Yerba mate carries higher levels of antioxidants than green tea. It is rich in chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant that acts in the metabolic balance, fighting free radicals which are responsible for premature aging.
Works as stimulant, fighting fatigue, insomnia, depression and fortifies the nervous system and blood circulation.
Studies performed by the Federal University of Santa Catarina showed that the phenolic compounds present on yerba mate inhibit the cholesterol oxidation contributing to prevention of atherosclerosis (hardening the arteries)
The University of Illinois (USA) has a study showing that cells that cause colon cancer die when exposed to yerba mate. The caffeine derivatives on yerba mate act as combat agents to the disease, causing death to the cancerogenous cells and reducing the inflammatory processes responsible for the cancer progress.
The free radicals found on the Yerba Mate help fight the accumulated fat plaques that are responsible for heart attacks and other heart diseases.
The Federal University of Santa Catarina has conducted a study on the Yerba Mate properties and its correlation with diabetes. Over the duration of three years, 250 volunteers having cholesterol and diabetes problems drank one cup of tea (toasted mate) per day, during or before each meal. After two months, the volunteers’ glucose production had an average drop of 10%, which reduced the risk and complications of cardiovascular, renal, vision, and nervous system problems.
Yerba mate has properties that help reduce the appetite and boost metabolism, and within a healthy diet and physical activities can help in weight loss.
The yerba mate (scientific name: Illex paraguariensis), also named mate or “congonha”, belongs to the aquifoliaceae and it is from the subtropical region of South America, also present in the south of Brazil, north of Argentina and Paraguay.
Know how to purchaseIn ancient times, yerba mate was consumed by indigenous of Guarani and Quechua that had the habit to drink infusion leaves.
Currently the yerba mate is exported to several countries in the world oftenly consumed on blends - mixed with other herbs and natural aromas - packed in tea bags, and ready to drink teas.