Did you like the traditional South American drink? For many cultures there, it abounds with almost divine powers, which is it?

The yerba mate flavour will transport you to faraway lands without having to spend long hours on a plane. Just smell a cup of tea, close your eyes and imagine the wide grassy plains of Paraguay or the beautiful nature of the Brazilian highlands. There, you can find the sacred plant of the Indians, who believed that the holly was sent to them by the gods themselves.

We will not, however, be looking so much for the origin as for the effects of the drink prepared from the leaves of this evergreen shrub.

The effects of yerba mate:

Preventive against a wide range of diseases

Yerba maté absolutely excels in the range of antioxidants. In this respect, it trumps even green tea. Thus, it counteracts the harmful effects of free radicals, reduces inflammation and lowers cholesterol. It also slows down the aging process.

CLEARS THE MIND AND FOCUSES ATTENTION

What would be a significantly energizing drink, yerba mate has the ability to boost energy levels and stimulate mental abilities, but without the side effects often associated with caffeinated drinks. Although yerba maté contains caffeine, it is accompanied by extra theobromine and theophylline - natural fatigue-reducing substances. For this reason, this drink is perfect for anyone who needs to stay alert and focused.

Benefits the cardiovascular system

Because it improves blood circulation and prevents deposits in the blood vessels, yerba mate protects your heart and with it the entire cardiovascular system. When consumed regularly, it helps to lower cholesterol levels.

SUPPORTS BODY TREATMENT

When you have a cup of yerba mate after a meal, it stimulates the secretion of stomach acids, which speeds up digestion, prevents constipation and unpleasant bloating. Harmonising the digestive process is one of the main reasons for consuming this drink.

Suppresses hunger

You may have noticed that holly extract is a common ingredient in weight loss supplements. yerba mate reduces appetite while speeding up the metabolism, especially when it comes to digesting carbohydrates. This reduces the risk of storing unused carbohydrates as fat. If you support the effects with an appropriate diet and exercise, regular consumption will help you to lose weight.

IMPROVES PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE

A lot has been written about caffeine and its ability to boost performance. And we must remind you that you can count on this effect with yerba mate as well. For athletes, consuming this drink often helps them better use fat as a source of energy.

STIMULATES IMMUNITY

The anti-inflammatory effects have already been mentioned here. In addition, yerba mate tea also contains substances that activate the immune system and thus have a preventive effect against influenza and other viruses, for example.

It is therefore quite clear that in yerba maté you find a drink beneficial in many ways. People who need to watch their caffeine consumption should beware if they are taking medications that risk interacting with caffeine.

Anyway, this unconventionally traditional drink offers you not only a "trip" to faraway lands, but also interesting health benefits.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/yerba-mate/faq-20058343

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/11/3706

https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2018/04000/metabolic_and_performance_effects_of_yerba_mate_on.23.aspx