The mate drink is derived by steeping parts of the yerba mate plant in hot water. This drink has a long history in South American countries such as Argentina, and traditionally you drink mate from a hollow gourd with a metal straw that often appears quite ornate. Many people in the U.S. and other countries also drink mate, and knowing some of the potential health benefits will help you decide if you should drink mate regularly.
Cholesterol
Researchers from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil released a study in 2009 that evaluated the effects of yerba mate on patients taking statin drugs, one type of cholesterol-lowering medication. The study showed that the people who consumed yerba mate had a noted reduction in cholesterol levels. Reducing your cholesterol levels could help lower your risks of serious health conditions such as strokes or heart attacks.
Anti-Obesity
In 2009, Brazilian researchers at the Universidade Sao Francisco evaluated the effects of yerba mate extract on obese mice. The study showed that yerba mate had an impact on obesity in the mice, and the plant could affect the genes that relate to obesity. Additionally, the study also showed a decrease in cholesterol levels, along with a better balance of blood glucose levels, an important component to controlling diabetes. Although this study investigated the effect of the substance on mice, the research shows promise in evaluating the effect of yerba mate on humans. The extract has a different makeup than what you will find in the mate drink, but, in theory, the drink may also have an effect on weight loss.
Warnings
Despite the potential health benefits, consuming yerba mate could lead to certain types of cancer, particularly cancers of the mouth and throat. In 2009, researchers in Argentina reviewed study findings and concluded that the temperature of the mate could contribute to the increased risk for these forms of cancer. Also, mate drinkers who also smoked had a higher incidence of cancer than those who did not smoke.
Considerations
Researchers do not know the full scope of the effects yerba mate may have on your health. If you intend to make mate a regular part of your diet, talk with your doctor about any potential concerns for interactions with medications or health conditions you have. You should not use mate as a treatment for cholesterol or any other health condition without consulting with your doctor.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Yerba Mate: Is It Safe to Drink?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; January 2010
- "Obesity"; Antiobesity Effects of Yerba Maté Extract (Ilex Paraguariensis) in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice; D.P. Arcari et al.; December 2009
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Consumption of Yerba Mate (Ilex Paraguariensis) Improves Serum Lipid Parameters in Healthy Dyslipidemic Subjects and Provides an Additional LDL-Cholesterol Reduction in Individuals on Statin Therapy; E. C. de Morais et al.; September 2009
- "Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública"; Cancer and Yerba Mate Consumption: A Review of Possible Associations; D. Loria et al.; June 2009
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