Yerba mate tea is one of the world’s fastest-growing and most popular drinks, one that has become known for its distinctive taste and many possible health benefits. Unlike other kinds of tea, which are largely derived from plants grown in Asia, yerba mate tea actually comes from South America, where it has been used as a restorative and healing medicine for centuries.

While many of the benefits of yerba mate tea are still being researched, here are a few of the health benefits that it may have, according to studies of the tea and the many beneficial compounds that it contains.

Boost Energy and Improve Mental Focus

Yerba mate tea contains a compound that is extremely familiar to almost everyone on the planet: caffeine. While many of us are used to the energy boosts and subsequent crashes that come with a strong cup of coffee or espresso, yerba mate tea actually contains less caffeine. It also contains slightly more than your average cup of black tea, making it a healthy middle ground for people who like caffeine but don’t like the jitters that can come with coffee.

Caffeine in moderation is known to increase alertness and energy while also improving focus. Numerous studies have found a positive correlation between people’s energy and focus and intake of moderate amounts of caffeine, like the amounts found in yerba mate tea. The effects can be felt in as few as ten minutes after consumption, too.

Increase Your Antioxidant and Nutrient Intake

Did you know that yerba mate tea is actually chocked full of different kinds of nutrients and antioxidants that can help your body in a number of ways? In fact, the tea is known to contain the following:

• Xanthines: compounds that act as a stimulant, including caffeine and theobromine. These are also found in tea, chocolate, and coffee.

• Caffeoyl derivatives: One of the main antioxidant compounds found in many yerba mate teas.

• Saponins: Known for their bitter-yet-enjoyable taste, these compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-reducing properties.

• Polyphenols: This is large group of antioxidants that is linked to a reduced risk of many diseases, according to some scientific studies.

Boost Your Immune System

Yerba mate tea contains compounds known as “saponins.” These naturally occurring compounds may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help your body in its immune system responses. The tea also contains small amounts of antioxidants that are known to help out your immune system, including vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc.

Help Out Your Heart

While research into the power of yerba mate tea is ongoing, there have been some promising studies into many of the nutrients and compounds found in the drink, especially when it comes to your heart and blood.

First, a few of the antioxidant compounds found in yerba mate tea have been shown in animal tests to help reduce the chances of heart disease. And one study into the effects that yerba paste can have on humans indicated reduced levels of cholesterol, which can lead to better heart health.

Help Control Blood Sugar Levels

There have been some promising studies as well that link the compounds found in yerba mate tea to lower blood sugar levels. While more testing and research are absolutely needed, there is some evidence that shows these compounds can improve insulin signaling, which helps the body regulate its blood sugar levels.

This one is particularly promising, but it is important to note that yerba mate tea is not a substitute for proven treatments that help with diabetes and other diseases and syndromes related to blood sugar levels. For people with such issues, the only response is through trained medical professionals.

Yerba mate tea is becoming a popular drink for people that are looking for a natural way to improve their health and lifestyle. While drinking the yerba mate plant as a tea is the most popular way to consume it, you can also find this powerful ingredient in other forms. Natural energy drinks, supplements, and more sometimes contain this ingredient to give people a natural boost to their health and energy. If you are looking to tap into the potential of yerba mate, be sure to check out natural energy drinks and other products, on top of trying it as a tea.