Yerba mate, also known as the Paraguay tea, is a beverage prepared from dried leaves and stems of the evergreen shrub tree Ilex paraguariensis. It is native to South America and primarily grows in Paraguay, northern Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay. It is popular in North America, and over the past few years, its consumption has increased by many folds in European countries. To meet its increasing demand, attempts at controlled cultivation in other parts of the world with similar climates are underway, but they have yet to be successful.

Yerba Mate Beverage

Brewing the drink involves drying and grinding the leaves and stems of the tree and soaking the coarse powder in hot water before serving it in a yerba mate cup. The cup, made of wood or metals, has a bombila, a straw made of metal or cow horn. It has filters at the bottom to allow only liquid when sucked while blocking solid particles of the powder. The beverage contains over 200 chemical compounds that promote overall health when consumed in moderation.

Eight Health Benefits Of Yerba Mate

• Reduces obesity and other metabolic issues

Its constituents, like phenolic acids, act on excessive fat reserves in the body and reduce obesity. A study in 2017 demonstrated an increase in waist-to-hip ratio in people who consumed yerba mate regularly.

In addition, it reduces insulin resistance, which leads to diabetes. It also lowers the risk of hepatic steatosis, improving liver function.

• Optimizes physical exercise

Nutrients in yerba mate promote fat burning when consumed before mild to intense physical exercises and improve positive outcomes of sports.

• Anticancer and anti-inflammatory benefits

Yerba mate cups contain anticancer factors, which reduce the risk of incidence. A study has shown derivatives of caffeoylquinic acid to cure colorectal cancer. Another study has shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Inflammatory reactions interfere with various parts of the body, causing diseases. Factors like saponins, vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc neutralize the causative agents and promote health.

• Fights against infection

Its antimicrobial property kills bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Thus, it cures microbe-induced food poisoning and skin diseases.

• A potential substitute for caffeine

Yerba mate cup contains a significant proportion of caffeine as coffee. Its neurostimulator activities reduce fatigue and improve short-term memory and alertness. According to a survey, people do not experience nervousness, which is common after drinking coffee.

• Improves the health of visceral organs

It promotes the histological activity of the pancreas, bladder, stomach, esophagus, duodenum, upper aero tract, and kidney, which improves metabolism.

• Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation

PUFA are essential fatty acids, which means the body cannot produce them, but they are necessary. They play a vital role in nerve function, muscle strength, brain health, and blood clotting. Yerba mate cups contain linolenic and alpha-linolenic acids, which are PUFAs.

• Promotes cardiac health

Yerba mate contains pigementous nutrients, such as xanthines and theophylline, which enhance cardiac functions.

Wrapping Up

Discoverers of the yerba mate tree, Guarani Indians inhabiting the basin of the Paraguay river, believed it was a holy gift from mother earth. The range of health benefits proves them correct. Originating in South America, it is now spreading its wings across the globe. Jiurui houseware is an enterprise that offers yerba mate cup made of high-quality steel and aluminum. Their bombila is durable and easy to handle.