Mate: A Superfood for your health

"Superfood" is a term describing a family of foods with benefits for body and mind. Yerba belongs to this family, alongside goji berries, blueberries and even açai berries.

So, what are mate's benefits?

Mate, a "superfood"

Yerba mate leaves are a genuine trove of essential nutrients. They hold a varied set of vitamins and amino acids essential to our body's healthy functioning:

• Vitamins:

  • Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining vision, the immune system and skin health.
  • B vitamins (B1, B2, B5) are involved in converting food into energy, nervous system function, and the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.
  • Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps wounds heal.
  • Vitamin E, also an antioxidant, protects cells from oxidative stress and contributes to skin and eye health.

• Minerals and trace elements:

  • Iron is essential for forming red blood cells and carrying oxygen through the body.
  • Phosphorus, potassium, sodium, manganese, magnesium and calcium take part in various vital functions such as bone formation, blood pressure regulation, nerve transmission and energy production.

What's more, yerba mate is particularly remarkable for its wealth of polyphenols.

These antioxidant compounds, present in roughly twice the amounts found in green tea, play a major role in protecting cells from free-radical damage. Free radicals, generated by various environmental and metabolic stresses, are known to accelerate cellular aging and contribute to the onset of various degenerative diseases.

Regular yerba mate drinking may therefore help neutralize these free radicals, offering extra protection against premature aging and supporting the immune system.

Mate boosts your energy and sharpens mental focus

Yerba mate contains all three stimulating xanthines:

• Mateine, or caffeine, which has a physically stimulating effect, present in smaller amounts than in coffee.
• Theophylline, which acts on the nervous system and breathing - a mental stimulant that aids concentration.
• Theobromine, also called the happiness molecule, found in quantity in cocoa.

The three xanthines combined make it a healthy, complete drink for starting the day in the best possible way, without the downsides of coffee at high doses (blood pressure, anxiety, etc.).

The abundant tannins in yerba leaves slow the molecules' absorption, letting the body adjust gently to the caffeine.

The tannins also prolong the xanthines' effect (around 4 to 5h, versus 1 to 2h with a coffee).

Sharper focus, physical stimulation and good spirits - what else?

The agroforestry mate harvest

Mate supports physical performance and weight management

Yerba is also recognized for supporting muscle recovery and athletic performance.

One study found that drinking mate before a workout may help burn 24% more fat during moderate-intensity exercise.

These effects are very interesting and easily fit into a suitable athletic routine. Post-workout, yerba supports greater muscle recovery and reduces the onset of cramps.

That's why many athletes such as Griezmann, Messi and even Di María enjoy a gourd before and after training.

Another effect of this infusion is weight management. After drinking organic mate, a feeling of fullness sets in - ideal when you want to avoid little slip-ups!
Combined with a balanced eating plan, yerba can support your weight goals.

Bear in mind, though: mate is not a diet solution on its own. It should complement a plan that includes regular physical activity, healthy eating and guidance from a dietitian.

Mate, the athletes' infusion