You may have heard of Ozempic, a drug that is meant to help control blood sugar and reduce hunger, if you’ve been following the latest health news.
But what if we told you that a simple, natural drink that has been drunk for hundreds of years could help you lose weight just as well without a prescription?
Yaya maté is a traditional South American tea that could be the next big thing in natural weight loss.
What Is Yerba Maté?
Yerba maté is a plant tea with caffeine that comes from South America, mostly from Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. The dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant are soaked in hot water to make it.
Many people drink it to get energy, concentrate, and help their digestion. But new research shows that it may also help people lose weight and control their appetite, similar to how GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy do the same thing.
How Can Yerba Maté Help With Weight Loss?
A new study from Brigham Young University, which was released in the journal Nutrients, says that yerba maté can make the body make more GLP-1.
GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone that helps keep blood sugar levels steady, stops cravings, and manages hunger. This is the same process that makes weight loss drugs like Ozempic work so well.
There is a catch, though: yerba maté does not directly raise GLP-1 levels. Ferulic acid, which is found naturally in it, is broken down into dihydroferulic acid by bacteria in the gut.
This new compound triggers GLP-1 production, helping to lower hunger and improve blood sugar regulation.
Yerba Maté vs. Coffee: Which One Is Better?
People often compare yerba maté to coffee because they both have caffeine and can give you energy. Which one is better, though? Let’s break it down:
| Feature | Yerba Maté | Coffee |
|---|
| Caffeine per 8 oz | ~128 mg | ~95 mg |
| GLP-1 Boost | Yes (through gut bacteria) | No |
| Appetite Control | Yes | Minimal |
| Energy Jitters? | Less likely | More likely |
| Digestive Benefits? | Yes | No |
Coffee is great for giving you energy, but yerba maté has other benefits as well, like helping your digestion and reducing your hunger.
Other Health Benefits of Yerba Maté
You can do more with yerba maté than just lose weight. It’s also good for your health in other ways, which makes it a great addition to your daily routine:
Boosts Energy Without Jitters
Thanks to its balanced mix of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, yerba maté provides a smoother, more sustained energy boost compared to coffee. This means less anxiety and fewer crashes.
Improves Digestion
Yerba maté has natural digestive enzymes that promote gut health. Plus, its effect on GLP-1 may help with blood sugar control, making it a great option for people managing type 2 diabetes.
Enhances Mental Focus
Studies suggest that yerba maté may improve brain function, memory, and alertness. Many students and professionals drink it to stay productive throughout the day.
Rich in Antioxidants
Yerba maté contains more antioxidants than green tea, which helps protect the body from inflammation and oxidative stress.
Supports Heart Health
Some research suggests that yerba maté may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.
How to Drink Yerba Maté for Maximum Benefits
If you’re curious about trying yerba maté, here’s how you can incorporate it into your daily routine:
- Traditional Method: Drink it from a gourd using a metal straw (bombilla), as it is traditionally consumed in South America.
- Tea Bags: For convenience, you can buy yerba maté in tea bags and steep it like regular tea.
- Cold Brew: Steep yerba maté in cold water overnight for a refreshing iced tea option.
- Yerba Maté Lattes: Mix it with milk or plant-based milk and a touch of honey for a delicious alternative to coffee.
Yerba maté is safe for most people as long as they don’t drink too much of it. If you drink too much, you may get too much coffee, which can make it hard to sleep or make your stomach hurt.
Talk to your doctor before making it a daily habit if you already have health problems.
Final Thoughts: Should You Swap Ozempic for Yerba Maté?
Yerba maté isn’t a solution for prescription weight loss drugs, but it might be a good natural way to control your hunger and speed up your metabolism.
If you want an easy, cheap, and natural way to help you reach your weight loss goals, yerba maté could be the right thing to add to your daily routine!
Would you try it? Tell us what you think!