The yerba mate is a medicinal plant that has a thin stem of gray color, oval leaves and small fruits of green or purplish-red coloration. It is widely cultivated in the southern region of Brazil, being used as a home remedy for cholesterol because of its properties.
The yerba mate is also popularly known as mate or congonha, and marketed as mate tea. Its scientific name is Ilex paraguariensis . This plant can be bought dry in stores of natural products or in drops format in markets, with the average price of 30 reais.
Mate properties
It has caffeine, theophylline, theobromine, folic acids, tannins, minerals and vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E, and therefore acts as anti-oxidant, diuretic, mild laxative, stimulant and aphrodisiac.
What is yerba mate?
It is useful for losing weight, fighting bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol (HDL), lowering blood glucose, quenching hunger, stimulating brain function, improving blood circulation, facilitating digestion, cleansing the skin and is beneficial for the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
How to use the yerba mate
- Mate tea : Put 2 tablespoons of yerba mate in a cup and add water (almost to boiling point). Take 1 cup before breakfast, another at lunch and another at dinner.
- Chimarrão : Put the mate in the bowl and add water to the boiling point.
- Tereré : Place the mate in the bowl and add cold water.
Side effects of yerba mate
By containing caffeine, it can in some cases lead to insomnia.
Contraindications of yerba mate
Yerba mate is well tolerated, but should be avoided in pregnancy due to caffeine.
Useful link:
- Homemade Cholesterol Remedy
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