Yerba mate is a beverage widely used in South America and is extracted from the leaves and stems of the yerba mate plant. This beverage is considered to be very effective for the human body in stimulating the nervous system.

It contains caffeine, amino acids, various vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols that are highly essential for a healthy life.

Reported effects

1) Boosts immune strength.

2) Concentration is improved.

3) Enhances stamina and endurance.

Reported effects include:

Boosts immune strength – One of the significant health benefits of yerba mate as a beverage is its ability to provide energy to the immune system. It is high in antioxidants and therefore contributes to detoxification of the blood and helps to prevent the development of cancers.

Helps enhance concentration and focus – Yerba mate is also filled with amino acids, vitamins (such as Vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, and niacin) polyphenols, and various kinds of minerals (magnesium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus).

All of these nutrients balance the impacts of the caffeine content in it. This effect in turn helps the mind to be focused and concentrated while performing strenuous work for a long time.

Enhances stamina and endurance – Yerba mate also comprises of various essential compounds, such as chlorophylls, polyphenols, falvonols, trace minerals, etc., all of which contribute in the utilization of the carbohydrates one receives from food intake.

This in turn provides maximum energy to the body for better stamina and endurance, especially for people who perform weightlifting and bodybuilding exercises. Moreover, the lipolytic properties of yerba mate essentially prevent accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle cells, thereby helping with quick recovery from fatigue.

Helps with digestion – Yerba mate contains various digestive inhibitors that induce the production of bile and other essential gastric acids required for digestion of food.

Controls weight and appetite – Yerba mate is known to contain every possible vitamin and mineral that are essential for a healthy life. Adding this ingredient in beverage format to your meal makes one feel filled with energy and therefore curbs the need for additional food.

It controls ones appetite and helps with maintaining proper bodyweight – very essential for bodybuilders and athletes.

Improves cardiovascular health – The vitamins, amino acids, and minerals present in yerba mate helps the bad cholesterol and fat content in the human body to keep moving, thereby preventing the accumulation of fats and cholesterol in the arteries of the circulation system.

Delivers oxygen to the body – People performing excessive exercise, especially bodybuilders and weightlifters, need maximum flow of oxygen. Intake of yerba mate induces oxygen flow to the lungs thereby providing the necessary energy to combat fatigue.

Possible Dangers

Although yerba mate is considered to be a safe drink in comparison to drinking tea or coffee, prolonged use of this beverage in some individuals has been reported to develop an upset stomach.

FDA Approved?

Yerba mate has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Studies

A research conducted by The Pasteur Institute and the Paris Scientific society in 1964 states that yerba mate contains all of the necessary vitamins to maintain a healthy life, and it is difficult to find a suitable replacement to yerba mate extracts.

A recent study also reported that saponin is one of the prominent constituents of yerba mate leaves that can help with boosting the immune system and preventing the human body against various potential diseases.

Another recent study in the University of Madrid reported that yerba mate infusions contain essential minerals, especially potassium and magnesium, which adds lots of nutritional value to the body.

Based on some lab reports on the effectiveness of yerba mate, its components were found to decrease oxidative stress in the liver and heart, prevent DNA damage, and help to eliminate cancer cells present in the liver.

Supplements using this ingredient:

1. MusclePharm Battle Fuel

2. Magnum Nutraceuticals Heat

3. Twinlab Ripped Fuel

4. Dymatize Dyma-Burn Xtreme

5. VPX Meltdown

6. ABB Speed Stack

7. Force Factor RAMP UP

8. Sequel Naturals Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer

9. BSN Thermonex

10. Magnum Nutraceuticals Heat Accelerated

Conclusion

Yerba mate has shown proven results as being an effective nutrition pack comprising of various essential minerals, vitamins, amino acids, polyphenols, etc. The health benefits of yerba mate beverage are noticeably high, especially for weightlifters, bodybuilders, and athletes who perform strenuous exercises and workouts.

Various products commercially available in the market include yerba mate as the primary ingredient along with another important compound known as Suma extract.