Cardiovascular Aide

Claims

One popular claim is that Yerba Mate decreases cardiovascular risk (e.g., retailer Guayaki and manufacturer Rosamonte). These claims are supported by both its historical use and medical research.

A "Polyphenol-rich diet decreases cardiovascular risk. LDL oxidation is the primary event in atherosclerosis plaque formation and antioxidants such as polyphenols were shown to inhibit LDL oxidation and atherosclerosis development." Incorporating more Polyphenols into your diet would be wise.No surprise, Yerba Mate is loaded with Polyphenols (Kawakami, A. Kabayashi 1991).

"Given the growing importance of flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin, and catechins as putative modulators of LDL oxidation, and in some systems as inhibitors of genotoxicity, herbs with a high concentration of these compounds and widespread ethnopharmacological use are of special interest. One of them is Ilex paraguariensis [Yerba Mate]." (Gugliucci*, N. Bracesco, et al., 2002)

Bixby, et. al. confirmed Yerba Mate as the most effective source of flavonoids. Their laboratory tests confirmed that "flavonoid rich beverages could represent an alternative coadjuvant in treatment. In this regard, our studies suggest that Ilex paraguariensis extracts [Yerba Mate via the Traditional Method] are more effective than either green tea or red wines." (Life Sciences, 2005, #77 pgs 345-358)

Yerba Mate is loaded with antioxidants. WebMD notes: "The detoxifying effect of these antioxidants protects cells from free radicals, the damage that can lead to blood clot formation, atherosclerosis, and cancer, says Weisburger. The bulk of research shows that regular tea drinkers, people who drink two cups or more a day, have less heart disease and stroke, lower total and LDL (often called "bad") cholesterol, and that they recover from heart attacks faster."

Yerba Mate, consumed in the Traditional Method, possibly will decrease your cardiovascular risk.

General Benefit Note:

Jane Higdon, Ph.D, Oregon State University, writes that it may be difficult to drink enough of a tea "to reach sufficient plasma and tissue levels of tea polyphenols to realize a protective effect." The American Chemical Society supports this claim by noting that the "direct measurements in people's blood" when using a tea without the gourd and straw are "typically less than one-tenth" the amount shown to produce any significant result. (2003) Fortunately, the Traditional Method of consuming Yerba Mate increases your ability to gain its many benefits. Laboratory tests confirm that drinking mate via the Traditional Method may be the only way to recieve certain benefits (Bixby, 2005; c.v. Palermo, 2003).

Drinking very little water with tea is an ancient and important principle that should be considered when drinking Yerba Mate. One can not safely recommend drinking copious amounts of water with it. The Traditional Method of drinking Yerba Mate with gourd and straw, which uses very little water, is the most effective way to benefit from it's many nutritive values (Bixby, 2005: Life Science).

Benefit Disclaimer

Please keep in mind that each persons body is unique and medical conditions are serious. Please use our information as a springboard for research into your specific needs. Of course, it is recommended to discuss any information with your doctor and listen to the specific needs of your body.

-above information from www.yerbatea.com