Natural Remedies For Losing Weight - Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) belongs to the holly family and is prepared by steeping dry leaves and twigs in hot water (the infusion is called Mate). Only slightly less potent than coffee, it appears to be easier on the stomach. Yerba Mate has a strong vegetal, herbal, and grassy flavour much like some varieties of green tea.

Over the past few years, extracts of Yerba Mate have shown up in natural remedies for losing weight. Why? Because it contains over 250 natural compounds such as caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. These compounds stimulate the central nervous system, and are diuretics, causing the body to shed water. Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine suppress appetite, and boost metabolism. The question is if Yerba Mate contains these ingredients and they are then combined with other variations of stimulants, diuretics, fat burners and goodness knows what else, what kind of side effects are potentially lurking in the wings?

Yerba Mate proponents insist this is one of those wonder herbals that can actually achieve your weight loss and leaner physique goals without having to do too much about exercise or changing how you eat. They say Yerba mate suppresses appetite, increases caloric burn rate, and increases urination, thereby reducing overall body water weight. Note they say overall body WATER weight. While losing water does mean you weigh less, it doesn't address the primary problem of over eating, not eating properly and not exercising. At best, it would seem this product may be more of a quick fix than a real weight loss product.

Always check with a doctor about your weight loss goals and how you are going to achieve them. If you plan on using an herbal product like this, then make sure your Doctor knows what other medications you are taking in addition. It is better to be safe, and to do your homework, rather than just plunge into something you aren't really sure about.