Sunday, March 11, 2007
Medicinal Properties of Yerba Mate
In addition, Guarani Indians have relied on the beverage for years as a main component of their diet. They believe it is good for boosting immunity, detoxifying the body, lowering blood pressure, toning the nervous system, controlling appetite, curing insomnia, retarding aging, reducing fever.
Some of these claims have now been backed up by scientific research.
In 2005, Researchers at the University of Illinois found yerba mate to be "rich in phenolic constituents" and in addition, was found to "inhibit oral cancer cell proliferation". Another study, published in Mutation Research in 2004, discovered that Yerba mate's antioxidant content, which is similar with green tea's, makes it a potentially powerful preventive against cancer.
An additional study published in June 2001 in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, states that yerba mate also appears to slow digestion and speeds up metabolism, which may aid in weight loss.
Yerba Mate has also been found to be thermogenic, which means that this herb encourages the body to burn calories as evidenced in a study conducted by the University of Lausanne, Switzerland in 1999. The participants of that study showed an increase in the amount of fat their bodies burned for energy.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Yerba Mate for Weight Loss
We all know that stress can make us seek “comfort foods” namely chocolates and other foods which are not good for our weight loss goals. Yerba Mate has a relaxing effect, which means if you drink it in between meals; you will find that it is much easier to cut down on snacks, as well as to trim your portion sizes. Yerba Mate can also help you with cravings. So, if you crave chocolate or something sweet mid-morning or afternoon, drinking a cup of yerba mate will help you curb your cravings.
The other good thing about Yerba Mate is that Yerba Mate also provides energy. It might seem a little counter intuitive at first. How can something that soothes you down also provide you energy? The tea harmonizes the system and gives you what you need at times. With renewed energy your body will not protest the thought of working out, walking the dog or going swimming with the kids. Exercise therefore becomes natural and something that you enjoy and look forward to.
Yerba mate also contains mateine, which is thought to be a compound that is chemically identical to caffeine, with the exception that it does not cause the caffeine jitters. Mateine stimulates the metabolism, which not only burns calories faster, but converts more calories into energy.
If you are wondering where on earth you are going to get this magical drink, fear not. It is available online through various stores like the yerba Mate Cafe
If you are wondering what the heck is Yerba Mate, keep reading this fabulous blog.
Monday, March 5, 2007
How Did I get introduced to Yerba Mate
Alright, one cold winter night, I was browsing through a couple forums and I came across a post by Allen Says (the legendary internet marketer in hiding), this was back in 2005 or something...
Allen was talking about a drink that he had just discovered and basically talking about how it provided him with soo much energy to stay up almost all night to do all his work.
Being the great follower I am :), I decided to order myself a pack of Yerba Mate. And, rest as they say is history.
Over the years I have learned about many other things that Yerba mate can be used for/is used for and my love for Mate has just grown.
Until next time,
Cheers! ;)
Oh BTW, if you have never tried Yerba Mate before, you might want to. It's legal, I promise ;)
Try out this store if you want to order online. I get mine from them!
Friday, March 2, 2007
What the Heck is Yerba Mate?
Yerba Mate is not so well known in North America, but in South America it is quite popular. In places like Paraguay, Argentina, and other South American countries, it is used as a herbal drink to help both physically and emotionally.
Yerba Mate is much like coffee, but without the sleepless and addiction that the caffeine in coffee can bring. It has many vitamins and nutrients, so the South Americans use it as a food staple.
There has been many uses for Yerba Mate, like mental clarity, to retain energy, and to help the immune system. Some people have even used it to help cure allergies, help them sleep, and even for weight loss.
Yerba Mate has been a tradition for many year in South America, claimed to be a gift from a god to help give them with good health and happiness. Which may be very true with all of the benefits that many people share by using it.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Yerba Mate for Meditation
Yerba Mate for meditation
Many cultures around the world share the tradition of sipping tea while trying to relax the mind and the body. It is the same for the Guarani Indians. Yerba Mate was used by the Indians to heal mind, body and spirit, to make new friends and to heal relationships.
Even if you are drinking it alone, Yerba Mate can still be used to relax the mind, body and soul and to reflect back, gain inspiration or ideas. Take the time to relax and let the infusion soothe your mind and body while you are looking for inspiration. If you cannot find a group to share the mate with, share it with your own friends. Your tea session does not have to be traditional.
Sharing the tea with your family and friends allows you to bond with them and helps them relax as well. The ancients used this technique to heal any wounds or painful experiences between family members. You can put on some relaxing music to enjoy the tea with your friends in a non traditional environment. To make the event more exciting, you can also plan a dance like the Indians would.
How about getting up with a relaxing drink? Have you ever noticed how you feel so good for the entire day if you woke up happy? How about using the Yerba Mate every morning to bring you inspiration, to relax your mind and to fill you with ideas for the rest of the day?
Did you think that all the drinks used in Native American meditation were alcoholic and bad for your health? Along with soothing the mind, Yerba Mate has various health benefits too. It can be used to stimulate the mind, energize the body, to increase focus and of course to release stress.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Caring for Yerba Mate Gourd
1. Remove the yerba mate from the gourd.
2. Rinse your gourd with hot tap water.
3. Use a towel to dry your gourd inside and out.
4. Place the gourd upside down on a dish rack or cooling rack, to allow for air flow, and let it dry completely. You can place it in a warm sunny area to speed drying.
5. Once your mate gourd is completely dry store it right side up in a warm, dry, and well ventilated area. A sunny window is a great place to store your mate gourd.
Always inspect your gourd before each use to make sure there are no cracks or mold in it. With proper care and storage, your mate gourd can last a lifetime.