The yerba mate tree (Ilex paraguariensis) provides the leaves for a type of infusion known as yerba mate tea. This tree grows naturally in areas of South America, where indigenous people consume it for health benefits. For many centuries, this nonalcoholic beverage provided the native cultures with a medicinal ingredient as well as a social drink. Producers and exporters now ship this ingredient to various manufacturing companies in other parts of the world, including the United States. Commercially prepared diet products and energy drinks contain the yerba mate extract. This ingredient may have several benefits.
Enhance Energy
Commonly sold for this purpose, yerba mate extract may increase your level of energy. Like many types of green teas, yerba mate contains caffeine. This component may stimulate your nervous system, temporarily reducing feelings of fatigue and sleepiness. However, too much caffeine may lead to nervousness or an inability to sleep.
Assist in Weight Loss
Like various other types of over-the-counter diet aids, diet products made with ingredients that contain caffeine may temporarily increase the rate at which your body burns calories. As a component in weight loss products, yerba mate provides this calorie-burning ingredient. Many products that contain yerba mate also contain other ingredients that may help to stimulate your central nervous system.
Reduce Swelling
Yerba mate may act as an anti-inflammatory by reducing swelling and eliminating excess amounts of water weight. This infusion can act as a diuretic in the body, assisting in the removal of fluids from cells and tissues. Like other types of diuretics, this ingredient may cause a temporary increase in urination as the kidneys remove the excess amounts of fluid from the body. This anti-inflammatory effect can reduce swelling around the ankles and other areas of the body where fluid tends to accumulate.
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