From green to peppermint to ginger, there are a range of teas to choose from that are both delicious and great for your overall health. Tea has been used to help promote a healthier body and brain since ancient times—and as it turns out, there’s one South American variety that’s packed with properties that could help bring you one step closer to your weight loss goals. If you haven’t heard about the health benefits of yerba mate yet, we’re here to give you a rundown with some expert insight.
To learn about why this highly caffeinated tea could be the weight loss-friendly beverage you’ve been looking for, we spoke to nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet. She told us that anti-inflammatory yerba mate can work to suppress appetite, boost metabolism, and more. Find all of her insight below!
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Yerba Mate
Richards explains that yerba mate is a traditional South American beverage made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant—and not only does it taste incredible, but it can also offer up a great dose of caffeine that's comparable to coffee. "It is known for its strong, earthy flavor and high caffeine content," she says.
In addition to the taste and the energy boost, this tea may also help you slim down. Richards says there are several benefits to thank for this, starting with the fact that it could help you curb cravings. "It is a natural appetite suppressant, helping to reduce feelings of hunger and prevent overeating," she notes.
Mate has also shown potential metabolism-boosting benefits; "It can boost metabolism, increasing the rate at which the body burns calories," Richards goes on. Then there's the fact that this tea could even help promote healthier blood sugar levels. "It may help to improve insulin sensitivity, which is essential for regulating blood sugar levels and preventing weight gain," she says. Yerba mate, like many other teas, also offers up anti-inflammatory properties, which is fantastic for your overall health and can make a major difference in your ability to lose weight faster.
It's worth noting, however, that while all of these things can help you on your weight loss journey, drinking tea alone likely won't be enough to reach your goals. "A healthy diet and regular exercise are still essential for long-term weight management," Richards stresses, concluding that "as with any dietary supplement, it's important to talk to your doctor before adding mate tea to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take medication." Noted!
