Does Yerba Mate Tea Break a Fast? Safety and Benefits

Can You Drink Yerba Mate Tea While Fasting?

Intermittent fasting has surged in popularity as a weight loss tool. But figuring out what you can consume during fasting windows can get confusing. As an energizing and hunger-curbing beverage, yerba mate tea seems like an ideal choice. But does it break your fast?

What is Yerba Mate Tea?

Yerba mate is a species of holly native to South America. Its leaves and twigs are dried, crushed and steeped to make a herbal tea known as mate (pronounced mah-tay).

This caffeinated drink offers a range of purported mental and physical perks. Meanwhile, intermittent fasting limits food intake to specific time periods each day.

But do these two practices work well together? Lets explore how yerba mate may or may not impact fasting results.

The Potential Benefits of Drinking Yerba Mate While Fasting

Could yerba mate tea complement intermittent fastings effects and improve your success? Scientific studies offer promising early findings.

Increases Energy and Focus

Mate is rich in caffeine and unique phytonutrients. Together these ingredients boost alertness and concentration to counter feelings of fasting fatigue or brain fog.

Suppresses Appetite

Caffeine, theobromine and saponins in mate tea can curb hunger pangs. This allows you to better make it through fasting hours before breaking the fast.

Promotes Fat Burning

Through mechanisms involving your metabolism, skeletal muscle and liver, compounds in mate appear to enhance fat oxidation and decrease fat storage during caloric restriction.

Guidelines for Drinking Mate to Preserve Fasting Benefits

Can simply drinking mate sabotage your fast? Not necessarily. But to maximize results, follow these best practices while fasting.

Avoid Additives Like Sugar

Additives including sugar, honey or agave introduction calories that trigger metabolic processes interrupting the fasting state.

Dont Add Milk or Cream

Dairy also adds calories from protein and fat. Stick to plain mate tea or expand flavors using lemon, lime or spices instead.

Carefully Check Label Ingredients

Some commercial mate drinks sneak in sugars, juices or protein boosters. Read nutrition panels to ensure yours contains no calories or added ingredients.

Remember Caffeine Content Varies

How much caffeine mate contains depends on the leaves, harvesting time, and brewing method. Moderate intake if trying to limit overall caffeine from all sources.

Other Potential Drawbacks of Mate Fasting Tea

Of course, yerba mate may have some downsides too. Understand these considerations as well when deciding if mate and fasting suit you.

Can Disrupt Sleep

Drinking stimulating mate tea late in the day could negatively impact your sleep. Prioritize consumption earlier for best overnight fasting results.

May Cause Anxiety or Jitters

Overdoing caffeine from yerba mate increases risks of nervousness, shakes, rapid heartbeat, and upset stomach in some. This can make fasting periods more challenging.

Safety in Pregnancy Uncertain

Little research exists on mate and pregnancy. Some doctors recommend avoiding daily intake due to caffeine. Consider switching to a caffeine-free herbal tea instead while expecting or trying.

Tips for Trying Yerba Mate With Intermittent Fasting

Give yerba mate tea a chance for better fasting outcomes using these practical suggestions:

Start Slowly

When first integrating mate, brew a mild tea and only drink 1-2 cups to assess effects before increasing strength or quantity.

Save for Morning

Harness caffeine to counter early fasting fatigue but finish drinking mate at least 6 hours before bed for best sleep.

Pair With Lemon Water

Sipping lemon water between mate provides hydration and electrolytes without halting ketosis.

Track Results

Monitor hunger, energy, cravings and other metrics for 1-2 weeks while testing mate with fasting to guide adjustments.

The Verdict: Yerba Mate and Fasting

Evidence indicates pure, unsweetened yerba mate makes an excellent intermittent fasting tea. Its hunger-blunting and metabolism-stoking powers can optimize fastings effectiveness for better weight control.

Just brew in pure water, restrict intake to 500 mg or less total caffeine daily, and enjoy mate moderately as part of an overall healthy lifestyle for long-term wellness.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.