5 Amazing Yerba Mate Health Benefits

Latest scientific research reveals Yerba Mate is a functional food and also provides protection against metabolic and degenerative diseases. Almost 75% of argentineans drink mate, and some local surveys reveal they drink about 100 liters of mate yearly.  Yet, not everybody is aware of the amazing health benefits yerba mate have. In this article, you will find the most relevant yerba mate health benefits, gathered from the INYM website.

Health Benefits of drinking Yerba Mate

1. Mateína works as stimulant and energizer

Mateína (caffeine contained inside yerba mate leaves) stimulates the Central Nervous System, boosting mental activity and improving your sense of humor (yes, drinking mate makes you a happier person! 🙂 ).

2. Contains antioxidants

Mate is rich in antioxidants, it helps preventing cardiovascular diseases as it lowers your “bad” cholesterol. Also, yerba mate helps you protecting you against ostheosporosis and neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson.

3. Regulates intestinal transit

Yerba mate is fortified with polydextrose. Polydextrose is a Dietary Fiber that helps diuretic and digestive functions. Drinking mate also enhances the nutritional absorption.

4. Yerba mate contains a high nutritive value

Yerba mate provides vitamins A,B,C and E, as well as minerals (iron, magnesium, sodium and potasium) and aminoacids.

5. Can help you lose weight

The diuretic effect caused by the antioxidants relieves water retention and enhances kidney function. Drinking mate also generates satiety, which benefits weight management.   Sources: Instituto Nacional de la Yerba Mate (INYM) (public law entity dedicated to promote yerba mate). In their site you can find several workshops and dissemination events about Yerba Mate and Health among other yerba mate related articles.