Yerba mate (Ilex paraguayensis) is a small shrub of the holly family native to South America. A drink is made from yerba mate by steeping the twigs and dry leaves in hot water. According to a report from Purdue University, in South America, the drink is sipped from a hollowed out gourd with a metal straw, and it is shared amongst friends. In most other parts of the world, yerba mate is consumed as a tea. Yerba mate has been the subject of medical studies, and its benefits are documented.
Anti-Oxidant
Researchers in Brazil tested the effects of yerba mate on DNA damage in mice. The results, published in 2008 in the medical journal "Mutagenesis," show that yerba mate is a powerful anti-oxidant, which means it protects the cells in the body from damage. In this study, they also found that yerba mate protects against DNA damage and encourages repair of the damage that has already been done.
Weight Control
A study in the May 14, 2009 issue of the medical journal "Obesity" shows that yerba mate also has a positive effect on weight control. In a study performed with mice, researchers found that when the mice were treated with yerba mate, weight gain ceased, the amount of fat on the body was reduced and blood levels of cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides were normalized. One point that the researchers found interesting is the fact that yerba mate has an effect on several genes related to obesity, which could open up a new field of obesity and genetic research with yerba mate.
Cardiovascular Benefits
The November 2007 issue of the "Journal of Food Science" acknowledges several benefits of yerba mate, most notably its ability to lower cholesterol and protect the cardiovascular system. Another benefit listed in this journal is yerba mate's ability to protect the liver. While it has also been shown to protect the body from certain cancers, yerba mate is said to contribute to the development of other cancers, such as cancer of the head and neck. Further studies are needed to determine its cancer-causing or preventing effects.
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