Yerba Mate Nutrition

Yerba mate is a plant used widely throughout South America to make a tea-like concoction. This tea is made using hot but not boiling water, since boiling water can make the leaves taste bitter. In South America, yerba mate is served in an hollow gourd and shared among friends. Traditionally yerba mate is not used as a medicinal herb but instead as a replacement for tea or coffee.

Nutritional Content

Yerba mate has a high content of antioxidants. According to a 2005 study published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry," yerba mate is better than green tea when it comes to protecting your body against the effects of free radicals. As a result, yerba mate might offer protection against cancer, cell aging and degenerative diseases. Yerba mate is also rich in magnesium, potassium and manganese.

Energy Booster

Yerba mate contains three stimulant compounds, including caffeine. The mix of xanthine --- mild stimulants --- compounds, however, eases the effects of caffeine. This means you get the energy boost without the jitters and other side effects that usually come with ingesting caffeine alone. The other two stimulants in yerba mate are theobromine and theophylline, which can also be found in cocoa beans and tea.

Health Benefits

The stimulant effects of caffeine might help with weight loss, fat burning and digestion. The plan might also be effective in lowering cholesterol. According to the 2005 study, people who drank yerba mate three times a day for 40 days experienced a reduction in bad cholesterol of up to 8.7 percent. Yerba mate might also help with fatigue.

Risks

Yerba mate might increase the risk of certain cancers, including lung, mouth and esophagus cancer, according to MayoClinic.com. The cancer risk is higher in people who also smoke. Occasional drinking of yerba mate is probably safe but if you plan on drinking it daily, talk to your doctor first.