Mate: How Much Does It Help You Lose Weight?
Mate helps control appetite and gives us a feeling of satiety, so it can be a great complement to the diet when losing weight.
The consumption of mate has spread in many parts of the world, not only for its medicinal uses, but also because it is an interesting complement to fight overweight.
Although it is not as popular as many other slimming plants, its infusion preparation has become the ally of hundreds of people seeking to lose fat. And it is that, although it is not a “miracle” product or similar, its inclusion in the regular diet can serve as a “boost” for those who have a slow metabolism.
What makes it so special? How do you prepare? Knowing that many want to try it, this time we want to share all its properties.
What is yerba mate?
Yerba mate is obtained from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensi s plant . It is a traditional South American drink that has also been called “the drink of the gods.”
It has a slightly bitter, fresh herb flavor, similar to that of green tea. In many cultures it is served in some zucchini that function as a container, which are given the same name.
Nutritional properties
The nutrients contained in this herb are what benefit health and weight. Although many thought that it was a simple liquid “side”, it is actually a food of high nutritional value. From this you can get:
- Tannins
- Carotenes.
- Polyphenols.
- Fatty acids.
- Vitamins (A, from group B, C).
- Minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium).
- More than 10 essential amino acids.
How much does yerba mate help you lose weight?
It is very important to clarify that mate is not as such a slimming. However, its properties support weight loss, according to a study published in Nutrients . So it is essential to supplement its consumption with a healthy lifestyle.
Prepared as an infusion, it can accompany breakfast, a snack or a snack. Thus, throughout the day, its properties will stimulate determining functions to combat overweight.
It has diuretic and purifying properties
Due to its content of minerals and antioxidant compounds, yerba mate stimulates the functioning of the kidneys and liver to detoxify the body. These properties contribute to the process of eliminating toxins and fluids, which in turn are factors that influence slow metabolism.
On the other hand, there is evidence that this drink also has antimicrobial properties.
Increase energy expenditure
Although its caloric intake is minimal, the mate drink increases energy expenditure and improves physical and mental performance.
It is ideal for boosting athletic performance and increasing calorie burn.
Control your appetite
One of its most important effects to lose weight is its ability to “trick” the stomach, prolonging the feeling of fullness.
- Its habitual consumption reduces that anxiety that leads to eating more than it should. Keep in mind that the simple act of consuming a glass of water before meals has already been shown to generate satiety. Mate can be used in this way to control appetite.
How to drink mate to lose weight?
The yerba mate drink is a pre-Columbian tradition of the Guarani Indians and populations of Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Chile. In these places there are variations of the plant, although they are from the same family.
The tradition is to drink the infusion hot in a container called “mate”. However, given its size, many began to prepare it at home with a basic recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml).
- 1 tablespoon of yerba mate (15 g).
Preparation
- First, heat a cup of water.
- When it is boiling, reduce the heat and add a tablespoon of yerba mate.
- Finally, remove the drink from the heat source, let it rest for 10 minutes and strain it.
Consumption mode
- Drink a cup of infusion during or after breakfast.
- Consume it at least 3 times a week.
Note : avoid using sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Contraindications
Yerba mate has many benefits; Despite this, it is important to take it with caution and without falling into excesses.
- It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
- It should not be ingested by people who consume alcohol or tobacco.
- It can make diarrhea worse.
- It can make it difficult to control glucose levels. Therefore, it is not advisable for diabetics.
- It contains caffeine, so it can cause insomnia.
- Some of its compounds affect the absorption of iron, so it should not be taken in case of iron deficiency anemia.
- Consumed in excessive amounts can affect liver function.
Include mate in your weight loss routine
Are you trying to lose weight? If you want to take advantage of the benefits that yerba mate gives you, do not stop taking it following the recommendations given. Keep in mind that it will not only help weight loss, but it will also be positive for your health.
