Chapters

00:00 - Intro
0:37 - What is Yerba Mate?
1:13 - Role in Weight?
2:12 - What Type of Yerba Mate?
2:38 - Don't Do This
3:52 - The Irony?
4:16 - How to Drink it?
5:08 - Avoid if...

What is Yerba Mate?

Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink that’s gaining a lot of popularity.
Yerba mate is a species of the holly family Aquifoliacea. Its tea is brewed from the dried leaves of yerba mate, which is the evergreen shrub or tree. 

Benefits of Yerba Mate

There are about 4 different compounds in it that stand out and make it a plant that researchers love to examine. Its rich in: Xanthines, Saponins, Polyphenols, which is said to be higher than green and black tea, and caffeoyl derivatives.

Yerba Mate for Weight Loss? Does Yerba Mate Promote Fat Loss?

But in terms of how it supports weight loss, I found it really interesting. Because the study back in 2014 which looked at how Yerba Maté ingestion augments fat oxidation and energy expenditure during exercise. They took 14 participants, male and female, took "Capillary blood samples collected and analyzed for blood lactate concentration at rest and at each submaximal and maximal power output. And found that yerba mate ingestion to increase the exercise effectiveness for weight loss and sports performance."

 ► https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25342...

Does Yerba Mate Work?

And the most popular research paper on this came from the randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial looking at its anti obesity effects over 12 weeks with 30 participants. It found, “yerba mate supplementation decreases body fat mass, percent body fat and waist-hip ratio. It exhibited potent anti-obesity abilities that did not produce significant adverse effects”

► https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

What is the Best Yerba Mate? Which Yerba Mate?

So the real question is, what type of yerba mate to go with and how do you use it. Ideally with this one, organic mate would be best. It’s also important to avoid roasted and heavily smoked types since it contains higher levels of a compound called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that can be potentially carcinogenic. 

Is Yerba Mate Safe?

We dont have enough data to be certain on how much of the PAHs can cause cancer, but we do know from the study on “  PAH’s and the potential source of carcinogenicity of mate, that “unfortunately, safe levels of exposure to Benzo alpha pyrene, which is a type of PAH, and other potentially carcinogenic PAHs in drinks have not been determined using epidemiologic data in humans. Based on rat studies though, that an exposure of 5 ng per kg body weight daily, so(350 ng/ day for a 70 kg person, is “virtually safe” in humans.  But again, this is going to largely depend on the extraction process also the carcinogenic PAHs are often hydrophobic.

►  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

How to Drink Yerba Mate?

 Which is why knowing where the mate comes from is huge here, does it come from a sustainable farm? Its ironic actually because, at the same time, if the mate is of high quality, it should also provide anticancer activities mainly through proteasome  and topoisomerase inhibition. It also can reduce DNA damage from oxidative stress. 

So if I were to drink it, the safest bet is not to drink it at very hot temperatures, or if you’re really concerned, stick with cold yerba mate beverages. 

This is another  one of those cases where you have to be the judge and weigh the pros and cons against your own goals, health history, and personal food philosophy.

Always talk with your doctor before trying out new supplements to even see if is right for you.

Who Shouldn't Drink Yerba Mate?

For example, It May agitate some people with hypersensitivity to caffeine, and its also not suitable in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for children. 

DISCLAIMER: 
This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Dr. Arsalan Aspires has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.