Nutritional Profile

 Yerba Mate Provides a Wealth of Nutrients:  The Pasteur Institute and the Paris Scientific society in 1964 were interested in this healthy source of vitamins and did a thorough study of its properties. The investigators concluded "it is difficult to find a plant in any area of the world equal to mate in nutritional value" and that yerba mate contains "practically all of the vitamins necessary to sustain life."  In addition, results from a study done by researchers at the University of Madrid assert a high content of mineral elements, especially K, Mg, and Mn, in mate. They considered those findings “to be of great relevance” to the nutritional value of mate infusions.

Yerba mate is more nutritious than green tea.  Yerba mate has been used as a base for herbal medicines in South America for centuries, and the plant’s benefits and therapeutic properties have recently been verified by a number of scientific studies. The chemical components of yerba mate are similar to those found in green tea; however, yerba mate is more nutritious than green tea.

Each infusion of yerba mate contains:
• Vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex
• Minerals: Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc
• Additional Compounds: Carotene, Fatty Acids, Chlorophyll, Flavonols,
Polyphenols, Inositol, Trace Minerals, Antioxidants, Tannins, Pantothenic Acid and 15 Amino Acids.

Table of Nutrients

Vitamin A
Potent antioxidant. Essential for immune system. Prevents night blindness. Aids in skin disorders and acne. Necessary for tissue repair and maintenance.

Vitamin C
Potent antioxidant . Vital for tissue growth and repair. Benefits immune system.

Vitamin E
Aids circulation. Vital for tissue repair and maintenance. Potent antioxidant. Useful in treating PMS, fibrocystic breast disease. Benefits immune system.

Vitamin B1
Essential for the function of the nervous system, heart muscles, and brain. Aids in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Vitamin B2
Creates body tissue and red blood cells. Aids in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Aids in treating osteoarthritis. Helps in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Benefits digestion.

Vitamin B5
Aids in metabolizing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Potent antioxidant. Enables adrenal gland function and nerve transmission. Helps production of red blood cells.

Biotin
Biotin aids in cell growth, in fatty acid production, in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and in the utilization of the B-complex vitamins. Biotin also promotes healthy sweat glands, nerve tissue, and bone marrow.

Choline
Necessary for nerve transmission, gallbladder regulation, and liver function, choline also minimizes excess fat in the liver and aids in hormone production.

Inositol
Is vital for hair growth. It helps prevent hardening of the arteries and helps remove fats from the liver.

Calcium
Assists in blood clotting and regulates hormones, muscle contractions, and nerve
impulses. Strengthens bones and teeth.

Manganese
Essential for bone and cartilage formation. Aids in sex hormone function. Activates enzymes for vitamins absorption. Necessary for metabolism of proteins, fats, and cholesterol.

Iron
Essential for immune function. Vital for hemoglobin production. Aids in energy production.

Selenium
Antioxidant. Aids immune response. Needed for tissue elasticity.

Potassium
Necessary for nervous system, hormone, and muscle function. Regulates blood pressure and controls heart activity. Balances water/sodium balance.

Magnesium
Essential for heart and muscle function. Vital for bone formation. Aids enzymatic systems.

Phosphorus
Vital for healthy tissue repair and growth. Necessary for metabolism of calcium, vitamins, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Aids in energy production.

Sulfur
Helps to disinfect the blood and aids in the resistance of bacteria. It aids in oxidation reactions, stimulates bile secretions in the liver, and protects against toxic substances.

Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of life, joined together in chains that make up proteins. Proteins are a necessary part of every living cell in the body. The DNA code that is inherent in every single cell is actually information regarding how to make that cell's proteins. The proteins that make up the human body are not obtained directly from a person's diet. Rather, a person ingests amino acids, which the body then uses to build the specific proteins it needs. There are approximately 28 commonly known amino acids. These amino acids combine to form the hundreds of different proteins that make up all living things. In the human body, the liver produces about 80% of the amino acids needed. The remaining 20% must come directly from the diet, and are thus called: essential amino acids.

Alanine

Arginine

Asparagine

Aspartic acid

Cysteine

Cystine

Glutamic acid

Glycine

Histidine
Helps in the growth and repair of tissues. Is needed for the production of both red and white blood cells.

Isoleucine
Necessary for hemoglobin formation. Stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels.

Leucine
Protects muscle and acts as a fuel for the body. Promotes healing of bones, skin, and muscle tissue.

Lysine
Building block for all protein. Helps calcium absorption and maintains a proper nitrogen balance in adults. Aids in the production of antibodies, hormones, and enzymes. Helps in collagen formation and tissue repair.

Methionine
Assists in the breakdown of fats, preventing the build-up of fat in the liver and arteries. Aids the digestive system. Very beneficial for allergic chemical sensitivities and osteoporosis.

Threonine
Aids liver function by helping to prevent fatty buildup. Enhances the immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies.

Tryptophan
Cures insomnia, helps stabilize moods and is used by the brain to produce serotonin. Alleviates stress, aids the heart and helps with weight control.

Tyrosine
Treats anxiety, depression, allergies and headaches. Acts as a mood elevator, suppresses the appetite and reduces body fat.

Valine
Stimulant effect. Enhances muscle metabolism, tissue repair and nitrogen balance.