What are the health benefits of drinking mate?

Drinking yerba mate offers several notable health benefits, highlighted by Andrew Huberman:

1. Caffeine and Alertness: Yerba mate delivers caffeine, promoting increased alertness similar to coffee but often with less anxiety or jitteriness. This makes it a suitable alternative for many people 1.

2. Regulation of Appetite: The consumption of mate stimulates the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which acts as an appetite suppressant. This mechanism helps regulate hunger and can assist in maintaining a fasting state 1.

3. Improved Fat Oxidation: Yerba mate increases fat oxidation both at rest and during exercise, enhancing the body’s ability to burn fat. This effect is particularly pronounced when consumed before physical activities 2 3.

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     Benefits of Yerba Mate

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     2

     Boosting Fat Loss

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     3

     Caffeine and Mate

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4. Electrolytes for Brain Function: Yerba mate contains beneficial electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are crucial for proper neuronal function and can help prevent feelings of brain fog that sometimes accompany caffeine consumption 1.

5. Mildly Reduces Heart Rate: Interestingly, studies have shown that yerba mate can lead to a slight decrease in heart rate, offering a calming stimulant effect, which could be preferable for some over stronger caffeinated beverages 3.

In summary, yerba mate not only stimulates alertness through caffeine but also supports metabolic health by enhancing fat burning and regulating appetite through GLP-1, all while providing essential electrolytes for optimal brain function.