Most people have heard of yerba mate, also known as tea yerba, herbal tea, or green tea, and many have tried it as a weight loss supplement. While there’s some scientific evidence that supports the use of yerba mate in combination with a low-fat diet and exercise,
it’s not yet conclusive. For many, the combination of diet and exercise alone is a winning formula for weight loss. Still, if you’re looking to try yerba mate, here’s what you need to know.
How Is Yerba Mate Made?
Yerba mate is made from the holly (Ilex aquifolium), a rapidly growing evergreen shrub native to South America. When the plant is harvested, the leaves are picked and transported to the nearest warehouse, where they are carefully packed and stored. Packing and storing the leaves minimizes wilt and spoilage. The leaves are then transported to tea manufacturers, where they are processed into a dark, rich, and vibrant green tea. Yerba mate is different from most other teas in that it is unfiltered, so it contains a higher level of nutrients and antioxidants. It is often described as a food for the gods, as the plant is sacred to the Inca culture.
Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, like vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, and quercetin, which act as small fighters in your body. These antioxidants help fight off free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your body. Free radicals are associated with an increased risk of diseases like heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants like these found in yerba mate help protect your body from these diseases.
Is Yerba Mate Safe To Take?
Yerba mate is generally considered to be a safe herb, though this has not been clinically proven. There have been reports of people suffering from caffeine overdoses when drinking very large amounts of yerba mate. Caffeine is a substance that makes your heart beat faster and can cause you to sweat more, both of which can make you lose a large amount of water and potentially lead to dehydration. If you’re planning on drinking yerba mate to lose weight, try to stay within recommended dosage limits.
Some people have also reported stomach upset or damage after taking yerba mate. Whether this is due to the caffeine or a different ingredient in the herb is not yet known. If you are going to take yerba mate, it is advised to start off slowly and build up the tolerance to the substance. Many people notice that their body can quickly adjust to the substance and that it does not cause the same toxic effects that caffeine does. Still, it’s always a good idea to consult your physician before you begin an herbivorous diet.
Yerba mate is generally considered to be safe when used in a clinical setting, but more research needs to be done to determine its long-term effects when used in combination with a diet and exercise program.
How Do You Take Yerba Mate?
Yerba mate can be consumed in a variety of ways, including hot or cold. You can prepare it like a cup of tea by pouring it into a mug and adding milk and sugar if desired. You can also prepare it like a traditional English cup of tea by pouring it into a ceramic mug and adding milk and sugar when cooled. The tea can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks and served chilled. You may want to drink it throughout the day, as the caffeine content can be slightly high.
Some people prefer to drink their yerba mate diluted with water, while others drink it undiluted. If you think that your diet allows for it, you may want to try preparing the tea with a quarter cup of milk and sugar. The amount of milk you use should be equal to the amount of sugar you use, unless you are drinking it unsweetened. Yerba mate is easy to prepare and does not require much attention to detail. Simply pour the tea into a mug and add milk and sugar to taste.
If you are drinking yerba mate for therapeutic purposes, be sure to consult your physician about the safe dosage range. Also, be careful not to overdose on caffeine if you are already consuming caffeine-rich items like coffee or soft drinks, as this could potentially lead to serious health complications.
Does It Help With Weight Loss?
Thanks to its high caffeine content and low price point, yerba mate has become one of the most popular herbal supplements for weight loss. It is a rich source of nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which contribute to its beneficial effects on the human body. Yerba mate helps your body metabolize proteins and fat more effectively, leaving you feeling fuller for longer. It also improves mental alertness and decreases food cravings, both of which contribute to weight loss. Studies have shown that people who consume yerba mate have a higher rate of metabolism than those who drink a placebo, so the herb truly does help with weight loss.
There are several ways in which yerba mate can be used in combination with a diet and exercise program for weight loss. In one study, participants were divided into four groups and given different dosages of yerba mate (1, 2, or 3 cups per day). All of the groups showed significant weight loss, with the 3-cup dosage group losing the most weight. This study showed that for every 100 calories you eat, you can expect to lose about 3.3 pounds, so a calorie-restricted diet could be a part of your weight loss strategy.
There are also various blends of herbal teas available that can be used to make an effective diet pill and enhance weight loss. You can find a product that fits your needs (high caffeine content, low price point, etc.) and take it along with an eating plan and exercise routine. Be sure to consult your physician before beginning any type of weight loss program, as there are various factors that could affect your health.
Many people use yerba mate for medical purposes as well, as it has been shown to have powerful therapeutic properties and be effective in the treatment of a variety of diseases. It is traditionally used to treat diabetes, gastritis, arthritis, and heart ailments. Some people drink it after eating to relieve indigestion and heartburn, while others use it as a natural remedy for upset stomachs and diarrhea.
What Is The Difference Between Yerba Mate And The Coffee Plant?
Yerba mate is a type of herbal tea, while the Coffee Plant is a type of fruit. They both come from the holly family (Ilex genus), but they are quite different in their appearance and taste. Yerba mate is a perennial herb with dark green, glossy, and leathery leaves, while the Coffee Plant is a shrub that only blossoms once every three years and has bright red flowers with thorns on the stem. The Coffee Plant does not have leaves, so it is not a type of herb.
Yerba mate is often mistaken for the Coffee Plant, as the two look similar. The Coffee Plant is not native to South America, where yerba mate is grown, but it was first cultivated in Mexico and is now established in many parts of the continent. Many people also confuse the two due to their similar taste, so it is not unusual to find yerba mate in places where there is a large Coffee Plant population. The only way to tell the difference between the two is to look at the leaves themselves. Yerba mate has thick, leathery leaves that are dark green in color, while the Coffee Plant has thin, almost transparent leaves that are shiny and green in color. Also, the Coffee Plant is typically used as a food crop, while yerba mate is more frequently found in teas and herb blends and is sometimes used medicinally.
Since yerba mate is so similar to the Coffee Plant in appearance and taste, it’s not hard to find products that claim to simulate the Coffee Plant experience. Some of these products are actually blends of yerba mate and the Coffee Plant, so be sure you know what type of herb you are purchasing.
Where Can I Buy Yerba Mate?
If you are looking to buy yerba mate, you will find it in most supermarkets and health food stores. It is also available online and through some tea companies, though it is more expensive this way. You might also want to try making your own with a teapot and a few bags of leafy tea. The taste will be virtually the same as from the store, and you will not be plagued with the doubt that often comes with buying a product online. Most importantly, you will not be contributing to the caffeine overload that so many experience when drinking yerba mate in large amounts.