We have all heard of green tea and know that is has tons of health benefits, but have you heard of Yerba Mate tea? Well, Yerba Mate has even more health benefits than green tea, thanks to its active compounds (including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants) and has higher polyphenol and antioxidant counts than green tea as well. While Yerba Mate may not be a nutrient, per se, it is worth being recognized in this series, so read on to learn about the numerous health benefits and natural food sources of Yerba Mate.
This week’s Nutrients by the Alphabet: Yerba Mate
That’s right, in this new series – Nutrients by the Alphabet – you will learn all about important nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants), their health benefits, and easy and delicious ways to get more of the good stuff with a fun recipe to try each week (courtesy of my awesome student-intern from Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School – Shelby Persechino)!
So, what are the health benefits of Yerba Mate?
The health benefits of Yerba Mate range from preventing and treating cancer to boosting energy levels in a more balanced way than other caffeine sources. Yerba Mate kills colon cancer cells, thanks to its caffeine derivatives, which also reduce important markers of inflammation that can lead to cancer progression. Yerba Mate also has beneficial effects on blood cholesterol levels, bone health, fighting against disease and stimulating the immune system. Yerba Mate improves serum lipid levels, thereby lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk for various cardiovascular conditions. Yerba Mate promotes weight loss by increasing fat oxidation and energy expenditure during exercise and decreasing body fat mass, percent body fat and waist-hip ratio. As previously mentioned, Yerba Mate contains several important vitamins (such as vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B complex), minerals (such as calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc), and powerful compounds (such as carotene, fatty acids, chlorophyll, flavanols, polyphenols, inositol, trace minerals, antioxidants, tannins and at least 15 amino acids) that provide even more health benefits. It’s no surprise that it’s called “the drink of the gods!”
So, how much Yerba Mate do you need and where can you find it?
While Yerba Mate is not regulated by the FDA and does not have an established RDA, some sources suggest that you consume 2-3 cups of Yerba Mate tea a day for optimal health. You can find Yerba Mate in just about any grocery store, supermarket, or health food store.
Looking for a few easy recipes to increase your Yerba Mate intake? Try these delicious recipes for coconut water mate, ginger mate spritzer, mate lemonade or mate cranberry raspberry cooler from the Guayaki Brand!
Now that look like the perfect drink to sip on next to the pool (or while cozied up by the fire if you live in a colder climate and it still feels like Winter outside)!!