The Effects of Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a small tree that is native to the subtropics of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. It is a member of the evergreen family, and was brought to modern civilizations by the indigenous people of Paraguay. For many centuries, Yerba Mate was called the drink of the gods because of the numerous health benefits it offers.
  1. Oral Health

    • Yerba mate contains polypheols, which are also found in tea, and they prevent the growth of the bacteria that are responsible for the foul odor that can come from the mouth.

    Weight Loss

    • In the year 2000 physicians in Europe performed a study in which they combined Yerba Mate, Guarana and Damiana for weight loss. What the study showed is that the combination of these three compounds delayed gastric emptying significantly, decreased the time to perceived fullness and increased weight loss significantly over a 45-day period. This study was performed by the Charlottenlund Medical Center in Denmark.

    Mental Clarity

    • Though Yerba Mate has the same caffeine content as coffee, the stimulation it causes is balanced by the nutritional content of the plant. Those who consume Yerba Mate experience a sharper mind, improved alertness and acuity and more energy. In clinical studies of participants who were sensitive to caffeine, scientists found that with Yerba Mate, they experienced all of the benefits of Yerba Mate's caffeine content yet none of the harsh side effects associated with caffeine.

    Decreased Fatigue and Increased Energy

    • Due to the stimulation of the central nervous system, Yerba Mate's metabolic impact includes the ability of the body to maintain an aerobic breakdown of carbs while exercising. This means that a person taking Yerba will burn more calories during exercise, which will then increase the efficiency of the cardiac system and postpone the natural buildup of lactic acid that takes place when a person is working out.

    Helps Elimination

    • Yerba Mate was traditionally used in South America as a treatment for gastrointestinal issues. A study done in Buenos Aires, Argentina, showed that Yerba Mate causes an increase in the flow of bile and improve intestinal transit.

    Yerba Mistakes

    • Yerba Mate is not an organic herbal tea. Herbal inherently means caffeine-free.
      Common misspellings of yerba mate are erba mate, yerbah mate, yerba madte, yerba matr, yerba matt and yerpa matte.

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