The $3 drink loved by celebrities Jason Momoa and Gwyneth Paltrow that burns fat like Ozempic

The $3 drink loved by celebrities Jason Momoa and Gwyneth Paltrow that burns fat like Ozempic READ MORE: Millions of Americans on Ozempic experiencing puzzling effect By ISHITA SRIVASTAVA FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 22:45 BST, 30 March 2025 | Updated: 22:45 BST, 30 March 2025 e-mail View comments A cheap canned drink available at nearly every corner store may burn fat as well as - or even better than - than blockbuster weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Yerba mate, a traditional South American herbal tea that oozes of an earthy smell and packs a bitter aftertaste, has long been known for its caffeine properties that can make you feel more alert and focused within a few sips.

However, this low-calorie drink can also actively boost metabolism and enhance fat utilization in the body - making your weight loss goals much more achievable. Stars such as Jason Momoa , Gwyneth Paltrow , Tom Hardy and Shakira have commonly been spotted drinking a cup of freshly made Yerba mate. Apart from being available in tea version for about $10, Yerba mate is also available as an energy drink at Target, Whole Foods and a host of other stores at the low price of just $3.



The beverage is known to boost energy and mental focus, aid digestion and support metabolism. Experts also suggest that the tea may also reduce cholesterol and heart inflammation, improve lung capacity, as well as increase bone density. While medical experts continue to debate its health and weight loss effects, a 2015 South Korean study found overweight people who took oral supplements of Yerba mate for three months lost about one-third of their weight.

Yerba mate, a traditional South American herbal tea, may help you lose weight better than Ozempic Gwyneth Paltrow has been previously spotted drinking a cup of freshly made Yerba mate Researchers asked 15 people with a body mass index between 25 and 35 - classified as overweight and obese - and a waist-hip ratio greater than 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women to consume 3g of Yerba mate each day for 12 weeks.

They were also asked to continue their usual diet and physical activity but not take any other functional foods or dietary supplements. Results showed the volunteers lost about 36 percent of their weight and saw a four percent decrease in their waist-hip ratio. Read More EXCLUSIVE The incredible new obesity pills that can help you lose weight WITHOUT dieting revealed The scientists concluded that Yerba mate was a potent anti-obesity substance and may be effective for treating obese individuals.

While it is usually made by steeping dried leaves from the Yerba mate plant in hot water, Yerba mate can be served hot or cold. It is traditionally consumed from a gourd-shaped container and sipped with a metal straw containing a filter at its lower end to strain out the leaf fragments. A daily cup of tea made with three grams of Yerba mate leaves may be safe for up to 12 weeks, according to Mayo clinic.

Evidence suggests consuming more than a liter, or 4-8 cups, per day can be dangerous for your health. Too much caffeine can lead to a caffeine overdose. The tea can also cause dehydration and gastrointestinal issues.

Dietitian Dr Duane Mellor, of Aston University, in Birmingham, UK said the weight loss effects of maté could be due to its caffeine content because caffeine raises levels of adrenaline, which promotes the breakdown of fatty tissue. He said: ' There is a study published which looked at exercise related fat metabolism, using young people who were considered to have a healthy body weight. ' They were given a placebo or Yerba mate tea (1,000mg) which contained about 1.

5 percent caffeine. 'Caffeine is known to support fat metabolism during exercise and it is unclear if it is the tea or the caffeine in the [placebo] capsule that is having the effect.' Lionel Messi is well known for his love of mate tea and is often seen drinking it around games Some experts also claim Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds - which can help reduce weight by protecting cells and increasing the activity of enzymes that regulate the metabolism of fats to speed up the breakdown of stored fats.

According to Examine, an encyclopedia on supplements and nutrition, Yerba mate is also high in xanthines, known for burning high levels of stored fats and generating heat in the body. Xanthines can stimulate lipolysis (the process of breaking down stored fat for energy) and potentially prevent the formation of new fat cells. This allows the body to convert stored fat into fatty acids for energy and lose weight.

Furthermore, it also protects against cellular damage and promotes overall health, which can indirectly contribute to weight management. Maté is also rich in polyphenols — powerful compounds in fruit and vegetables that, some studies suggest, boost metabolism. Dr Mellor said: 'There are many claims linked to natural caffeine and antioxidants that also are found in regular tea and coffee.

'The problem with claims about antioxidants is these are often poorly absorbed by our bodies, so the effects seen in the lab cannot be replicated in the same way in our bodies.' Apart from being available in tea version for about $10, Yerba mate is also available as an energy drink at Target and other corner shops at the low price of $3 Your browser does not support iframes. Last year, soccer player Lionel Messi become an unofficial ambassador of the Argentinian drink, often posting pictures of himself with a freshly-brewed pot.

Taking inspiration, fellow soccer player David Beckham also posted on Instagram a picture of himself sipping Yerba mate: 'If it's good enough for Leo,' he captioned the picture. Fellow Argentine soccer players Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero are also said to be mate lovers, as are Uruguayan stars Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani and European players like Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba . BUT unless you really enjoy drinking mate, there might not be much benefit if you go to the gym and eat healthily anyway.

'The healthy diet and exercise will do almost all the work in helping someone to lose weight , it might be something someone believes will help, but the actually effect will be minimal,' Dr Mellor said. 'The important thing is to focus on the overall healthy balance of your diet and exercise.' Jason Momoa Gwyneth Paltrow Shakira Ozempic Share or comment on this article: The $3 drink loved by celebrities Jason Momoa and Gwyneth Paltrow that burns fat like Ozempic e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted.

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