Lose Weight With Yerba Mate Tea, Plus More Health Benefits of This Ancient Brew
Plus find out how it can balance your blood sugar and protect your heart, too
Sure, you know that black and green tea are good for you. But it turns out there are other brews that are just beneficial. One towards the top of the list? Yerba mate tea, which is a sip that’s both refreshing and brimming with health benefits. Not only does it improve heart health and help balance your blood sugar, but it’s a potent way to rev your metabolism and help you shed unwanted pounds. Keep reading for expert insights on how to maximize results!
What is yerba mate tea?
Yerba mate, also known as ilex paraguariensis, is an herbal tea with roots in Latin and South America. It’s produced by steeping dried leaves from the yerba mate plant in hot water. Like other teas, it contains caffeine and can be served cold or hot. It has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.
Yerba mate tea weight loss benefits
It revs your metabolism
Yerba mate tea can support a healthy weight, as it contains natural compounds like caffeine, theobromine (the same stimulant found in chocolate) and theophylline. All of these are known to boost your metabolism, explains Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, Fitness and Nutrition Advisor at Barbend.
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It reduces hunger
The brew can also help curb your appetite by promoting satiety, adds Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Garage Gym Reviews. “The caffeine gives your body a slight boost in burning calories, while its plant compounds, like saponins, may help break down fat,” he explains.
It helps you stay active
Yerba mate can also support energy expenditure indirectly thanks to its high contents of antioxidants and nutrients. These compounds increase energy levels, and in turn, enhance your physical activity levels.
It reduces fat
The tea also contains chlorogenic acid, a type of polyphenol that research shows may help improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar and reduce fat storage, notes Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN, Preventive Cardiology Dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com.
One 12-week study published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that those given a daily yerba mate supplement lowered their body fat mass, reduced their percent of body fat and decreased their waist-hip ratio compared to those who didn’t supplement.
How to drink yerba mate tea for weight loss
For maximum health benefits, aim to drink 1-2 cups of yerba mate a day as your starting point, says Dr. Dasgupta.
“To brew it, steep about a tablespoon of loose leaves in hot (but not boiling) water for five to 10 minutes,” he advises. “This keeps the nutrients intact and gives you the most benefit.”
The best time to have your drink is in the morning or early afternoon to help with energy and metabolism, Dr. Dasgupta adds You could also brew a cup about 30 minutes before exercising to help maximize its metabolism-boosting effects, adds Mohr. Just be sure not to drink it shortly before bed, as the amount of caffeine could make it challenging to fall and stay asleep.
More health benefits of yerba mate
The benefits of yerba mate tea extend past helping you lose weight. Here are some additional ways it can contribute to your overall health.
It boosts immunity
Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants that could help fight oxidative stress and tame inflammation, both of which can bolster your immune system, says Mohr. The brew is also rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, potassium and manganese, which support overall health.
It sharpens your focus
Feeling a little mentally foggy? The tea is also great for increasing energy and mental clarity, says James Lyons, MD, Physician with Synergy Houses.
“Thanks to its moderate caffeine content and unique compounds like theobromine, it provides an alertness boost without the jitteriness or sharp energy crashes that can come with coffee,” he explains. “This makes it an excellent choice for people looking for clean, sustained energy.”
It improves heart health
Some research suggests that yerba mate may also support heart health (and potentially reduce your risk of heart disease) by lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, Dr. Lyons says. It may also help manage blood vessel function and blood pressure, Routhenstein adds.
Is there anyone who should avoid yerba mate tea?
While yerba mate is considered safe to drink for most adults and has few side effects, it may potentially interact with certain medications. Learn more about possible drug interactions here, and if you take medication, consult your doctor before making it a regular part of your routine.
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