
WHAT IS
"YERBA"?
Yerba mate (Ilex
Paraguariensis), a member of the holly family, is a herb which grows wild in
sub-tropical areas of South America. The Jaguar Yerba Company imports
organically cultivated yerba from the largest plantation in Argentina where the
leaves and young twigs are sustain ably harvested, leaving the mature shrubs to
continue producing for many years. For optimum flavor and benefits the herb is
milled in traditional proportions of 80% leaves, 10% twigs and 10% powder.
WHAT ARE THE
BENEFITS OF YERBA?
Yerba Mate is
known to be high in antioxidants and rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and
enzymes. Traditionally this herb was used as a whole body tonic and believed to
energize and rejuvenate, enhance endurance, support mental clarity and promote
well being. Because it breaks down fat (lypolytic action), dieters find Yerba
very helpful for weight loss.
WHAT ARE THE
SIDE EFFECTS OF YERBA?
The side effects can generally be assumed similar to any caffeine ingestion but may be a bit milder than common caffeine sources such as coffee. Aside from superficial side effects, some studies have shown Yerba Mate to possibly be carcinogenic and to be a risk factor for cancer of the head and neck. Such risk is obviously dose dependent and probably only factor for those drinking Mate as a tea.
