
• possible reduction of heart attack and stroke
• beneficial to the digestive tract

Some of these benefits derive from Yerba Mate's similarity to Green Tea. Of the 196 volatile chemical compounds found in Yerba Mate, 144 are also found in green tea. Its processing method, like that of green tea, preserves similar antioxidants and nutritive values. The Journal of Alternative Complement Medicine summarizes, "Yerba mate is thus a rich source of polyphenols and has antioxidant properties comparable to those of green tea" (2003). As it turns out, Yerba Mate taken in the Traditional Method is "more effective than either green tea or red wines" at "producing the highest concentration of polyphenols" in the blood (Bixby, 2005).

Other benefits derive from Yerba Mate's unique compounds. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology identifies many of Yerba Mate's helpful nutrients; "Vitamins B-1, B-2, A, riboflavin, carotene, colin, pantothenic acid, inositol and 15 types of aminoacids." (F. Alikaridis 1987). Sanz and Isasa found that, "Significant quantities of potassium, sodium and magnesium are present in the leaves as well as the infusion." (Arch Latinoam Nutr,1991, Vol 41, No 3, Sep, 1991, pp. 441-454). All of these nutrients are important to healthy body function.

The benefits of Yerba Mate's nutrients and chemicals have been extolled for centuries and highlighted by modern research. Historical and cultural use in Yerba Mate countries suggests that most, if not all, of the claimed benefits are only received when drinking mate via the Traditional Method. Modern research supports the Traditional Method by noting that other methods fail to provide sufficient levels of chemicals to produce significant results (Bixby, 2005; c.v. Higdon, 2003) Additionally, the chemicals break down less since the Yerba Mate is not left to soak and break down. As noted by Harvard Women's Health Watch, the "best way to get the catechins and other flavonoids in tea is to drink it freshly brewed." Finally, there "is no evidence that extracts or pills will have the same health benefits as drinking tea [Yerba Mate]", according to an overview by the Medical College of Wisconsin. Since drinking very little water with tea is an ancient and important principle, it can not be safely reccomended to drink copious amounts of water with the Yerba Mate. Rather, it is best to use as little water as possible each time when consumed.

Each of the links between the tea and its benefits are further examined at our web site: Detox, Sleep, Immune System Booster, Allergies, Stimulant/Study Aid, Diabetes, Muscles, Calories, Mood/Stress, Exercise, Hunger, Cancer Prevention, Coffee Alternative, Diuretic, Cardiovascular.

-above information from www.yerbatea.com