Mate from a Scientific Perspective

The discovery was made during the IV Yerba Mate and Health Conference, organized by the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the National University of Rosario and the National Yerba Mate Institute (INYM). Several research studies related to the country's most famous infusion were presented there.

Two investigations stood out from the others. One was conducted by scientists from Juan Agustín Maza University in Mendoza, with the support of INYM. They concluded that drinking one liter of water with 50 grams of Yerba Mate daily helps control cholesterol and lose weight.

Mate Lowers Bad LDL Cholesterol Levels

The first paper was published in the journal Hospital Nutrition and analyzed the influence of the consumption of the infusion on the lipid profile in a sample of 352 people between 40 and 60 years old. All volunteers had to stop consuming mate for six weeks without varying their diet or physical activity.

After measuring their nutritional values, they were asked to consume 50 grams of Yerba Mate for six weeks and each of them was evaluated again.

"We saw that the mere fact of consuming mate allowed us to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels by 12% over a twelve-week period," said Rafael Pérez Elizalde, the director of the Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases.

Mate: The Best Ally for Weight Loss

The second study analyzed the effect of the infusion on people's weight. Sixty overweight women on a low-calorie diet were considered. Some were told to drink 2 liters of mate per day and the others were asked to drink two liters of water per day without mate, for 12 weeks.

“The people who drank mate lost 3.04 kilos and the others 2.45. There is about 400 grams difference, but the most important thing is that there was an advantage in body fat loss. Those who drank mate lost more fat than those who drank water," said Diego Messina, from the Faculty of Nutritional Sciences.

Yerba Mate is a traditional South American drink, made from the dried leaves of a plant called Ilex paraguariensis. It is a drink rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine, which offers numerous benefits for health and physical performance. It is no coincidence that many world-renowned footballers, such as Leo Messi, Luis Suárez, Neymar Jr., and Antoine Griezmann, are avid consumers of Yerba Mate.

Let's look at the 7 main reasons why footballers drink this beverage:

1. Increases energy and concentration. Yerba Mate contains a moderate amount of caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and improves memory, mood, and attention. In addition, it contains other alkaloids, such as theobromine and theophylline, which act synergistically with caffeine to provide a natural and long-lasting stimulating effect. Yerba Mate thus helps footballers to be more motivated, productive, and reactive on the field.

2. Promotes carbohydrate metabolism. Yerba Mate helps the body to better utilize carbohydrates, which are the main source of energy for muscles. This translates into greater physical endurance and a reduced feeling of fatigue during sports activity.

3. Reduces lactic acid. Lactic acid is a substance that accumulates in muscles during intense exercise and causes pain and fatigue. Yerba Mate helps prevent excessive lactic acid production, promoting better oxygenation of tissues and faster elimination of toxins.

4. Protects cells from oxidative stress. Yerba Mate is a drink rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals responsible for aging and cell damage. In particular, Yerba Mate contains polyphenols, which have been shown to have beneficial effects on the brain, heart, and immune system.

5. Has anti-inflammatory effects. Yerba Mate has anti-inflammatory properties, which promote muscle recovery and rehabilitation after physical exercise. Furthermore, it promotes cardiovascular health, improving blood circulation, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

6. Increases the feeling of satiety. Yerba Mate stimulates the secretion of a hormone called cholecystokinin, which regulates appetite and the feeling of satiety. This helps footballers to control weight and avoid overeating.

7. Improves psychological well-being. Yerba Mate is not just a drink, but also a social ritual, which promotes sharing, friendship, and relaxation. Many footballers drink Yerba Mate in groups, before or after matches, to strengthen team bonds and alleviate the tensions and challenges associated with such a competitive sport.

These are just some of the reasons why Yerba Mate is the favorite drink of footballers. If you want to find out more about this drink and its benefits, visit the Amathe' website, the new line of Yerba Mate-based blends, designed for athletes and for all those who want to live a healthy and natural life.  

 

Source(s)

1. Yerba Mate Tea the Secret Weapon of Soccer Players? | Taragüi

2. Why footballers are drinking yerba mate | Mission Tea

3. Yerba Mate Tea the Secret Weapon of Soccer Players | Taragüi

4. Getty Image

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