Yerba mate: 5 benefits studied by science

A little boost, a touch of tanginess, bubbles and mate from Brazil… What if your next favorite drink also had a few secrets to share when it comes to nutrition?

Yerba mate has been enjoyed for generations in South America. Today, it intrigues natural drink enthusiasts with its stimulating effects and its richness in plant compounds.

But what does science really say? At Matesol, we have combed through the studies to present you with 5 potential benefits of yerba mate, without any fluff. We promise, you don’t need a PhD to follow along!

What exactly is yerba mate?

Yerba mate is an infusion made from the leaves of a South American tree, Ilex paraguariensis. It naturally contains caffeine, polyphenols, flavonoids and saponins, compounds studied for their biological effects.

A scientific review published in 2023 analyzed 32 studies on mate. Several findings are interesting, particularly regarding alertness, oxidative stress and metabolism. Enough to pique our curiosity!

Source: José et al., Nutrition Reviews, 2023.

1. A boost for your days ⚡

The 3 PM slump? The brain switching to power-saving mode? We know it.

Mate contains caffeine, which acts on the brain mechanisms associated with drowsiness. It can thus temporarily improve alertness and attention.

It is an interesting alternative for those who enjoy stimulating drinks and want a change from coffee.

At Matesol, we have chosen a roasted mate infusion, combined with lime and fine bubbles. A refreshing way to discover this South American plant.

Just a small clarification: we do not have a measurement of the caffeine content of Matesol here. It is therefore impossible to promise a precise stimulating effect per bottle.

To remember: mate naturally contains caffeine. To enjoy it without disrupting your sleep, avoid drinking it too late in the day.

2. A source of antioxidant compounds 🌱

Antioxidants are everywhere in conversations about nutrition. But why all the hype?

Our bodies naturally produce reactive molecules. When present in excess, they can contribute to oxidative stress. Certain antioxidant compounds participate in the mechanisms that help the body regulate these reactions.

Good news: mate leaves contain polyphenols, notably chlorogenic acids, studied for their antioxidant activity.

And the link with Matesol? Our recipe features a roasted mate infusion from organic farming in Brazil. However, roasting changes the composition of the leaves: certain polyphenols, such as chlorogenic acids, decrease due to heat, while melanoidins form during browning reactions. These are compounds that give roasted foods their brown hues and contribute to their roasted aromas. They also exhibit antioxidant activity measurable in the laboratory.

This does not mean that drinking mate automatically protects against diseases or slows down aging. But its plant composition explains why it interests researchers.

To remember: mate provides interesting plant compounds, without being a magic anti-aging potion!

Source: José et al., Nutrition Reviews, 2023.

3. Does yerba mate help with weight loss? ⚖️

This is THE question that comes up often! Mate is regularly presented as a slimming drink. But does it really melt away the pounds?

Researchers are studying its effects on metabolism, blood sugar and body composition. A meta-analysis published in 2025 examined 13 randomized controlled trials: some results regarding blood sugar are encouraging, but no overall significant effect was observed on body mass index or waist circumference.

Our advice: enjoy Matesol for its sparkling and tangy taste, not as a slimming drink.

To remember: research on metabolism is interesting, but mate has not demonstrated that it allows for lasting weight loss.

Source: Li et al., Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2025.

4. Potential interest for metabolic balance 🔬

Beyond weight, mate is studied for its possible effects on certain metabolic parameters, notably blood sugar.

Why is this interesting? Because the way our body regulates blood glucose plays an important role in metabolic health.

The meta-analysis published in 2025 found favorable results on certain blood sugar indicators, mainly in studies conducted on people with blood sugar abnormalities. These results remain preliminary and do not allow mate to be considered a treatment.

At Matesol, we therefore prefer to highlight what we can state: a recipe based on roasted mate infusion, lime juice, cane sugar and bubbles, with ingredients from organic farming and originating from Brazil.

To remember: mate deserves researchers' attention for its potential metabolic effects, but it replaces neither a balanced diet nor medical treatment.

Source: Li et al., Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2025.

5. Anti-inflammatory properties under study 🌿

Inflammation is a natural defense reaction of the body. When it becomes chronic or poorly regulated, it can contribute to various health problems.

Certain compounds in mate, notably polyphenols, have shown anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory experiments and animal models. Research is also exploring their effects on certain biological markers in humans.

This is not enough to state that drinking mate prevents inflammatory diseases. However, these results help explain the scientific interest in this plant.

And if you like mate, there is already a good reason to discover it: its plant taste, which roasting makes more roasted and rounder. At Matesol, we combine it with lime for a tangy and sparkling recipe.

To remember: mate's anti-inflammatory properties constitute an interesting research avenue, but their concrete benefit in humans remains to be established.

Source: José et al., Nutrition Reviews, 2023.

In summary: mate, a plant worth looking into

Yerba mate can contribute to alertness thanks to the caffeine it contains. Its polyphenols and its potential effects on metabolism and inflammation are also being researched.

But there is no need to ask it to do everything: current evidence does not allow us to state that it makes you lose weight permanently or prevents chronic diseases.

At Matesol, we mainly want to introduce you to mate differently: organic, sparkling, tangy and inspired by Brazil. A plant, a tradition and lots of flavors, to be savored without miraculous promises. 🌿

Scientific sources

• José MF et al. (2023). Physiological effects of yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis): a systematic review. Nutrition Reviews.

• Li D et al. (2025). Yerba Maté and its impact on glycemic control and metabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Endocrinology.

• Maté Toasting Causes Chlorogenic Acids to Degrade and Incorporate into the Backbone of Melanoidins, Contributing to Their Antioxidant Activity (2022). ACS Food Science & Technology.