Yerba Mate is a hidden gem that originates in South America, and due to its "superfood powers" and health benefits, its popularity has spread across the globe.
To start, this mighty herbal tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties as it is jam-packed with both vitamins and minerals such as calcium, manganese, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, B1, B2, and B Complex. On top of that, research has shown yerba mata has more antioxidants than most green teas. (1)
Here are 5 More Reason To Sip On Yerba Mate Tea
1. Say Goodbye to Cancer Cells
Not only do yerba mata leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, but studies have shown it has anti-cancer abilities, too. One derivative of yerba mate tea is caffeolyquinic acid, often called CQA. Scientists have discovered when exposed to CQA, cancer cells die off. Not only that, but it also aided in reducing inflammation throughout the entire body. (2)
2. Support a Happy Heart
Yerba mate has caffeine, which from healthy sources has been known to support heart health and reduce inflammation. This is key because inflammation takes a negative toll on the heart, leading to various heart conditions. According to a research study on rats, not only does drinking yerba mate reduce inflammation, but it also lowers cholesterol, which has been linked to heart conditions, as well. (3)
3. Encourage Weight Loss
Looking to get rid of an extra pound or two? Drinking a cup of yerba mate may be one habit you want to consider including in your daily routine. Due to its caffeine properties, yerba mate may be a great way to burn fat and shed a couple unwanted pounds. One study reported individuals who drank 3g of yerba mate per day over a 12-week period said goodbye to an extra pound and a half during that time frame.(4)
4. Boost Your Immune System
During the fall and winter seasons, our bodies need a little extra immune boost. Consider sipping on a cup of yerba mate this time of year to protect yourself from unwanted viruses and infections. This superfood works wonders in fighting against bacteria and parasitic infections, fungi infections, and even e-coli. Drinking high doses of yerba mate may deactivate e-coli symptoms, which would keep you from experiencing diarrhea and stomach cramps. (5). You may want to keep some yerba mate in your pantry for those unexpected moments.
5. Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Our society has been bombarded with sugary drinks and snacks that spike our blood sugar levels. This also occurs when we consume too many carbohydrates. Yerba mate has the potential to balance blood sugar levels by aiding the body in producing insulin and properly using glucose as energy in order to maintain steady blood sugar levels. While it is still essential to consult your physician, adding yerba mate into your daily routine could support healthy blood sugar levels in the long run.
How to Prepare & Enjoy Yerba Mate Tea
Now it's time for you to enjoy your very own cup so you can reap all of the yerba mate benefits, too.
This tea offers mild herbal and earthy notes and provides the maximum benefits when cooled. Take note, you can control the strength of the tea more easily when you use loose tea leaves. (6) To start, we suggest using 1 Tablespoon of yerba mate per cup of hot water.
We recommend brewing the tea in your favorite teapot with boiling water, then setting it aside and allowing it to cool. You may consider putting it in the refrigerator or chilling it with ice for faster results.
To maintain the maximum nutritional benefits that yerba mate has to offer, we encourage you to use your favorite natural sweetener, such as honey, stevia, or monk fruit.
Now, it's time to sit back, relax, and reap the yerba mate benefits in your cup.
