If you’re feeling low on energy, yerba mate could help. Healthista’s Nutritional Director Rick Hay explains its benefits, in our Trendy Nutrients A – Z series
‘Yerba mate is traditionally known as the drink of the gods,’ says Healthista’s nutritional director Rick Hay. ‘It’s been used in South America for a long time to help with energy production, immunity and also to assist with sexual performance.’
‘Being high in polyphenols, saponins and antioxidants, yerba mate helps with mood and immunity.
‘It contains theobromine, which is a compound that provides a natural life, without the crash you get from caffeine.
Yerba Mate also contains chlorophyll for energy as well as iron and magnesium to help with that boost too, Hay asserts.
‘It also contains selenium and zinc to boost immunity which is good for people exercising long-term.’
Its bitter quality makes Yerba Mate a good liver tonic and potential fat burner and the saponins it contains help with fat oxidisation (it is also reportedly an appetite suppressant).
Yerba mate works on hormone levels and blood sugar to help balance out cravings and studies have shown it could have an anti-obesity effect,’ says nutritionist Rick Hay.
Research done in 2012 and published in the journal Laboratory Animal Research found that this South American plant could lower fat levels in the blood of mice fed a high fat diet.
It was also found that it could reduce levels of leptin, the hormone that signals hunger, often called ‘the obesity hormone.’ ‘When it comes to metabolism and weight loss, Yerba Mate is extremely beneficial,’ says Hay. You can take it as powder or tea.
Looking for a nutrient powder that contains yerba mate? Try a scoop of the Healthista ‘Body Food‘ nutrient powder.
Rick Hay is an Anti-Ageing and Fitness Nutritionist with many years clinical experience in nutrition, naturopathy, botanical medicine and iridology. He specializes in obesity treatment and weight management. He writes a regular Natural Health and Fitness Blog for Healthista. Find out more at rickhay.co.uk. Follow Rick on Twitter @rickhayuk
Rick Hays book the Anti Ageing Food and Fitness Plan is available to buy on Amazon.
More from Rick Hay:
Anti Ageing Fitness Plan: Week 6
5 foods to keep your body young
5 foods to eat when you’re frantic
10 pre-exercise snacks that WON’T ruin your diet
FOOD is seven a day the new five a day?
HOW TO Choose a protein powder
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