Yerba Mate, a holly native to subtropical South America, has recently found its way into modern diet plans. Why, you ask? Because Yerba Mate tea helps detoxify the body, metabolize fat, control hunger, restore hair color, retard aging, increase libido and increase energy all without the negative effects typical of other caffeinated beverages. Safe and effective, Yerba Mate naturally aids in the achievement of weight loss and weight control.

The Guarani of Paraguay and Argentina are the first known to utilize the plant. It is a main ingredient in their most common cures for everything ranging from alleviating insomnia to reducing the effects of debilitating disease. Researchers now know that Yerba Mate exhibits cancer-fighting properties, and a study conducted at the University of Illinois found it to “inhibit oral cancer cell proliferation.” Among Yerba Mate’s 250 known natural compounds are many antioxidants. Vitamins A, C and E as well as many phytochemicals can be found in abundance. Phytochemicals contain powerful antioxidants and demonstrate anticancer effects by augmenting immune defenses and protecting against cellular destruction. In addition, saponins are also found in Yerba Mate leaves and have been found to “specifically stimulate the immune system and aid the body in protecting against disease.”

The complete list of Yerba Mate’s vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds are as follows:

Vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex

Minerals: Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc

Additional Compounds: Carotene, Fatty Acids, Chlorophyll, Flavonols, Polyphenols,

Inositol, Trace Minerals, Antioxidants, Tannins, Pantothenic Acid and 15 Amino Acids.

Yerba Mate contains the alkaloids caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. These alkaloids stimulate the central nervous system, act as diuretics, suppress appetite, and boost metabolism. Yerba Mate contains only 1-2% caffeine when dried. Theobromine, on the other hand, has the most important diet properties. Theobromine is much like caffeine, though its smooth muscle relaxant and diuretic qualities are stronger and the nerve stimulant is weaker than in caffeine. This allows the body to shed more water while boosting the metabolism and suppressing hunger, all of which make Yerba Mate ideal for successful dieting.

There are several factors in weight management. Caloric restrictions and exercise are the most common, but both are inherently difficult and require significant control. Thermogenesis (sweat), appetite suppression and increased diuresis can also reduce weight and help maintain it. Yerba Mate extracts do the above and increase metabolism, which overall can help reduce the water weight. Yerba Mate can improve the probability of achieving and maintaining weight goals.

At first taste, Yerba Mate is generally herbal, grassy, and similar to green tea. It is best steeped in hot water, not boiling water (to avoid bitterness.) Yerba Mate is gentle on the stomach, and though it contains caffeine, it lacks the negative effects such as jitteriness, diarrhea, and heart palpitation. To date, studies have shown Yerba Mate to be beneficial for immunity, detoxification, metabolizing fat, increasing metabolism, increasing libido, alleviating insomnia, retarding aging, and increasing energy. In essence, Yerba Mate may well be the perfect addition to any weight loss program, but more importantly, to any health lifestyle.