Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate: Traditional Herb, New Diet Ingredient

A traditional plant from the forests of South America may be the next big diet breakthrough, holding important chemical keys to weight loss and a lean physique. Yerba Mate’ (Ilex paraguariensis) is a tree cultivated in Paraguay, Brazil and northern Argentina. For centuries yerba mate’ has been consumed as a traditional tonic and natural stimulant beverage. The leaves of Yerba Mate’ are made into a hot or cold beverage, and this Yerba Mate’ “tea” is drunk to alleviate fatigue, suppress appetite, stimulate body and mind, and boost metabolism. Yerba mate’ also demonstrates 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity, which makes the herb of use in some cases of mild to moderate asthma. Over the past few years, extracts of Yerba mate’ have shown up in the dietary supplement market for weight loss.

Yerba mate’ contains over 250 known natural compounds, most notably the alkaloids caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. These agents promote central nervous stimulation, and act as diuretics, causing the body to shed water. Additionally, caffeine, theophylline and theobromine appear to suppress appetite, and boost metabolism. This makes Yerba mate’ an ideal agent in the fight against unwanted fat.

Dried Yerba Mate’ naturally contains approximately 1 - 2% caffeine. Yet some extracts may contain appreciably more natural caffeine content. But most significant is the theobromine value of Yerba mate’ extracts. Like caffeine, theobromine is a central nervous system stimulant alkaloid, though it is appreciably weaker than caffeine. But theobromine is a stronger cardiac stimulant, smooth muscle relaxant, and diuretic. While dried Yerba Mate’ naturally contains approximately 0.45% - 0.9% theobromine, extracts may contain as much as 2% theobromine. This increase in theobromine gives Yerba mate’ extracts unique diet properties.

There are several means by which weight loss and weight control can be achieved. Though calorie restriction almost inevitably results in better weight control, this approach is often difficult in and of itself. Exercise too is a highly significant factor in weight control, but often people find that due to lifestyle demands they cannot be consistent enough in an exercise program to achieve weight goals. Among the other means of weight control, thermogenesis, appetite suppression and increased diuresis can enhance your ability to reduce weight and keep it off. Yerba mate’ performs these functions, thereby improving the odds of achieving weight goals. Extracts of Yerba mate’ suppress appetite, increased caloric burn rate, and increase urination, thereby reducing overall body water weight. Safe and effective, Yerba mate’ may be just what you require to meet your weight goals.

Guidelines for use

A traditional plant with a long history of safe use, Yerba mate’ is a modern diet breakthrough when used in concentrated extract form. Look for products containing approximately 200 milligrams or more of Yerba mate’, standardized to not less than 2% caffeine and 1% theobromine. Used twice or three times daily prior to meals, Yerba mate’ will naturally boost energy, and lead you down the path to a leaner physique.

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