Yerba Mate Counterfeits
There is conterfeit yerba mate on the market today. They are sold as yerba mate or used to cut yerba mate. True yerba mate comes from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis a species of holly tree. There are a number of other species in the same family and Ilex genus. However, there is a large difference in the content of beneficial compounds in I. paraguariensis as compared to the other species.
The xanthines, caffeine and theobromine, are no doubt responsible for the energizing effect and the feeling of well being that results from drinking yerba mate. Analysis of other Ilex species, such as I. dumosa, I. pseudobuxus, I. brevicuspis, I. theezans, I. microdonta, and I. argentina, found only traces, if any, caffeine and theobromine. Traces of caffeine were found only in I. theezans, I. dumosa, I. microdonta, and I. pseudobuxus. Traces of theobromine were only detected in I. argentina, and I. microdonta. If any of these or other Ilex species are added to the final product, they would serve as an adulterant, greatly reducing the quality of the yerba mate.
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As stated elsewhere on this website, saponin compounds in yerba mate contribute to the anti-inflammatory and cholesterol lowering properties of yerba mate. These compounds also contribute to its unique flavor. The saponin content of other Ilex species is decidedly different from I. paraguariensis, which is the least bitter of all extracts prepared from the various Ilex species. Analysis of several Ilex species found that they all contained a large variation of saponins not found in I. paraguariensis. Addition of any of these other species as adulterants will not only reduce the anti-inflammatory and cholesterol lowering effects of yerba mate, but may contribute to a more bitter taste.
To prevent adulteration, good quality control must be used before the products are shipped. Without that, it may be difficult to tell if the product has been adulterated. It is always best to purchase yerba mate from a well known and reputable source.
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