Yerba mate is increasingly popular worldwide, mostly because of its wonderful health advantages. So, what are the health benefits of yerba mate, and when should you drink it?
Introduction
It is said that yerba mate has tea’s health benefits, coffee’s strength, and chocolate’s joy. This herbal tea contains caffeine, many antioxidants, and beneficial properties, bringing numerous potential health benefits. In this article, let’s explore 5 health benefits of yerba mate to understand why it is favored.
What to know about yerba mate?
Origin
Yerba mate is produced from the dried leaves and stems of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, a native species found in South America’s forests. It is believed to have been first cultivated and consumed by the indigenous Guarani and several Tupi communities, currently Paraguay. Traditionally, yerba mate was enjoyed in central and southern areas of South America and has gradually been popular worldwide, especially in various energy drinks.
Taste and flavor
Yerba mate is described as an acquired taste, which means the more you consume it, the more likely it will gain your love. If you are new to this drink, it might be overwhelming because of its bitterness and earthiness. However, when familiar with it, the flavor will be soothing and refreshing. Compared to green tea, yerba mate will be bitter, bolder, and has a naturally sweeter aftertaste. Besides, it also has grassy, woody, and smoky notes, depending on the leaf quality, cultivation, and production.
Nutritional value
Generally, a cup of organic yerba mate (about 12g) contains about 15 calories, 0.5 grams of protein, and 3 grams of carbohydrates. Nearly no fat, fiber, or sugar is found in this beverage. In addition, yerba mate is also a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins, including Magnesium (48 mg), Zinc (0.6 mg), Calcium (9.96 mg), and vitamin C (7.8 mg) in every cup.
What are the health benefits of yerba mate?
Following are the top 5 health benefits of yerba mate:
Boost energy and mental focus
One of the most outstanding benefits of yerba mate is increasing energy levels thanks to the natural caffeine content. In a cup of yerba mate, there is about 80 mg of caffeine, comparable to a cup of coffee. Therefore, consuming yerba mate can help boost your energy, alertness, concentration, and mental focus. Additionally, yerba mate contains soothing elements, like theobromine and theophylline, which will balance the caffeine to avoid the jittery side effects.
Moreover, consuming yerba mate can be useful in improving mental health. Some symptoms, such as attention disorders, depression, or anxiety, can be reduced. That is why it is one of the popular ingredients in many energy drinks, including F5 Energy Tea.
Improve physical performance
In addition to mental health, yerba mate can help boost physical performance. Caffeine in yerba mate is believed to lessen fatigue, enhance muscle contractions, and boost athletic performance. When you exercise, yerba mate will make your body more dependent on fat as fuel, increasing the fat-burning effectiveness. It also supports calorie burning in your body, even when you are relaxing.
Implement antioxidants and nutrients
Yerba mate is known as a rich source of antioxidant compounds, even higher than green and black teas. The high amount of polyphenol will help to regulate cells and prevent the damaging effects of free radicals. Those antioxidants also help enhance the body’s natural defenses and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, yerba mate has many essential vitamins, such as B vitamins and vitamin C. It also provides many minerals, like magnesium and potassium, boosting cardiac activities.
Enhance digestion
Because yerba mate can stimulate bile formation and stomach acids, boosting the food breakdown process, it is said to support a healthy digestive system. Besides, drinking yerba mate might promote frequent bowel motions and help avoid constipation.
Support weight management
If you are on a diet, yerba mate is a great option to help you lose weight and belly fat. It is suggested to boost metabolism, lessen the overall number of fat cells, stimulate fat oxidation, and feelings of fullness, which can reduce calorie intake. A study has indicated that those who consumed 3g of yerba mate a day lost an average of 0.7 kg and decreased by 2% the proportion of their waist to hip. Drinking yerba mate before exercising may increase fat burning, which can help lose weight more effectively.
When to drink yerba mate?
The potential health benefits of yerba mate are significant, but what are the best times to enjoy it to get those advantages? Depending on your purposes, you can consume yerba mate at different times during the day. It can be a healthier alternative to a cup of coffee in the morning to have a gentle start for a long day without the undesirable side effects.
As the stimulating effects of yerba mate are quite calming, you can enjoy it in the evening without worrying about insomnia. On the contrary, it can reduce stress and nervousness, allowing you to relax and have a nice sleep to recharge your batteries. However, it is recommended not to have it too late at night because of the influence of caffeine.
During the day, yerba mate might help you stay alert if you experience a slump in energy or when you need to focus on studying or working. Moreover, as yerba mate’s antioxidant and caffeine content are beneficial in metabolism and fat burning, drinking it before a workout or sports activities can boost your performance, increase endurance, and recover faster.
However, remember that moderation is the key. Even though yerba mate has many potential health benefits and can be enjoyed many times, overconsumption is not recommended. Excessive use of this drink can lead to some side effects, such as restlessness or digestive issues. Besides, yerba mate cannot replace water, so be sure that you still drink enough water to stay hydrated.
Conclusion
Yerba mate, with many healthy properties, can help boost energy, physical performance, digestion, and weight loss processes. It can be enjoyed at different times during the day, at a moderate rate. If you are looking for a drink containing yerba mate, try out F5 Energy Tea from FGC now!
About Future Generation Co.,Ltd
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