Benefits and side effects of Yerba Mate

According to some studies, leaf wax of yerba mate contains caffeine and theobromine. The total leaf wax content was 0.5% of the dry leaf weight, and the caffeine and theobromine contents of the leaf wax varied from 0.16 to 127.6 mcg/mg and from 0 to 9.5 mcg/mg of wax respectively. This is the reason why some people used it as weight loss supplement. As we already know, caffeine is one of component which can help our body in burning more fat. But, it is only in normal dosage. Consuming too much caffeine or supplement that contains too much caffeine will harmful to our body.

Sadly, studies of yerba mate have shown preliminary evidence that the mate xanthine cocktail is different from other plants containing caffeine most significantly in its effects on muscle tissue, as opposed to those on the central nervous system, which are similar to those of other natural stimulants. The three xanthines present in mate have been shown to have a relaxing effect on smooth muscle tissue, and a stimulating effect on myocardial (heart) tissue.

For this reason, some expert recommend us to avoid all of supplements which contain yerba mate. However, the amount of caffeine in yerba mate is quite high, in large part because the repeated filling of the mate with hot water is able to extract the xanthines very effectively. So, consuming yerba mate is risk for our body’s health.

But, on the other hand dried Yerba Mate’ naturally contains approximately 1 – 2% caffeine. Yet some extracts may contain appreciably more natural caffeine content. But most significant is the theobromine value of Yerba mate’ extracts. Like caffeine, theobromine is a central nervous system stimulant alkaloid, though it is appreciably weaker than caffeine. But theobromine is a stronger cardiac stimulant, smooth muscle relaxant, and diuretic. While dried Yerba Mate’ naturally contains approximately 0.45% – 0.9% theobromine, extracts may contain as much as 2% theobromine. This increase in theobromine gives Yerba mate’ extracts unique diet properties. (medicinehunter)

Conclusion

However, consuming yerba mate is not recommended by some people, therefore the other people recommend it. So, the best choice for us is being careful with it. Especially for dieter. If they want to lose weight, they should try other supplements that really work in losing weight. The effectiveness of yerba mate for weight loss is still doubted.