Mate tea benefits range from weight loss to heart protection

The leaves and branches of the Ilex paraguariensis plant give rise to yerba mate which, when roasted, becomes known as mate tea – a popular drink especially in southeastern Brazil. The benefits of mate tea are especially due to the presence of caffeine, minerals and vitamins in its composition. Discover the main advantages and also contraindications of tea.

12 benefits of mate tea

Helps in weight loss, more disposition, protection for the heart are some of the benefits of mate tea. Check out these and other benefits:

1. More mood for everyday life

Sara Bragança (CRM-RJ: 646547), physician, member of the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, specialized in Orthomolecular Therapy,
comments that the high caffeine content present in mate tea ensures more disposition for day-to-day activities, helping to avoid fatigue.

2. Prevention against depression

Sara explains that, precisely by providing more energy for daily activities, mate tea can help to avoid the symptoms of depression.

3. Increased mental concentration

The significant presence of caffeine in mate tea can also act by making the brain more alert, increasing concentration and productivity. It can be used, for example, by students who want to feel more focused or by people who need to stay alert in the work environment. Consumption, however, should be moderate and avoided at night (which tends to cause insomnia).

4. Ally in weight loss

Mate tea is an ally for those looking to lose weight because, as Sara explains, the herb has thermogenic action (accelerates metabolism) and acts to reduce body fat (lipolytic action). In addition, like other teas, it offers diuretic action, which is also important in the weight loss process.

5. Feeling of satiety

Also for this reason, mate tea is an ally in the slimming process. Mate tea provides a feeling of satiety and delays gastric emptying (postponing hunger), as Sara comments.

6. Improved physical performance

Mate tea can also help practitioners of physical activity as caffeine works to improve muscle contractions, reducing fatigue and improving physical performance.

7. Protection for the heart

Due to the presence of saponins, mate tea can help reduce the absorption of fats from food and thus control cholesterol levels. This and other antioxidant substances present in mate tea contribute significantly to good heart health.

8. Combating premature aging

Rich in antioxidant substances, mate tea fights free radicals – which, among other things, causes premature aging. In this way, it can be said that this tea is also an ally of beauty.

9. Strengthening the immune system

Because it is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, this tea helps to strengthen the immune system, preventing colds and flu and improving health as a whole.

10. Decreased blood sugar levels

Mate tea works by decreasing blood sugar levels, thus being an ally for those who have diabetes. But, it is worth mentioning that tea should not exclude conventional treatments for diabetes and should be consumed, preferably, if there is a doctor’s indication.

11. Improvement of intestinal transit

Sara comments that mate tea offers a mild laxative action, thus contributing to the proper functioning of the intestine.

12. Improved digestion

Mate tea stimulates the release of digestive juices (especially bile), thus facilitating the digestion of food.

It is worth remembering that, to enjoy all these benefits, tea must be consumed with a certain frequency, within a balanced diet (preferably prescribed by a nutritionist).

Other forms of consumption and their benefits

A curiosity is that the mate tea herb is the same mate herb used in mate or tereré. The difference between the products occurs during the production process.

But, thinking only about tea, in addition to the traditional mate tea, there is black mate tea. According to Sara, there are no significant differences between the two versions, with the choice being more restricted to the preference for the flavor of one or the other.

The most recommended is to buy the herb directly to prepare mate tea. You can find mate tea in a bag on the market, which is a more practical option. However, according to Sara, the benefits are smaller in the case of tea bags, because, in this version, the herb is in a lower concentration.

Dangers of Mate Tea

“The contraindications are for pregnant women, children and for people who suffer from insomnia, nervousness, anxiety and/or high blood pressure due to the high caffeine content present in tea”, highlights Sara.

People with cardiovascular problems and irritable bowel syndrome should also avoid consumption, unless there is a medical authorization.

In addition, in general, mate tea in excess can cause irritability and insomnia, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Mate tea soothes?

Mate tea is considered a stimulating tea. The effects, however, vary from person to person. But, it can be said that, in some cases, mate tea helps to calm/reduce anxiety, bringing a sense of well-being, due to the fact that it raises the levels of dopamine in the body (pleasure neurotransmitter), as highlighted by Sara Bragança.

However, for people who are sensitive to caffeine, the effect may be the opposite. Therefore, the ideal is always to consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting the consumption of this or other teas. To learn more, also know the benefits of olive leaf tea.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.