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What are the Health Benefits of Yerba Mate?

O. Wallace
O. Wallace

Yerba mate, often called the drink of “friendship and health,” is touted as a drink that is not only an enjoyable social custom, but healthy for your body as well. Claims concerning the health benefits of yerba mate are plentiful, although many are based on a long history of antecodal evidence instead of scientific studies.

This drink, the name of which translates to “cup herb,” is made from the leaves and twigs of the evergreen tree/shrub of the yerba mate, which is also a species of the holly plant. It is grown and mostly consumed in South America — specifically, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Traditionally, the dried leaves and twigs are packed into a cup made from a gourd, steeped in hot (not boiling) water, then drunk through a metal or wooden straw with a strainer, called a bombilla. It is very popular, and treated as a social occasion, much like tea in other parts of the world.

Ounce for ounce, coffee has higher caffeine levels than yerba mate.
Ounce for ounce, coffee has higher caffeine levels than yerba mate.

One of the biggest health benefits of yerba mate is that it is a side-effect free stimulant. Although it has a small amount of caffeine, it also has xanthines, theobromine and theophylline, which are stimulants. Many say that while it acts as a stimulant, you don’t have the jitters, stomach upset and anxiety that is often associated with coffee. For people who don’t tolerate coffee well, they may find yerba mate preferable. The ingredients stimulate myocardial tissue (heart tissue) while relaxing smooth muscle tissue. It contains 20 vitamins and minerals — including magnesium, potassium and manganese — 15 amino acids and some say, has 90% more antioxidants than green tea.

Yerba mate may be helpful in treating insomnia.
Yerba mate may be helpful in treating insomnia.

Some small studies have found that yerba mate may combat atherosclerosis, or blockages of the arteries. It may also have some cancer retarding properties, but most studies have been conducted on animals. Other purported health benefits of yerba mate include the following:

  • Boosts immunity
  • Brain stimulant
  • Anti-fatigue
  • Detoxifies blood
  • Reverses aging
  • Appetite control
  • Fights insomnia
  • Weight loss aid
  • Cleans colon
  • Combats allergies
  • Relieves stress
  • Diuretic
Some studies show that yerba mate can help prevent blockages of the arteries known as atherosclerosis.
Some studies show that yerba mate can help prevent blockages of the arteries known as atherosclerosis.

While there are many documented health benefits of yerba mate, drinking large quantities of it has been associated with liver disease and certain oral cancers. Supporters claim that drinking hot beverages, regardless of what they are, is associated with an increased risk of some cancers. Additionally, due to the stimulants it contains, it shouldn’t be used with MAO inhibitors because it may raise blood pressure. For most healthy people, the drink makes a good addition to the diet, but for people with certain physical conditions, they should consult a medical professional before trying it.

Discussion Comments

SilentBlue

@Proxy414

I think that the effects will be largely positive. As people learn the negative results of drug addictions, they will learn to keep themselves in check and be wary of these drugs. The peer pressure group won't be the first place that people are introduced to harmful drugs or the negative cultures associated with them. And on top of that, I think that the effects will be immensely beneficial for the health of the world and for open and free remedies for everybody.

Proxy414

Various herbs are sought out from all over the world today and are being manufactured on a large scale due to the power of the internet. People are now able to research and understand what kind of effects these herbs will have on them. There is also the danger of people trying things and experimenting in ways that may become harmful. I think that as the world expands, there will be an ever-increasing diversity of harmful and hallucinogenic drugs which may need to be outlawed.

Armas1313

Did you know that the word "yerba mate" is from the Spanish "hierba," meaning herb, and the native Quechua word "mati," which means cup? It is an unique blending of languages in Argentina.

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    • Ounce for ounce, coffee has higher caffeine levels than yerba mate.
      By: volff
      Ounce for ounce, coffee has higher caffeine levels than yerba mate.
    • Yerba mate may be helpful in treating insomnia.
      By: MaxRiesgo
      Yerba mate may be helpful in treating insomnia.
    • Some studies show that yerba mate can help prevent blockages of the arteries known as atherosclerosis.
      By: GraphicCompressor
      Some studies show that yerba mate can help prevent blockages of the arteries known as atherosclerosis.
    • Yerba mate extract may be used to make hot tea.
      By: laboko
      Yerba mate extract may be used to make hot tea.
    • The high levels of caffeine and other stimulants in Yerba Mate may cause stomach upset in some people.
      By: ryanking999
      The high levels of caffeine and other stimulants in Yerba Mate may cause stomach upset in some people.
    • Yerba mate may be used as a weight loss aid.
      By: milanmarkovic78
      Yerba mate may be used as a weight loss aid.