Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink that’s gaining worldwide popularity.
It’s said to have the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the joy of chocolate.
Here are the top 8 health benefits of yerba mate.
What is yerba mate?
Yerba mate is an herbal tea made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant.
The leaves are typically dried over a fire, then steeped in hot water to make the tea.
Yerba mate is traditionally consumed from a container called a gourd and sipped with a metal straw that has a filter at its lower end to strain out the leaf fragments.
Sharing it from this traditional gourd is said to be a sign of friendship and bonding.
Summary: Yerba mate is a type of tea made from the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant.
1. Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants and nutrients
Yerba mate contains several beneficial plant nutrients, including:
- Xanthines: These compounds act as stimulants. They include caffeine and theobromine, which are also found in tea, coffee, and chocolate.
- Caffeoyl derivatives: These compounds are the main health-promoting antioxidants in the tea.
- Saponins: These bitter compounds have certain anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties.
- Polyphenols: This is a large group of antioxidants, linked to a reduced risk of many diseases.
Interestingly, the antioxidant power of yerba mate tea seems to be slightly higher than that of green tea.
What’s more, yerba mate may contain seven out of nine essential amino acids, in addition to nearly every vitamin and mineral your body needs.
However, the tea contains very small amounts of these nutrients, so it’s unlikely to make a large contribution to your diet on its own.
Summary: Yerba mate is an antioxidant powerhouse that contains many beneficial plant nutrients.
2. Yerba mate can boost energy and improve mental focus
At 85 mg of caffeine per cup, yerba mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than a cup of tea.
Therefore, just like any other caffeinated food or beverage, it may increase your energy levels and make you feel less tired.
Caffeine can also affect the levels of certain signaling molecules in your brain, making it particularly beneficial for your mental focus.
Several human studies observed improved alertness, short-term recall, and reaction time in participants who consumed a single dose containing 37.5–450 mg of caffeine.
Additionally, those who regularly consume yerba mate often rave that it enhances alertness like coffee — but without the jittery side effects.
However, these testimonials have not yet been scientifically proven.
Summary: Thanks to its caffeine content, yerba mate can help increase your energy levels and boost your mental focus.
3. Yerba mate may enhance physical performance
Caffeine is also known to improve muscle contractions, reduce fatigue, and improve sports performance by up to 5%.
Since yerba mate contains a moderate amount of caffeine, those drinking it can expect similar physical performance benefits.
In fact, in one study, those given one 1-gram capsule of ground yerba mate leaves right before exercise burned 24% more fat during moderate-intensity exercise.
A higher reliance on fat for fuel during exercise spares your carb reserves for critical high-intensity moments, such as cycling up a hill or sprinting towards the finish line. This could translate into better sports performance.
The optimal amount of yerba mate to drink before exercise is currently unknown.
Summary: Yerba mate increases your body’s reliance on fat for fuel during exercise. It may also improve muscle contractions and reduce fatigue, all of which may contribute to better physical performance.
4. Yerba mate may protect against infections
Yerba mate may help prevent infections from bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
Suggested read: Does tea dehydrate you?
One test-tube study found that a high dose of yerba mate extract deactivated E. coli, a bacteria that causes food poisoning symptoms like stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Compounds in yerba mate may also prevent the growth of Malassezia furfur, a fungus responsible for scaly skin, dandruff, and certain skin rashes.
Finally, research suggests that compounds in it may provide some protection against intestinal parasites.
Nevertheless, most of these studies were done on isolated cells. It’s currently unclear if these benefits are the same for humans, and more research is needed.
Summary: Yerba mate may have some anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal properties. However, more research is needed.
5. Yerba mate may help you lose weight and belly fat
Animal studies show that yerba mate may reduce appetite and boost metabolism, which can help with weight loss.
It seems to decrease the total number of fat cells and reduce the amount of fat they hold.
Human research suggests that it can also increase the amount of stored fat that’s burned for energy.
Furthermore, in a 12-week study in overweight people, those given 3 grams of yerba mate powder per day lost an average of 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg). They also reduced their waist-to-hip ratio by 2%, which indicates lost belly fat.
In comparison, the participants given a placebo gained an average of 6.2 pounds (2.8 kg) and increased their waist-to-hip ratio by 1% over the same 12-week period.
Summary: Yerba mate may reduce appetite, boost metabolism, and increase the amount of fat burned for fuel. This could help you lose weight.
6. Yerba mate may boost your immune system
Yerba mate contains saponins, which are natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition, it provides small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc. These antioxidants can strengthen your immune system and promote health.
Suggested read: 9 alternatives to coffee, and why you should try them
However, researchers have not yet investigated the direct effects of yerba mate on the human immune system.
Summary: Yerba mate has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may boost your immune system.
7. Yerba mate lowers blood sugar levels
Yerba mate may help lower blood sugar and reduce the complications of diabetes.
A recent animal study reports that it may improve insulin signaling.
It may also reduce the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are involved in the development and worsening of many diseases.
However, research on people is currently lacking.
Summary: Yerba mate may improve insulin signaling and blood sugar control. However, more human research is needed.
8. Yerba mate may lower your risk of heart disease
Yerba mate contains antioxidant compounds, such as caffeoyl derivatives and polyphenols, which may protect against heart disease.
Cell and animal studies also report that mate extract may provide some protection against heart disease.
In humans, yerba mate seems to reduce cholesterol levels.
In one 40-day study, participants who drank 11 ounces (330 ml) of yerba mate each day lowered their “bad” LDL cholesterol levels by 8.6–13.1%.
That said, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be reached.
Summary: Yerba mate’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties may help protect against heart disease.
How to prepare yerba mate
Yerba mate is traditionally served in a container called a gourd, also known as a calabash.
It’s commonly sipped through a metal straw that has a filter on its lower end to strain out the leaf fragments.
To prepare mate, fill the bottom third of the calabash with dried or toasted mate leaves before adding hot water.
If you do not own a calabash, you can prepare it in a French press.
The tea is often served with burnt sugar, lemon juice, or milk and can be topped off with hot water several times before using new leaves to make a new batch.
Suggested read: How much caffeine does tea have compared with coffee?
Although traditionally consumed hot, yerba mate may also be served cold, especially in hot climates.
Summary: Yerba mate can be consumed hot or cold and is prepared similarly to other loose teas. It’s traditionally served in a gourd or calabash.
Safety and side effects of yerba mate
Yerba mate is unlikely to cause harm to healthy adults who drink it occasionally.
However, those who drink it regularly may be at increased risk of the following:
Cancer
Studies show that drinking large amounts of yerba mate for a long time may increase your risk of upper respiratory and digestive tract cancers.
One possible explanation is that mate contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), known carcinogens also found in tobacco smoke and grilled meat.
It’s also often consumed at very hot temperatures. This could damage the respiratory and digestive tract lining, increasing your risk of cancerous cell formation.
However, some compounds in it may protect against other types of cancer.
Caffeine-related side effects
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Too much caffeine can cause headaches, migraines, and high blood pressure in some individuals.
Pregnant women should limit their mate intake to a maximum of three cups per day. Too much caffeine may increase your risk of miscarriage and low birth weight.
Medication interactions
Studies show that certain compounds in yerba mate have monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) activity. MAOIs are often prescribed as medications for depression and Parkinson’s disease.
Therefore, individuals taking MAOI drugs should use yerba mate with caution.
Finally, due to its caffeine content, it may also interact with the muscle relaxant Zanaflex or the antidepressant Luvox. Individuals taking these drugs should avoid yerba mate, as it can increase the effects of the drugs.
Summary: Frequent consumption of yerba mate may increase your risk of certain cancers. Pregnant women and individuals sensitive to caffeine or taking certain prescribed medications should drink it with caution.
Summary
Yerba mate may not be suitable for everyone, and drinking it regularly at very hot temperatures may increase your risk of certain cancers.
However, this beverage also contains various beneficial compounds linked to impressive health benefits.
If you’d like to give yerba mate a try, start slowly and make sure to let it cool a little before drinking it.
