Content
Yerba mate is a medicinal plant that has a thin gray stem, oval leaves and small fruits of a green or purplish color. This herb is widely consumed in South America, being used mainly as a non-alcoholic beverage.
This plant is rich in caffeine and is characterized by being consumed in a container called mate, which has a kind of metallic straw that has small holes that prevent the leaves from passing through it.
The scientific name is Ilex paraguariensis and can be purchased dry or in drops form in health food stores, supermarket or online stores.
Main benefits
Yerba mate could provide several health benefits that include:
- It decreases cholesterol, as it is rich in antioxidants and saponins, which help to lower bad cholesterol, LDL, preventing the development of atherosclerosis and other heart diseases with infarction or stroke;
- It favors weight loss, as some studies indicate that it delays gastric emptying and increases the feeling of satiety. In addition, it is believed that it can have effects on adipose tissue, controlling some genes related to obesity and inflammatory markers;
- It acts as an antibacterial, since it acts against Streptococcus mutans, which are bacteria naturally found in the mouth and responsible for caries. In addition, it also has action against Bacillus subtilis, Brevibacterium ammoniagenes, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, among others;
- It prevents chronic diseases, such as diabetes, as it helps to regulate blood sugar and some types of cancer. This is due to the fact that yerba mate is rich in antioxidants that prevent the damage caused by free radicals to cells, in addition to having anti-inflammatory properties;
- It acts as an antifungal, inhibiting the development of some fungi as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida utilis, Pityrosporum ovale, Penicillium chrysogenum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes;
- Stimulates the body, improves mood and improves concentration, as it is rich in caffeine and B vitamins, which are important for the proper functioning of the metabolism, acting as a coenzyme and participating in the reactions of nutrient catabolism to obtain energy from foods that are consumed;
- It helps to increase defenses, since it has vitamin C, E and other minerals that help to strengthen the immune system.
It could also improve blood circulation, as it contains potassium, a mineral that helps relax the arteries allowing blood to pass more easily.
What properties
Yerba mate has caffeine, saponins, polyphenols, xanthines, theophylline, theobromine, folic acid, tannins, minerals and vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E in its composition. Therefore, it acts as an antioxidant, diuretic, laxative, stimulant , antidiabetic, antiobesity, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, hypocholesterolemic and aids digestion.
What is the recommended amount
Some scientific studies indicate that 3 cups of 330 mL of yerba mate should be consumed daily for up to 60 days. It is also safe to drink up to 1.5L per day, however it is not known whether higher doses may be toxic to the body.
In the case of the supplement of the extract of yerba mate, the recommendation is from 1000 to 1500 mg per day.
How to prepare
There are several ways to prepare yerba mate and it can be consumed cold, hot or combined with some natural juices and milk.
1. Chimarrão
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of yerba mate;
- Boiling water.
Preparation mode
Place the yerba herb halfway through the container, cover with your hand and shake for about 10 seconds, leaving it at an angle of about 45º.Then pour the warm water, moistening the bottom of the container and letting it rest for a few seconds.
Then place the metallic straw in the damp area and support it on the wall of the container. Then, add hot water again in the place where the straw is, avoiding wetting the top part of the herb, and then drinking.
2. Tereré
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Tereré is prepared in the same way as chimarrão, but instead of using boiling water, cold water is used.
Possible side effects
Consumption of yerba mate is apparently safe, however, due to the fact that it contains caffeine, yerba mate can in some cases cause insomnia and difficulty sleeping.
Contraindications
The consumption of yerba mate is contraindicated for children, pregnant women and people with insomnia, nervousness, anxiety problems or high blood pressure, as it has large amounts of caffeine.
In addition, in the case of people with diabetes, this herb should only be consumed according to the guidance of the doctor, as it can greatly lower blood sugar levels and, therefore, it is necessary to make adjustments in treatment.