Evidence supporting the use of: Yerba mate
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) has a long history of traditional use in South America, primarily as a stimulant beverage. In recent years, scientific interest has grown regarding its potential as an athletic and exercise aid. The justification for its use in this context is primarily based on its naturally high caffeine content, as well as the presence of other bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and saponins.
Several small-scale human studies have explored yerba mate's effects on exercise performance and metabolism. For example, a 2014 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that acute yerba mate supplementation increased fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise in healthy men. Other research suggests yerba mate may positively influence energy expenditure, reduce fatigue, and improve perceived exertion, largely attributable to its caffeine content, which is well-known for enhancing endurance performance and alertness.
However, the overall body of scientific evidence remains limited, especially when compared to isolated caffeine or other well-established ergogenic aids. Most studies to date are small, short-term, and often do not isolate yerba mate's effects from those of caffeine alone. While the traditional use of yerba mate as a stimulant beverage overlaps with its use as an athletic aid, robust clinical trials specific to exercise outcomes are lacking. Thus, while there is scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence, further research is needed to confirm yerba mate's efficacy as an exercise aid and to determine whether it offers advantages beyond caffeine alone.
Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Eurycomanone
Elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
Fadogia agrestis
Glutamine
glucose
Glycerol
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by yerba mate
Addictions (coffee, caffeine)Aging (prevention)
Appetite (deficient)
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Concentration (poor)
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Mood Swings
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Weight Loss