Just Like Green Tea, Only Better!” By Aviva!, Ltd.
(updated 10/18/2004)
What is Yerba Maté?? Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) is a small tree native to the subtropical highlands of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. This evergreen member of the Holly family was introduced to colonizing and modern civilizations by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay and Uruguay. The drink is brewed from the dried leaves and stemlets of this perennial tree. Yerba Maté is known as the national drink of these countries, and is consumed by millions of South Americans as a healthful alternative to coffee. This stimulating herbal beverage has the unique ability to wake up the mind without the nervousness and jitters associated with coffee. Deemed "The Drink of the Gods" by many indigenous groups in South America, and known as "the green gold of the Indios" by folks in Europe, yerba maté possesses a multitude of health benefits that have begun to attract the attention of American scientists and consumers.
Isn’t Yerba Maté just another "green tea"? No. Tea is a beverage made from the processed leaves of a plant whose Latin name is Camellia Sinensis. There are three varieties of tea: green, black, and oolong. While tea can be grown in a variety of tropical and subtropical environments, the tea plant is indigenous to China, Tibet, and northern India. Most people associate tea with these locations (the Far East and Asia).
Yerba Maté is not derived from the tea plant. It is a completely different drink from a different part of the world. In the United States, South America is more often associated with coffee bean production than anything else. However, consumers outside of South America are beginning to realize there’s more to the land than just coffee plantations.
What is the nutritional value associated with Yerba Maté? The beneficial and therapeutic aspects of yerba maté, portrayed from centuries of observation and use, have recently been verified by a number of scientific studies. The chemical components of yerba maté are similar to those found in green tea; however, as we’ll see, yerba maté is much more nutritious.
People worldwide refer to this herbal infusion as a "whole body tonic." Tonics are substances provided by nature for the repair and maintenance of normal physiology. According to Webster’s Dictionary, tonics "invigorate, restore, refresh, or stimulate [some aspect of one’s physical well-being]." Here at Aviva we don’t like to use the term "tonic" because it reminds us of those con-artists of the 1800’s who would ride from town to town, selling colored water as “tonics” or “potions” that would cure all your ills. In truth, however, yerba maté may be the closest natural beverage to a whole body tonic that is on the market today. A combination of observations and research from the scientific community gives strength to that claim….
There are 196 volatile (or active) chemical compounds found in the yerba maté plant. Of those, 144 are also found in green tea. Yerba Maté contains 11 polyphenols. Polyphenols are a group of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals (phyto- meaning plant) contain recently-discovered compounds that act as powerful antioxidants and are considered to exhibit anticancer effects in mammals by strengthening an organism’s natural defenses and protecting it against cellular destruction (i.e. lycopene in tomatoes, flavonoids in blueberries, and isoflavones in soy). In addition to polyphenols, yerba maté leaves contain saponins (In fact, one study yielded 3 new saponins in the Yerba Maté leaf!) Saponins are phytochemicals that have been found to specifically stimulate the immune system and aid the body in protecting against disease.
Clinical Studies of Antioxidant Properties of Yerba Maté -
Yerba Maté has significant antioxidant activity. In a study published in 1995 by Biochemical and Molecular Biology International, researchers concluded that water extracts of yerba maté "were more potent antioxidants than either ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or butylated hydroxytoluene." A few years later, a group of researchers embarked on a study to again investigate the antioxidant properties of Ilex paraguariensis infusions. Those findings were published in March of 2000 in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. Their results suggest "that ingestion of extracts of Ilex paraguariensis could contribute to increase the antioxidant defense of an organism against free radicals attack." In a more recent study, published in the November 2001 issue of Fitoterapia, researchers took a look at 7 different plant species in South America. They found that Yerba Maté "contained a higher content of flavonoids and caffeoyl derivatives than any other assayed species."
According to a study conducted by a group of researchers at the University of the Republica in Montevideo, Uruguay, yerba maté extracts were found to be "potent direct quenchers of the free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl." They concluded that yerba maté is a "rich source of polyphenols and has antioxidant properties comparable to those of green tea." The group published their findings in the June 2003 issue of the Journal of Alternative Complimentary Medicine….
Comparison of Total Polyphenol Content (mmol of quercetin equivalents per liter):
Yerba MatéÎ 6.5 (+/- 0.5)
Green TeaÎ 1.8 (+/- 0.8)
Black TeaÎ 1.13 (+/- 0.3)
Comparison of Free Radical Quenching Activities (at dilutions of 1x10(-1) v/v):
Yerba MatéÎ 75% (+/- 5%)
Green TeaÎ 35% (+/- 5%)
Black TeaÎ 2% (+/- 5%)
Yerba Maté Provides a Wealth of Nutrients Each infusion of Maté contains: Vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex Minerals: Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc Additional Compounds: Carotene, Fatty Acids, Chlorophyll, Flavonols, Polyphenols, Inositol, Trace Minerals, Antioxidants, Tannins, Pantothenic Acid and 15 Amino Acids.
According to Dr. Mowrey, Director of the American Phytotherapy Research Lab in Salt Lake City, one group of investigators from the Pasteur Institute and the Paris Scientific Society concluded that yerba maté contains "practically all of the vitamins necessary to sustain life." They focused especially on Pantothenic Acid, remarking that it is "rare to find a plant with so much of this significant and vital nutrient. . . It is indeed difficult to find a plant in any area of the world equal to maté in nutritional value."
In addition, results from a study done by researchers at the University of Madrid assert a high content of mineral elements, especially K, Mg, and Mn, in maté. They considered those findings "to be of great relevance" to the nutritional value of maté infusions.
I take a multi-vitamin with antioxidants, why would the nutrition in Yerba Maté be beneficial to me? Studies have linked dietary levels of antioxidants, such as vitamins E or C, beta-carotene or lycopene, with a lower risk of cancer and heart disease. However, research has shown little if any risk reduction with pill supplements containing these antioxidants in isolated pure forms. Researchers believe the health benefits of antioxidants, in fact, may be due to their “particular forms in foods, to other substances found in foods, and/or their interactive effects or synergy within the natural plant”. In a nutshell, eating whole foods (fruits and vegetables) containing vitamins and antioxidants proves more beneficial than supplementing with pills!
What Kind of Health Benefits Can I Expect to See from Drinking Yerba Maté? There are many positive effects of maté drinking that have been observed by consumers, and further confirmed in scientific studies. The positive effects listed below have been directly or indirectly attributed to drinking yerba maté infusions.
Yerba Maté: Induces Mental Clarity-Some people claim that cigarette smoking helps them think more clearly and be more creative. For the most part, they are correct. Nicotine, in moderation, has been shown to have positive effects on cognitive function. However, tobacco and tobacco smoke contain a multitude of other harmful chemicals. Why not get the same effect WITHOUT having to smoke?!! Yerba Maté has the ability to quicken the mind and increase mental alertness and acuity. Furthermore, it contains no nicotine and is not addictive or habit-forming!
In fact, a recently filed US Patent (2002) cites yerba maté for inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity by 40-50% in vitro. The underlying study suggests that maté might be useful for treating a variety of disorders such as. . . “depression, disorders of attention and focus, mood and emotional disorders, Parkinson’s disease, extrapyramidal disorders, hypertension, substance abuse, eating disorders, withdrawal syndromes, and the cessation of smoking.”
Sustains Energy Levels/Reduce Fatigue-Yerba Maté is a central nervous system stimulant. The metabolic effects of maté appear to include the ability to maintain aerobic breakdown of carbohydrates during exercise for long periods of time. As a result, more calories are burned, thereby increasing cardiac efficiency and delaying the build-up of lactic acid.
Boosts the Immune System-The yerba maté plant contains a number of powerful known saponins, and probably a few yet to be discovered!
Helps Relieve Allergies-Linda Rector Page, N.D., Ph.D., notes that yerba maté is helpful in opening respiratory passages to overcome allergy symptoms. Shown to reduce the severity of some allergies and hay fever, yerba maté works by stimulating the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids, which help suppress the inflammation and immune response due to allergies.
Aids in Weight Loss-For many years now, physicians in Europe have been incorporating yerba maté in treatments for obesity.
In 1999, researchers at a Swiss University studied various commercially-available plant preparations that have claimed to possess anti-obesity action. No significant increase in energy expenditure (EE) was noted after treatment with any of the preparations. In addition, no change in respiratory quotient (RQ) was shown, except after treatment with maté (Ilex paraguariensis) extract, where a drop in RQ was observed, indicating a rise in the proportion of fat oxidized. The results suggested the poor potential of these plant preparations in the treatment of obesity, except possibly for the maté extract.
In 2000, a research team studying obesity at the Charlottenlund Medical Center in Denmark tested an herbal preparation of Yerba Maté, Guarana, and Damiana (YGD) for gastric emptying and subsequent weight loss. They concluded that the herbal preparation, YGD capsules, significantly delayed gastric emptying, reduced the time to perceived gastric fullness and induced significant weight loss over 45 days in overweight patients treated in a primary health care context. In addition, maintenance treatment given in an uncontrolled context resulted in no further weight loss, nor weight regain in the group as a whole.
Improves Digestion-The Indians of South America traditionally use yerba maté to treat gastrointestinal disorders as eupeptic and choleretic agent. Research conducted by a team at Catedra de Farmacologia in Buenos Aires, Argentina found that yerba maté does in fact induce an increase in bile flow and enhance intestinal transit.
Diabetic Treatment-Yerba maté has been shown to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), with an effect comparable to that of two pharmaceutical grade AGE inhibitor drugs. The formation of AGEs plays a part in the development of diabetic complications.
Inhibits Lipid Peroxidation-A study conducted by Gugliucci and published in Biochemical Molecular Biology International (1995) claims low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad cholesterol") oxidation is inhibited by extracts of yerba maté. Oxidation of LDL is considered to be the initiating factor to the onset of atherosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the arteries).
Fights Bad Breath-Polyphenols found in tea and yerba maté have been shown to prevent both the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath and the bacteria’s production of odorous compounds.
Are there any side-effects associated with Yerba Maté? "Ok guys, so far you’ve talked about all the wonderful health benefits that can be attributed to Maté drinking, but are there any known negative effects?"
Like many things in life, too much of a good thing can sometimes be harmful. For example, too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, too much vitamin A can cause headache/blurred vision/joint pain, too much Iron can be toxic to the liver, too much milk (vitamin D) can cause nausea and calcium deposits on internal organs, too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea/kidney stones/blood disorders, too much Niacin (vitamin B3) can cause ulcers or liver disorders, too much calcium can cause constipation/urinary tract stones, too much charred meat on the grill can increase the risk of cancer. . . .and the list goes on.
Moderation is important to remember when it comes to many of life’s activities, especially in regard to diet and nutrition.
In North America, studies have suggested a link between coffee consumption and cancer in humans, especially pancreatic cancer. A study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine (1981) found evidence of a "strong association between coffee consumption and pancreatic cancer in both sexes." More recently (2002), German researchers are looking into the possibility that something in coffee could increase our risk for cancer. German scientists tested 24 brands of coffee and seven brands of espresso. They found small amounts of acrylamide... a substance that international experts have classified as a “probable human carcinogen”. Acrylamide is likely formed when coffee beans are roasted. These are but two of a handful of studies suggesting a coffee-cancer link. On the other hand, there are a number of studies that fail to derive a correlation between coffee consumption and an increased risk of cancer. In spite of these negative reports, the demand for coffee products continues to increase in the United States and a new Starbucks opens every week.
Let’s take a look at tea (Camellia Sinensis). Tea is second, only to water, in worldwide consumption. Today, tea is considered a healthful beverage and a powerful antioxidant/anti-cancer agent. Numerous clinical studies have highlighted the health benefits of incorporating tea into one’s diet. Ironically, the earliest studies on tea and cancer hinted at the possibility that tea might actually cause cancer. Initial evidence showed that some populations drinking large quantities of tea had higher rates of esophageal cancer. Upon careful examination, it was found that the high rates of this particular cancer were due to the temperature at which the tea was consumed rather than the tea itself. For example, in some parts of northern China it is customary to drink very hot tea, and this was associated with a 2- to 3-fold increase in risk for esophageal cancer. In the U.S., U.K., Australia and many other countries, it is customary to drink either iced tea or tea with lemon or milk, and thus its temperature is lower.
Yerba maté has a very similar chemical make-up to the tea plant. As you have read, it’s packed with lots of good things for those who drink it. But, is there anything about consuming yerba that could result in negative effects? Researchers have not identified any specific substance in the yerba plant that is considered harmful to humans when consumed in moderation. However, South Americans traditionally consume yerba through a metal straw called a bombilla. This practice can result in repeated scalding to the back of the throat and esophagus if very hot water is used. Burning yourself (obviously) is something that should be avoided as the greater body of research from the medical community suggests a general connection between the rapid consumption of hot foods and beverages and an increased risk for long-term tissue damage. Additionally, there’s a tendency for folks in South America (especially Uruguay) to consume large amounts of yerba (10-13 kilograms a year!). This over indulgence is similar to some consumers’ coffee habits here in the states.
Moral to these stories: 1) Consume food and drink in moderation. 2) If a beverage is scalding hot and could possibly burn you, don’t drink it yet! Let it cool.
Yerba maté, like coffee and tea, is considered safe by the FDA and is on their GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list. Consumed is moderation, maté is recognized as one of the most healthful natural beverages on earth! Suggested daily consumption is 2-3 cups of a 3-4g infusion.
Does Yerba Maté Contain Caffeine? No!....Yes!....Maybe. Confused? In the early 90’s when maté first started making inroads into North America, a handful of herbalists came forward and claimed that the stimulant found in maté was not caffeine but a newly discovered chemical they named matéine. This new xanthine supposedly possessed all the positive attributes of caffeine, but none of the negatives. Unfortunately, these studies cannot not be verified, nor the research corroborated. However, many scientific studies since then have identified, verified, documented, and validated the fact that caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline are the primary active xanthine alkaloids in the maté leaf.
What is Caffeine? Caffeine is a stimulant that has been shown to possess the ability to enhance athletic and cognitive performance, even after sleep deprivation and stress.
According to Dr. Judith Reichman. . .
"There’s no question that caffeine is a powerful psychoactive drug. We use it as a mental stimulant (and today the act of drinking coffee in coffee shops has become a social stimulant for conversation, business meetings, and logging onto the Web). Caffeine prevents sleepiness and sharpens thinking by blocking the action of certain neurotransmitters and lifts moods by affecting dopamine. It “revs you up” by promoting release of adrenaline, starting at doses lower than fifty milligrams, which is about the amount in a serving of black tea or cola. It has been shown to improve muscle coordination and strength if consumed just prior to exercise or an athletic event. It also increases energy expenditure, and to a very small extent helps us burn calories. Because it helps relax the airways of the lungs, caffeine is associated with fewer asthma attacks in asthmatics. And here’s an effect we’ve all noticed: it can act as a laxative. In fact, many women rely on their morning coffee to keep them on schedule from both a gastrointestinal and daily activity perspective. Two to three cups a day may lower the incidence of Parkinson’s disease (according to Nurses’ Health Study data) and seems to decrease gallstone formation, at least in men."
Caffeine Content of Popular Beverages
Plant Caffeine Content Avg. Caffeine in 8oz drink
Yerba Maté Leaves 0.6 – 2% 25 – 100 mg
Aviva Yerba Maté ~ 1% ~33 mg
Coffee Beans 1 – 2.5% 100 – 225 mg
Black Tea 2.5 – 4.5% 10 – 60 mg
Guarana Seed 4 – 8% 200 – 400 mg
Cola 0.75 – 2.5% 40 mg (12oz can)
Chocolate 0.25% 13 mg (1.5oz bar)
All of these xanthines also have diuretic properties and other documented pharmacological actions that include: CNS stimulation, relaxation of smooth muscle (especially bronchial muscle), myocardial stimulation, and peripheral vasoconstriction.
What is intriguing about yerba maté is that its stimulating effects are dissimilar to other caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, colas, or teas. Even individuals sensitive to caffeine report a more balanced energized feeling…
"Over the past year, I have been giving the Yerba Maté tea to my patients who need to stop using caffeine-containing products for health reasons. I have had good feedback on the results. I like having a healthful substitute for coffee, tea and colas to offer them." K.L.P., M.D.
Nutritionists suggest that people avoid consuming alcohol or caffeinated beverages before bedtime because they may disrupt normal sleep patterns. However, Dr. Mowrey’s article states that…
"One of the remarkable aspects of maté is that it does not interfere with sleep cycles; in fact, it has a tendency to balance the cycles, inducing more REM sleep when necessary, or increasing the amount of time spent in delta states. Many people report that they require less sleep when using maté; usually such an experience is accompanied by a deeper, more relaxing sleep."
So. . . .does Ilex paraguariensis contain caffeine? Yes. Scientific evidence suggests that it does. However, the synergy among the caffeine and maté’s chemical constituents seems to result in a very different physical effect on consumers. As with the introduction of coffee and tea to North American consumers, hopefully the increasing interest in yerba maté will influence the scientific community to continue its research into this healthful South American favorite!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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© 2004 Aviva, Ltd.
