Yerba Mate Tea: A Beverage Akin to Coffee, Minus the Post-Consumption Energy Slump
### Yerba Mate Tea: A Powerful Beverage for Athletes and More
Yerba mate tea, a bitter herbal beverage, has gained popularity in South America for centuries and is now making waves in the United States due to its numerous health benefits. Known as "Mate" outside the US, it is the national drink of Paraguay and a symbol of national identity in South America.
Recent studies have shown that this tea contains chlorogenic acids, or CGAs, a specific type of polyphenol that has been scientifically proven to reduce inflammation and protect against age-related disorders. This anti-inflammatory property is particularly beneficial for those suffering from achy joints.
Registered dietitians and herbalists have shared six science-backed reasons why yerba mate tea is worth sipping. For athletes seeking optimized physical performance, energy, and recovery, yerba mate tea offers several key health benefits.
#### Boosting Metabolism and Fat Burning
Yerba mate contains caffeine and other bioactive compounds that stimulate thermogenesis—the process of generating heat and burning calories—even at rest. This metabolic boost helps athletes burn more calories throughout the day, supporting lean body composition and weight management.
#### Enhancing Fat Oxidation During Exercise
By increasing fat oxidation, yerba mate helps the body use fat as a fuel source during workouts. This effect can improve endurance and energy efficiency, enabling athletes to sustain performance longer and recover faster.
#### Increasing Energy and Reducing Fatigue
With a caffeine content similar to coffee (~80 mg per cup), yerba mate can elevate energy levels and mental alertness. Caffeine has been shown to enhance muscle performance and delay fatigue, which can give athletes an edge in training and competition.
#### Suppressing Appetite
Yerba mate may act as a mild appetite suppressant, helping to control calorie intake without sacrificing energy. This property can be beneficial for athletes who need to maintain an optimal weight or body fat percentage.
#### Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. This can help reduce muscle damage and promote quicker recovery after intense exercise.
#### Potential Cognitive Benefits
Studies indicate yerba mate may improve cognition and memory, which can enhance focus and mental performance—critical factors for athletes during training and matches.
In addition to these benefits, some research suggests that long-term yerba mate consumption may support higher bone mineral density, which is vital for athlete skeletal health and injury prevention.
Yerba mate tea's unique composition may be why it is stimulating but doesn't cause jitteriness. Theobromine in yerba mate tea promotes a calm, relaxed yet focused state of mind. This tea is typically shared among people and passed around in a gourd with a special straw called a bombilla.
While more human studies are needed to prove the connection between yerba mate tea and improved arthritis symptoms, it has been a pre-game drink of choice for many athletes, including Luis Suárez, Leo Messi, and John Collins.
However, athletes should consume it responsibly, as excessive intake or very hot yerba mate tea may have health risks, and its effects on some conditions (like cancer) remain unclear. Combining yerba mate with balanced nutrition and training is key to maximizing its advantages.
Shopping for a beverage that caters to both health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts might include adding Yerba Mate tea to your list. Given its numerous health benefits, such as boosting metabolism, enhancing fat oxidation during exercise, increasing energy, suppressing appetite, and providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, this tea can be an excellent addition to a lifestyle focused on wellness, style, and fitness. Additionally, food-and-drink options for medical-conditions like achy joints might benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of Yerba Mate tea.
