Yerba mate tea is one of the most popular new teas in South America. It is a caffeine-rich drink that does well as an alternative to coffee. The tea is sourced from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It is usually steeped in hot water then sipped using a metal straw from a container known as the mate cup or gourd. The straw is referred to as bombilla, and it is usually reusable. In countries like Argentina, where Yerba mate tea is popular, it is usually taken during social events. For instance, the tea is popularly taken outdoors during social meetups. Traditionally, people would use the same mate cup and pass it around after each sip. However, currently, this tea is a popular morning drink because it contains a safe amount of caffeine. This tea contains about a third of the amount of caffeine found in coffee. For this reason, Yerba mate is a good tea to start taking.
Reasons Why You Should Try Yerba Mate
There are several reasons why you should try this tea. Below are some of the main ones:
1. It helps boost your energy in the morning
One of the main reasons you should try this tea is that it makes a great energy booster, especially when taken in the morning. This is because it contains caffeine. However, it does not have adverse effects like restlessness and agitation, usually accompanied by taking coffee. The contents of Yerba mate can be compared to those in coffee. The difference is that it does not contain as much caffeine, and it also contains theobromine. Theobromine is a phytochemical known to provide the feel-good effect usually found in chocolate. This component is also a stimulant with milder and longer-lasting effects. It also acts as a muscle relaxant, and this is the reason why it boosts energy.
2. It helps increase cognitive function
When all sorts of sensory stimulations bombard the brain, it becomes foggy and tired. Mental fatigue makes keep you from focusing on the important things. It can also decrease your cognitive function temporarily. Yerba mate helps to improve your focus and concentration. It also helps with your memory, allowing you to understand and take on complex concepts and retain information effortlessly. The caffeine components in the tea are responsible for these benefits and help to restore mental clarity.
3. It helps with weight loss
This is one of the most popular benefits of Yerba mate. Some studies confirm that drinking this tea helps with weight loss. It helps with weight loss by stopping cravings and overeating by improving your mood. Studies have shown that poor or foul mood is one of the main reasons why people binge eat. A bad mood can trigger you to eat more high-fat and high-calorie comfort foods. It improves mood by reducing anxiety, agitation and nervousness.
It also helps with weight loss by improving sleep. When you do not get enough sleep, your body suffers issues like increased blood sugar levels, liver fat, hormonal imbalances, increased stored fat, and belly fat. Lack of sleep also encourages you to binge on fatty or sugary foods which may cause you to gain a lot of weight. Drinking Yerba mate can help improve your sleep by promoting a healthy sleep cycle. It is known to induce more REM sleep stages and increase the amount you spend in a deep sleep.
Additionally, Yerba mate helps prevent nutrient deficiencies that can trigger weight gain. It also works by improving gastrointestinal health. For this reason, Yerba mate has become to go-to tea for celebrities and other people looking to lose weight.
4. It contains beneficial plant nutrients
Another reason why you should try this tea is because of its healthy nutritional profile. Yerba mate contains the following beneficial plant nutrients:
• Caffeoyl derivates- These are health-promoting antioxidants found in the tea.
• Xanthines- They are made up of caffeine and theobromine, the two compounds that act as stimulants. They are also found in coffee and chocolates.
• Polyphenols- These are a large group of antioxidants linked to a reduced risk of various diseases
• Saponins- These are bitter compounds with anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties
• It also contains beneficial phytonutrients like tannings, trace minerals, flavonoids, vitamins A, B, C, and E, and seven of nine essential amino acids.
• It also contains high potassium and magnesium levels, and low amounts of iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, manganese, and phosphorous.
5. It helps boost your immunity
Additionally, this tea helps boost your immunity. It is made up of natural compounds known as saponins which have anti-inflammatory effects. Yerba mate contains 19 saponins. Saponins are chemical compounds occurring in different herbs, vegetables and seeds. They help reduce cholesterol levels and kill disease-causing bacteria in the body. These compounds also contain antioxidant properties, which promote the formation of a healthy immune system. They also contain anti-ageing effects. This type of new teas also contains trace amounts of Vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc, which help strengthen your immune system.
6. It helps promote digestive health
Taking this type of tea is great for your gastrointestinal system. It acts as a digestive aid, and it is popularly used as a remedy for indigestion and diarrhea. Studies also show that it contains antibacterial and antiparasitic properties that fight against intestinal worms and E. coli. Using this tea regularly can also help regulate your bowel movements.
Final Word
Now that you know Yerba mate’s benefits, you may want to get the tea bags or loose leaf tea. You can purchase them from an offline or online tea and coffee shop. While shopping for this tea, you can also check out other types of herbal teas.
