Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients
Top 1 in Top 6 Health Benefits of Yerba Mate
Yerba mate contains several beneficial plant nutrients, including:
- 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 certain anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties.
- Polyphenols: This is a large group of antioxidants, linked to a reduced risk of many diseases.
It's interesting to note that yerba mate tea appears to have a somewhat higher antioxidant capacity than green tea. Additionally, yerba mate is said to include virtually all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs, as well as seven out of the nine necessary amino acids. The tea only has extremely modest levels of these nutrients, so it won't likely significantly improve your diet on its own.