Messi’s favorite drink.. Can yerba mate help with weight loss?
- By Tahani Elghazaly
- Published
Yerba mate, a traditional South American infusion, has become closely associated with Lionel Messi, who is frequently seen drinking it as part of his daily routine. That visibility has fueled growing public interest in the drink’s health claims, especially whether it can support weight loss.
Research suggests yerba mate may offer a modest, supportive effect for certain outcomes, but it is not a standalone weight loss solution. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial in adults with obesity reported that yerba mate supplementation over 12 weeks was associated with reductions in body fat mass, percent body fat and waist to hip ratio compared with placebo, with no major adverse events reported during the study period.
Other work has explored metabolism during exercise. In a study of well-trained cyclists, yerba mate intake was associated with increased fat utilization during submaximal exercise. Researchers generally attribute such findings to caffeine and plant compounds such as polyphenols, while emphasizing that larger studies are needed to confirm how much this translates into real world weight loss over time.
In practical terms, long term weight loss remains primarily driven by overall diet quality, total calorie intake, consistent physical activity, sleep and stress management. Yerba mate may be a small addition for some people, particularly as a coffee alternative or a pre workout drink, but it is not a shortcut.
Safety note
Because yerba mate contains caffeine, it may trigger insomnia, jitters or palpitations in sensitive individuals. Health authorities also advise avoiding very hot beverages and letting drinks cool before consuming. People who are pregnant, have chronic conditions, or take medications affected by caffeine should consult a clinician before increasing intake.
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Tahani Elghazaly5252 Posts
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