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Benefits of Koni Yerba Mate
Posted by Phuong on Aug 9th, 2011

Yerba Mate, a tree native to the rainforests of South America, is known as the Drink of the Gods and well-recognized for its health benefits. Mate is used to combat fatigue, digestive problems, stimulating effects on physical and mental activity and as an aid in weight loss. It also makes a great coffee alternative because you still get a nice energy kick, without the jolt and crash. 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." Here are the reasons why you should add Koni Yerba Mate to your diet.


Real Men Drink Koni Mate Tea. Adam is holding a double wall mug of Koni Mate Toscana.


Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants: Each infusion of Mate contains vitamins (A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex), minerals (Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus), additional compounds (Fatty Acids, Chlorophyll, Flavonols, Polyphenols, Trace Minerals, Antioxidants, Pantothenic Acid and 15 Amino Acids).

Immune system: Mate appears to boost immunity both by fighting infectious organisms and supporting immune cells, particularly white blood cells, in the body. Vitamins C and E, found in mate, are important for immune support. Unlike other herbs that may continuously stimulate the immune system, mate acts to balance immunity as a tonic. Mate contains saponins, phytochemicals that have been found to specifically stimulate the immune system and aid the body in protecting against disease. They possess significant anti-inflammatory properties. Protect yourself against the cold and flu with a cup of Koni Hangover Tonic yerba mate.

hangovertonic
Koni Hangover Tonic - click on image


Lowers stress: Researchers say that Yerba Mate is a rich source of magnesium that has been proven to ease anxiety. Yerba mate is also a vasodilator it relaxes the smooth muscle in blood vessels which makes them dilate and allows the blood to flow more easily. The relaxing effect of yerba mate can calm your emotions and make you less prone to fall into overeating while stressed.

Weight loss: Yerba mate increases the rate the body burns calories (known as thermogenesis) and reduces appetite by increasing gastric emptying time and promoting fat burning. In a 2001 study of 47 healthy overweight adults, researchers found that taking a mixed herbal preparation (containing yerba mate, guarana, and damiana) three times daily for 45 days induced significant weight loss. The herbal blend also helped participants feel full more quickly while eating. Mate has been found to slow down the rate of gastric emptying. This leads to dieters feeling fuller longer and less likely to overeat.

Koni Slim Gift Set
Koni Slim Gift Set - click on image


Energy: Yerba mate drinkers report being more in control of their caffeine-like buzz without the negative side effects. Mateine, found in yerba mate, is a stereoisomer of caffeine, thus giving it the stimulating qualities with none of the downfall. Yerba mate stimulates your central nervous system. The theobromine, theophylline and caffeine in yerba mate give you energy, and the herb effects your metabolism to lead to more efficient use of carbohydrates and increased cardiovascular performance.

Digestion: Research suggests that yerba mate tea helps increase the production of stomach acids and bile and helps your intestines absorb nutrients and eliminate waste more efficiently. Yerba mate can help the body to produce more bile and soften your stool, allowing your body's digestive system to operate more smoothly.


Mate gourd and bombilla straw
Mate gourd and bombilla straw.


How to Use the Mate Gourd

First you must cure your gourd:
  • 1. Fill your gourd halfway with your favorite Koni Mate Tea and top it off with boiling water.
  • 2. Soak for 48 hours.
  • 3. Remove the tea and thoroughly scrape the gourd pulp from inside of your vessel with a spoon.
  • 4. Give it a final hot water rinse.

    How to drink from your gourd:
  • 1. Fill the mate gourd a little over two-thirds full of mate.
  • 2. Tip upside down and shake with your hand covering the open end to drive the powder up to the top.
  • 3. Pour a small amount of cold water on the lowest portion of the yerba in your mate. This keeps the hot water from "killing" your mate; lets it warm up gradually.
  • 4. Add steaming, not boiling hot water.
  • 5. Let it sit for a few minutes until you see that all the water has been absorbed by the yerba. This will make the mate swell up and prevent your bombilla straw from plugging up.
  • 6. Cover the tip of the bombilla with your thumb and push it to the bottom of the gourd in the low spot.
  • 7. Sip and enjoy!


    Koni Italian Love Affair - Click for recipe
    FREE gourd and bombilla straw ($19.99 value) with an
    8oz Koni Mate Tea purchase!




    Yerba mate is very versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways, from a traditional hollow gourd with a metal straw to a Koni Modern Mug. It can be consumed hot, or cold, and served with milk and honey or iced with lemon and mint, the combinations are endless. If you are like me and enjoy an occasional adult beverage, check out my Koni Italian Love Affair Martini.



    Koni Italian Love Affair - Click for recipe
    Koni Italian Love Affair Martini - Click for recipe

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