7 hours Ago By Hadia Zainab
Yerba mate has long been known as a weight loss drink, and data suggests its benefits go far beyond that. Its leaves contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, which work together to provide a milder, more pleasant lift than coffee or other popular stimulating beverages. Carbohydrates: 80.
71 percent Proteins: 4.09 percent Fats: 0.90 percent Minerals Vitamins (vitamin C, B1, B2, B6) Purine alkaloids (caffeine, theobromine) Theophylline (in trace amounts) Polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids) Terpenes (saponins, carotenoids) While caffeine is the main stimulant in yerba mate, theobromine and theophylline are mild stimulants that also contribute to its energizing effects.
“Theobromine is a chemical precursor to caffeine. While it doesn’t directly affect the central nervous system, it can increase heart rate, act as a diuretic, and help relax the airways,” said Le. Moreover, the decrease in glucagon was more noticeable in people with high cholesterol.
“While yerba mate may help lower blood sugar and HbA1c levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, it seems to work best when combined with healthy eating habits,” said Jena Brown, a registered dietitian and owner of Victorem Performance Nutrition, in an email to The Epoch Times. Of note, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a longer-term marker of blood glucose levels. “Its antioxidant properties might also support people with prediabetes.
However, we still need more evidence to be sure,” Brown added. “Yerba mate may support weight loss and help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, all of which play a role in promoting better heart health,” said Brown. Results showed that yerba mate extract could reduce cancer cell growth by inducing cell death (apoptosis).
In animal experiments, it also helped reduce the growth of tumors and blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) without affecting body weight. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an excess of free radicals or harmful molecules in the body and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them. This imbalance can damage cells and increase the risk of health problems.
Drinking yerba mate cold may help reduce the risk of esophageal cancer linked to drinking very hot beverages, said Le. “Individuals who smoke or drink alcohol may have an increased risk of cancer when consuming yerba mate,” said Brown. While established dosing recommendations for yerba mate are unclear, Brown suggests a daily range of 1.
5 to 5 grams, divided into three doses, depending on the form of yerba mate. “If you’re more sensitive to caffeine and want to benefit from yerba mate, it’s best to avoid other caffeinated beverages throughout the day. In the end, any long-term benefits depend more on the quantity and frequency of whichever one you choose to drink.
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