Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis), commonly known as Mate, is used to support weight loss based on both traditional use and, increasingly, scientific evidence. Several clinical and preclinical studies have investigated its effects on weight management. Scientific research suggests that Mate may promote weight loss through multiple mechanisms: it appears to increase energy expenditure, reduce appetite, and inhibit the differentiation of adipocytes (fat cells). Human trials, though generally small, have shown that Mate supplementation can lead to modest reductions in body weight and waist circumference compared to placebo. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2015) found that overweight individuals taking Mate extract lost more weight over 12 weeks than those taking placebo. Proposed mechanisms include increased fat oxidation, delayed gastric emptying, and modulation of appetite-regulating hormones. However, the overall quality and size of the studies are limited, and longer-term safety and efficacy remain to be fully established. While traditional use for weight control exists in South American cultures, the scientific evidence—though still preliminary—provides a moderate level of support for Mate’s role in weight loss.

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