Yerba Mate vs. Green Tea: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?

Yerba mate and green tea are both touted for the weight loss benefits, but what is it about these products that help you lose weight? Read below to learn additional information about yerba mate and green tea and find out the best way to use these products when try to lose weight.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a South American beverage that is made from the leaves of the mate tree. The mate tree is grown in the rainforest of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil and is the national beverage of these countries.

For centuries, South American tribes have consumed yerba mate for its rejuvenate effects, such as clarity and vitality. The leaves of the tree contain 15 amino acids, 24 minerals and vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, yerba mate includes caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, which are found in chocolate, coffee and tea. These ingredients stimulate the central nervous system, decrease appetite, increase muscle relaxation and function as a diuretic.

In regards to weight loss, yerba mate has shown to be helpful in both weight loss and weight control. Yerba mate causes thermogensis, or increased calorie burn, increased diuresis and appetite suppression, all of which improve the chances of weight loss. The average cup of yerba mate has 50 milligrams of caffeine.

Green Tea

Green tea is a beverage that is produced from the leaves of the Asian plant, camellia sinensis. Green tea is different from black tea because the leaves are less processed and are treated in a way that better preserves nutrients.

Green tea contains a large number of antioxidants which help boost the immune system and overall health. The American Cancer Society supports the belief that green tea can help prevent and treat certain forms of cancer. Additional studies have shown that green tea can help treat Alzheimer's and arthritis.

In regards to weight loss, green tea causes thermogenesis or increased calorie burn. Much of the thermogenesis caused by green tea is due to the caffeine in the leaves and the epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. In the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers supported that green tea causes thermogenesis, but that green tea also promotes fat oxidation. The average cup of green tea has 50 milligrams of caffeine.

Yerba Mate vs. Green Tea

One of the main reasons that green tea and yerba mate help with weight loss is because they cause thermogenesis in the body. There are no research studies that prove either one of these products is more affective in causing weight loss.

The thermogenesis of green tea and yerba mate do increase daily calorie burn by 80 to 100 calories a day, but to lose one pound of fat, individuals need to consume 3,500 fewer calories than they burn. The best way to achieve weight loss is to eat 500 fewer calories a day. One of the most effective methods to track calories is through food journaling. FitDay.com offers a free website to help dieters track nutrition, calories and weight loss.

Each of these products has a unique benefit in regards to weight loss. In addition to thermogenesis, yerba mate has shown to be a natural diuretic, which can help reduce water retention, and to decrease appetite. Green tea has also shown to promote fat oxidation.

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