What Is Yerba Mate <> How To Prepare Yerba Mate <> The Health Benefits of Yerba Mate

Well, for me, the main health beneift is that I drink a lot less coffe than I used to :-) I am more alert at work and eat less! It's really a wonderful drink!!!

Here are just a few of the documented health benefits of Yerba Mate Tea.

Strengthen The Immune System Best natural remedy for constipation by softening the fecal mass Reduce Fatigue educe Blood Pressure Rejuvenates Breaks Down Fat (Lipolytic) Balances Sleep Patterns Increases Libido Delivers Oxygen to the Heart and Lungs During Exercise Great Diet Aid Diuretic Helps the Gastrointestinal Tract Increases Focus Increases Creativity Increases Strength, Energy and Endurance Reduces Cholesterol Contains Antioxidants Contains 15 Amino Acids Contains 24 Vitamins and Minerals Is a Whole Body Tonic

Chemical composition and properties of Yerba Mate
Mate contains xanthines, which are alkaloids in the same family as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine, well-known stimulants also found in coffee and chocolate. Mate also contains other elements, such as Potassium, Magnesium and Manganese.

Mate products are sometimes marketed as "caffeine-free" alternatives to coffee and tea, and said to have fewer negative effects. This is often based on a claim that the primary active xanthine in mate is "mateine", said to be a stereoisomer of caffeine. However, caffeine has no stereoisomers. "Mateine" is regarded as synonymous with caffeine.

Researchers at Florida International University in Miami have found that yerba mate does contain caffeine, but some people seem to tolerate it better than coffee or tea.

From reports of personal experience with mate, its physiological effects are similar to—yet distinct from—more widespread caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea. Users report a mental state of wakefulness, focus and alertness reminiscent of most stimulants, but often remark on mate's unique lack of the negative effects typically created by other such compounds, such as anxiety, diarrhea, "jitteriness," and heart palpitations.

Reasons for mate's unique physiological attributes are beginning to emerge in scientific research. Studies of mate, though very limited, have shown preliminary evidence that the mate xanthine cocktail is different from other plants containing caffeine most significantly in its effects on muscle tissue, as opposed to those on the central nervous system, which are similar to those of other natural stimulants. Mate has been shown to have a relaxing effect on smooth muscle tissue, and a stimulating effect on myocardial (heart) tissue.

Here is a great article worth reading in regards to: Yerba Mate vs. Coffee: Which is Healthier?

Hands down, the best fat burner ever... yerba mate
Some great information in this forum with 77 comments about Yerba Mate and climbing. Talks about how great Yerba Mate is for bodybuilding. I never put the two together but after reading all the comments in this forum about Yerba Mate I am convinved that it's for good for bodybuilders and excecise in general!
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=398412

Also e a good article here: Yerba Mate (Filoled With Health Benefits)
http://beverages.suite101.com/article.cfm/yerba_mate