Green Tea Mate provides coffee-like energy, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. Learn about its top benefits for mental and physical health.
It is said to have the power of coffee, the health benefits of tea and the joy of chocolate.
What is Green Tea Mate?
Green tea mate is an herbal tea made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant.
The leaves are usually dried over a fire and then steeped in hot water to make the tea.
Green mate tea is traditionally consumed from a container called a gourd and drunk with a metal straw that has a filter at the bottom end to strain out the leaf fragments.
Sharing it from this traditional gourd is said to be a sign of friendship and commitment.
1. Rich in antioxidants and nutrients
Green Tea Mate contains many beneficial nutrients such as:
Xanthines: These compounds act as stimulants. They include caffeine and theobromine, which are also found in tea, coffee and chocolate.
Caffeoyl derivatives: These compounds are the main health-promoting antioxidants in tea.
Saponins: These bitter compounds have some anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols: This is a large group of antioxidants, linked to a reduced risk of many diseases.
Interestingly, the antioxidant power of Green Tea Mate seems to be slightly higher than that of green tea
Additionally, green mate tea may contain seven of the nine essential amino acids, in addition to nearly every vitamin and mineral your body needs.
2. It can boost energy and improve mental focus
With 85 mg of caffeine per cup, Chai Mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than a cup of tea.
Therefore, like any other caffeinated food or drink, it can increase energy levels and make you feel less tired.
Caffeine can also affect the levels of certain signaling molecules in your brain making it particularly beneficial for your mental focus.
Several studies have observed improved alertness, short-term recall, and reaction time in participants who consumed a single dose containing 37.5-450 mg of caffeine.
Additionally, those who regularly consume Green Tea Mate often claim that it boosts alertness like coffee but without the side effects.
3. It can improve physical performance
Caffeine is also known to improve muscle contractions, reduce fatigue and improve athletic performance by up to 5%.
Since Mate green tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine, drinkers can expect similar physical performance benefits.
In one study, those who took a 1-gram capsule of Mate green tea right before exercise burned 24% more fat during moderate-intensity exercise.
4. Protects against infections
Mate tea can help prevent bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections.
One study found that a high dose of Mate extract inactivated E. coli, a bacteria that causes food poisoning symptoms such as stomach cramps and diarrhea.
The compounds in this tea may also inhibit the growth of Malassezia furfur, a fungus responsible for scaly skin, dandruff and some skin rashes.
Finally, research suggests that the compounds in it may provide some protection against intestinal parasites.
5. It can help you lose weight and belly fat
Studies show that green tea can reduce appetite and increase metabolism, which can help with weight loss
It appears to reduce the total number of fat cells and reduce the amount of fat they store.
6. It can boost your immune system
Green Mate tea contains saponins, which are natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition, it provides small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and zinc. These antioxidants can boost your immune system and promote health.
7. Lowers blood sugar levels
Mate tea can help lower blood sugar and reduce the complications of diabetes
It can also reduce the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are involved in the development and exacerbation of many diseases.
8. It can reduce the risk of heart disease
Mate tea contains antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, which may protect against heart disease.
Cell and animal studies also suggest that its extract may provide protection against heart disease.
In humans, mate tea appears to lower cholesterol levels.
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