Yerba Mate

Yerba mate, also known as erva-mate in Portuguese, originates from South America and is extracted from the dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis. Two new studies examined its protective effects.

Traditionally, it has been used as a stimulant and for the treatment of arthritis, difficult digestion, liver diseases, headache, rheumatism and obesity. Yerba mate is rich in polyphenols such as caffeine, caffeic acid, catechin, epicatechin gallate and quercetin. These polyphenols have antioxidant activity, the ability to scavenge oxidative stress causing free radicals.

Researchers from Brazil evaluated the chemical properties of the residues from yerba mate processing and also determined the candy-making performance with addition of residues from yerba mate on consumers' acceptance and purchase intent of this new product.

The candies containing different amounts of mate powder were evaluated through overall acceptability test and purchase intent. Mate powder showed high contents of dietary fiber, total ash and total polyphenols.

Supplementation with mate powder caused significant increases in polyphenol and mineral contents of mate candies. The incorporation of mate powder increased the hardness of the candies and their nutritional value.

The authors concluded that the sensory tests indicated that mate candies were acceptable and approved in relation to purchase intent.

In a related study, another group of Brazilian researchers explained that yerba mate is rich in several bioactive compounds that can act as free radical scavengers. Free radicals are produced when the body fights against infections. Although free radicals are needed for the body to produce energy, maintain immunity, transmit nerve signals, produce hormones, and contract muscles, they may also contribute to various health conditions, such as cancer. The authors investigated the antioxidant activity of mate tea as well as the ability to influence DNA repair in male Swiss mice.

Forty animals were randomly assigned to four groups. The animals received three different doses of mate tea aqueous extract, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 grams/kilogram, for 60 days. After the intervention, the liver, kidney and bladder cells were isolated and the DNA damage was investigated. The DNA repair process was also investigated for its potential to protect the cells from damage by the same methodology.

The study found that mate tea does not damage the DNA in liver, kidney or bladder cells. The regular ingestion of mate tea increased the resistance of DNA to DNA strand breaks and improved the DNA repair in liver cells, regardless of the dose ingested.

The authors concluded that mate tea could protect against DNA damage and enhance the DNA repair activity. Protection may be afforded by the antioxidant activity of the mate tea's bioactive compounds.

Comments

[flower]

“Mate powder showed high contents of dietary fiber.” “Mate tea could protect against DNA damage and enhance the DNA repair activity.”

I think it needs more study before making the conclusion that “mate tea could protect against DNA damage and enhance the DNA repair activity.” Since, mate powder showed high contents of dietary fiber, maybe it can be used for laxative.

[jess]

It is exciting to learn that tea can do so many different things to our bodies. I love tea and much prefer tea over coffee. There are so many positive health effects associated with tea. They come in a wide variety of smells and tastes. My only concern is teeth staining. Does any know how much tea you must consume in order to get this effect?

[chub]

Yerba mate is known to be associated with reduce risks of many diseases that are causes by free radicals. Yerba mate has been noted to have the following health benefits: reduce lipid peroxidation, reduce DNA damage, reduce cell death, reduce risk factors for diabetes, reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation, and inhibit toxic effects of highly reactive chemicals (e.g. peroxynitrite) that are associated with stroke and myocardial ischemia. Yerba mate has also been noted to contain chemicals associated with reduced cancer risks, weight-loss effects, as well as the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth.

[Shoshie]

I’d never heard of this plant before, but it sounds like another interesting antioxidant-delivery system. So far there doesn’t seem to be any down side, except I’ve read that some newbies say that the taste is an acquired one.

[Ann]

This is a very interesting article. I’m wondering if it tastes like green tea.

[diamond]

Yerba mate is the national drink of Argentina, Paraguay, Southern Brazil and Uruguay, where it is consumed 6:1 compared to coffee! The word yerba mate actually means “herb cup” and has been proven to induce mental clarity, sustain energy levels, reduce fatigue, aid in weight management, aid in elimination and even fight bad breath. A special ceremony developed centuries ago involving a hollowed out gourd filled with yerba mate and hot water shared in a circular ceremony is still used today to nourish the souls and relationships of the gathered people as well as to inspire openness.

[hailee]

Chub, I have come across different sources, and they have totally opposite point of view than what you said regarding yerba mate's anti-cancer effects. It was said in these studies that yerba mate consumption actually was associated with an increased risk in different types of cancer risk, including bladder cancer (in ever-smoker), esophageal cancer and lung cancer (in ever-smoker). However, the risk seemed to be only prevalent in heavy mate drinkers. Maybe too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing.

[mate_lover]

People with Hepatitus C should not consume yerba mate, according to the medical experts at hcvadvocate.org. A long list of natural herbs that are toxic to people with liver disease includes yerba mate as a specific hepatotoxic herb. Here's the link for those who would like to see it.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/CAM_avoid.pdf

I am a long-time (15 yrs.), serious drinker of yerba mate in the traditional style with gourd and straw. I was recently diagnosed with hepatitis C, and I doubt I will ever be consuming this drink again, as I cannot risk poisoning my already stricken liver. I know that there will be skeptics, but just a word of caution all the same.

[Mate]

Yerba mate taken orally as a heated liquid over an extended period of time has been associated with mouth cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer and even kidney cancer. The protective effects of Yerba mate as an antioxidant to prevent DNA strand breaks does not match up with the fact that it is associated with cancer. Cancer is a disease in which DNA is replicated inaccurately due to external stressors, known as carcinogens. This results in uncontrolled cellular replication. This inconsistency between sources must be studied further.

[sophia]

Ann, the flavor of brewed yerba mate is strongly vegetal, herbal and grassy, reminiscent of some varieties of green tea. The flavor is very agreeable to many people. It becomes bitter if steeped in boiling water; therefore, it’s usually made using hot, but not boiling, water. Unlike most teas, it does not become bitter and astringent when steeped for extended periods. The leaves may be infused several times and still provide stimulating effects.

[Kim C.]

Yerba mate's use for the heart may be due to the phytochemical theophylline, which stimulates the heart muscle. Three xanthines found in yerba mate, theobromine, caffeine and theophylline, have diuretic properties. This explains its traditional use of the plant as a diuretic. These substances have several other pharmacological actions including central nervous system stimulation, relaxation of smooth muscle (especially bronchial muscle), myocardial stimulation and peripheral vasoconstriction.

[naomi]

The chemical components of yerba mate are similar to those found in green tea.

Though yerba mate and green tea share similar benefits, such as exhibiting anticancer effects, mate has been shown to contain much more active compounds than green tea. Therefore, mate is more nutritious. Also, Mate leaves contain a compound called saponin, which has been found to stimulate the immune system and help protect the body against disease.

[Raine]

My daughter switched from coffee to yerba mate several years ago and swears by it. She feels that she receives the benefits without the negatives associated with coffee addiction. Her energy level is high, her health is good overall. In fact, when she had to go off coffee for alternative treatments for a knee injury, she found that yerba mate filled in the gap perfectly.

[Ree]

Mate_lover may be on to something. I don’t know that I would encourage anyone to consume yerba mate if they had any type of liver problem. I’ve worked with people that have liver diseases, and they are usually cautioned against having any manganESE (not to be confused with magneSIUM) in their diets. Although, with the magneSIUM and fiber content, I can see how there would be benefits in helping digestive problems.

[Pete]

Yerba mate contains a good amount of caffeine. So much that yerba mate is often used as a key ingredient in weight loss products. Yerba mate may be helpful in preventing cancer and helping other organs but most customers at my pharmacy are looking for this product to lose weight. There are many concerns then with using this product, especially when it's used in combination with other stimulants. Once yerba mate or a combination product is no longer used by a patient, they may crash, meaning patients become extremely lethargic and consume high amounts of food to compensate for time and food lost. Yerba mate may show benefits, but one should be aware of the potential harms.

[Choc]

I had never heard of yerba mate, but upon further research I learned that native South Americans have used it since the early 1500s. The dried shoots and leaves are used to create the drink. When the leaves are toasted, they obtain a distinct and slightly spicy flavor. Many times it is blended with other things such as green tea and guarana.

[Terri]

I think both mate and mate-lover bring up good points. Yerba mate may be good for you, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will right for all people. I think it is important to do some research and consult a doctor before regularly consuming an herb like this.

[Katlyn]

I think it is interesting that yerba mate is being used to make candy. I have never considered drinking yerba mate instead of my daily coffee, but I am somewhat nervous because of what Pete said. It sounds similar to those energy drinks that make you feel tired once you stop drinking them. I wonder if yerba mate will have the same effects if it is not taken daily.

[Tamara]

The other good thing about Yerba mate is that it may aid in weight loss. A study published in June 2001 in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, states that yerba mate slowS digestion and speeds up metabolism.

It has also been found to be thermogenic, which means that this herb encourages the body to burn calories, as evidenced in a study conducted by the University of Lausanne, Switzerland in 1999. The participants of that study showed an increase in the amount of fat their bodies burned for energy.

[Lynnette McKendell]

You have posted a fantastic article on the benefits of traditional yerba mate! I have a small business custom blending yerba mate with other organic herbs and teas to benefit the mind body and soul. Please stop by my site at http://www.cafematelibros.com (we’re very grass roots).

[Benjamin Clark]

I wish there were far more peer-reviewed studies on mate and other herbal teas, etc. I don't trust the corporate pharmaceutical machine along with their overpaid scientists who thrive on disease management as opposed to disease cure.

Our government needs to put a lot more money into the research of natural remedies, etc. instead of the multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical industry.

[Alexi.]

I think there needs to be some caution when talking about yerba mate health benefits. There is some great research out there, but not nearly enough to prove everything, and a lot of things have been over stated such as amounts of antioxidants, etc. Antioxidant levels are probably similar between yerba mate and green tea, but some yerba mate sites only quote chlorogenic properties (which yerba mate has much more of than green tea). But yes, overall, yerba is very healthy and is gaining so much ground on other teas... it's starting to get on supermarket shelves in Australia too..

[Alejandro]

I've been drinking yerba mate every day since I was a kid. It contains 196 active compounds, compared to only 144 for green tea. Researchers at the Pasteur Institute concluded "yerba mate contains practically all the vitamins necessary to sustain life."

I drink it especially before meals, and it takes that "crazy hunger" feeling away. You definitely eat less and you are still well-fed.

One last thing I'd recommend... if you try it go organic using the traditional way. Here's a slide show on how to brew it : www.mymateworld.com/step1.htm