Yerba Mate Benefits: 5 Reasons Yerba Mate Is More Than Just Caffeine

Yerba mate tea is a South American beverage made by steeping the ground leaves and stems of the yerba mate plant. Yerba mate is a central nervous system stimulant that contains twice the caffeine of a cup of black tea, but less than a cup of coffee. 

What really sets yerba mate apart is the number of other nutrients it contains: antioxidants, amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals.

So, is yerba mate good for you? Below, we’re sharing some of the benefits of drinking yerba mate, and a few reasons why the next time you’re looking for a mid-afternoon caffeine boost, you might want to reconsider your coffee.

1. Yerba mate tea contains antioxidants.

Yerba mate contains about more antioxidants than green tea and black tea (though some experts point out each tea contains different antioxidants) and has remarkable immune-boosting properties. 

The antioxidants and amino acids help fat and cholesterol move through your bloodstream..

2. Yerba mate provides increased mental focus.

The benefits of Yerba mate tea, according to users, include increased mental energy, clarity, and focus, and they add that there are no uncomfortable yerba mate side effects like there are with other caffeinated beverages, such as headaches, stomachaches, and jitters.

3. Yerba mate’s benefits include enhanced energy.

The chemical compounds, including caffeine, in yerba mate tea affect your metabolism to make your body use carbohydrates more efficiently

Regular caffeine consumption also helps keep lactic acid from building up in your muscles, helping you decrease post-workout soreness and cut your recovery time.

4. Yerba mate digestion benefits are real.

You may be wondering, “Is yerba mate good for digestion?” The native peoples of South America have long used yerba mate tea as a traditional herbal remedy against digestive ailments. 

One of Yerba mate’s benefits is that it contains caffeine, which is a diuretic and is a digestive stimulant that increases the production of bile and other gastric acids. 

5. Yerba mate tea’s caffeine helps you control satiety.

Native South American peoples have traditionally used yerba mate as part of a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and exercise. One of Yerba mate’s top benefits is that it has stimulant qualities to help you feel full sooner after you begin eating, and it slows your digestion so that your stomach stays full longer. 

Combining yerba mate with a healthy diet and regular exercise can help boost your metabolism, and it can help you eat less by slightly curbing your appetite.

Of course, as with any caffeinated drink, consume yerba mate in moderation. For a delicious vegan and sugar-free treat, try adding a few drops of stevia and 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut butter to yerba mate for a “mate latte.”