Yerba mate: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Antihyperglycemic

Yerba mate, rich in polyphenols, presents potential beneficial properties for diabetes management, particularly by inhibiting the harmful effects of chronic hyperglycemia. Laboratory research has shown that yerba mate extracts can inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end-products, these molecules that accelerate tissue aging by accumulating in cells. Yerba mate extract also reduces the activity of alpha-glucosidase and decreases the gene expression of intestinal SGLT1, contributing to a favorable modulation of carbohydrate metabolism.

Cardiovascular

Yerba mate has shown interesting effects on blood circulation and cardiovascular health in several studies. It has been observed that yerba mate induces dose-dependent vasodilation, which may help improve blood flow. Moreover, yerba mate seems to have the potential to reduce blood viscosity in patients with hyperviscosity, a risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. In fact, more viscous blood has a thicker consistency, which can make it harder to flow through small veins and arteries. Regular consumption of yerba mate tea over six weeks has shown a decrease in plasma and blood viscosity, improvement of nail capillary measures, reduction of red blood cell aggregation, and increased blood flow, offering potential protection against the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Furthermore, yerba mate could inhibit platelet aggregation and modulate blood lipid levels. These effects are potentially mediated by changes in the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane.

Usages associés

Hypolipidemic

Yerba mate has demonstrated hypolipidemic effects in hypercholesterolemic animals by reducing aortic cholesterol and the size of atherosclerotic lesions. In obese animals, yerba mate tea reduced serum and hepatic lipid levels. In overweight humans, a clinical study showed that standardized dry yerba mate extract had no effect on lipid parameters, except in those with an intermediate to high risk of cardiovascular disease, where it increased the (good) HDL cholesterol. Yerba mate's anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to its hypolipidemic actions, thanks to chlorogenic acid and saponins that reduce inflammation and improve glucose tolerance.

Metabolic

Yerba mate is recognized for its beneficial effects on weight management due to its rich composition in caffeine, polyphenols, and saponins. These components act by increasing resting energy expenditure and promoting cellular thermogenesis, while reducing preadipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in adipocytes. In particular, caffeine stimulates lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation, although its effect on lipid oxidation is modest. Polyphenols like chlorogenic acid play a key role in reducing adipose tissue-induced inflammation, which can alleviate associated metabolic disorders. Additionally, yerba mate favorably alters the lipid profile by inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity, thereby decreasing fat absorption. Studies on animals and humans have shown that yerba mate consumption can significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels, thus contributing to cardiovascular disease prevention. Furthermore, yerba mate improves insulin resistance and increases levels of glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1) and leptin, which can help improve satiety and reduce caloric intake. One study revealed that taking yerba mate before exercise could reduce hunger without affecting satiety. Thus, yerba mate might be an interesting adjunct for weight loss and metabolic syndrome.

Usages associés

Neurological

Yerba mate, rich in caffeine, possesses notable stimulating properties for the central nervous system and physical performance. In the brain, mate inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity by 40 to 50%, which helps limit the degradation of important neurotransmitters such as dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and serotonin. This inhibition contributes to increased neuronal activity and improved mood.

Usages associés

Diuretic

Yerba mate contains caffeine, which has a diuretic effect. However, the body quickly adapts to this effect, reducing fluid loss associated with caffeine consumption.