Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is used for the preparation of the most popular tea-like beverage of South America. Hypocholesteremic (lowering cholesterol), antioxidant, hepatoprotective (protecting the liver) and bitter taste properties of mate are attributed to the phenolic constituents of the leaves. Mate has caffeoyl derivatives (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin, rutin and kaempferol).
    Yerba mate, just like many herbs, is a good source of antioxidants and certainly deserves a spot in one's kitchen next to other herbal teas.   
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Source Naturals Yerba Maté, 600 mg

Yerba Maté used since ancient times as a tea, is recommended throughout South America for its rejuvenating, nutritional, and energizing effects, particularly for mental and physical fatigue. Yerba Maté can be taken as a weight-loss aid. Scientific research shows Maté to be a powerful antioxidant and that it can protect DNA from double-strand breaks. It also has the ability to inhibit LDL oxidation. Maté naturally contains a wide range of polyphenols, methylxanthines, and chlorogenic acid, which together are responsible for its many health benefits.

Yerba Mate Supplement

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Yerba Mate Research Update
Antioxidant activity of a botanical extract preparation of Ilex paraguariensis: prevention of DNA double-strand breaks in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human low-density lipoprotein oxidation.
Bracesco N. Facultad Medicina, University of the Republica, Montevideo, Uruguay.
J Altern Complement Med. 2003 Jun;9(3):379-87.
We analyzed the antioxidant properties of Ilex paraguariensis infusion popularly known as mate (ma'ta), by using two experimental models: the induction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and lethality in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as peroxide and lipoxygenase-induced human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Diploid yeast cells were exposed to different concentrations of H(2)O(2) (5-10 mmol/L) in the absence or presence of Ip infusion (10(-1) v/v) or alpha-tocopherol (10(-2) mol/L). Both mate infusion and alpha-tocopherol significantly decreased the dose dependent DSB number, and the lethality induced by H(2)O(2). Peroxynitrite and lipoxygenase-induced human LDL oxidation are inhibited by Ip extracts in a potent, dose-dependent fashion. Dilutions of 5 x 10(-3) v/v provide 50% +/- 10% inhibition. Finally, Ip extracts are potent direct quenchers of the free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. Dilutions of 2 x 10(-2) v/v produced quenching of more than 30%, which was comparable to that obtained with 0.5-1 mmol/L alpha-tocopherol or the quercetin aglycone, respectively. For comparison, total polyphenol content of yerba mate, green, and black tea (Camelia sinensis) were 6.5 +/- 0.8; 1.8 +/- 0.5; and 1.13 +/- 0.3 mmol of quercetin equivalents per liter, respectively. Yerba mate is thus a rich source of polyphenols and has antioxidant properties comparable to those of green tea which merit further in vivo intervention and cross-sectional studies.

Yerba mate emails
Q. I'm aware that teas generally contain high levels of fluoride. I've heard that the fluoride content (ppm) is lower in yerba mate. Is this fact or fiction?
   A. We are not aware of yerba mate research regarding fluoride content.

Q. I am curious if you have heard of using Yerba Mate leaves in a topical ointment? I know several South Americans who use it for Restless Leg Syndrome, Arthritis relief and nerve related illnesses. Can you confirm the topical use and if so, where can I get it? I also use Green Maté, 500 mg by Jarrow Formulas. Is this a good brand?
   A. We don't test other brands so we don't know about the Jarrow Formulas Green Mate product. We are not familiar with yerba mate topical ointment.

Additional links
DHA  DHA is a component of fish oil derived from algae and could be considered a vegetarian source.

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