What is yerba mate, and how does it compare with Ozempic?

Yerba mate is not the same as the prescription drug Ozempic. But it may have potential benefits for cardiovascular health, blood sugar management, and weight loss.
Yerba mate is an herbal tea that may have antidiabetic and weight loss effects.
Ozempic is a prescription medication that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s also approved to help lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in adults with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic
type 2 diabetes
cardiovascular
This article looks at the similarities and differences between yerba mate and Ozempic, the potential benefits and risks, and whether you can use both at the same time.
What is yerba mate?
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Yerba mate is an herbal tea. It’s made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which is native to South America.
Yerba mate contains caffeine and polyphenols. (Polyphenols are micronutrients that occur in plants.)
contains
A mixture of human, animal, and laboratory studies suggests that yerba mate may have the following benefits:
the following benefits
Antioxidant properties: These properties can help protect against oxidative stress. (Long-term oxidative stress can lead to cell and tissue damage and cause problems such as chronic inflammation.)
oxidative stress
Stimulant effects: It may help reduce fatigue and improve concentration and alertness.
fatigue
Cholesterol-lowering effects: It may help prevent plaque buildup on artery walls and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Antidiabetic effects: It may help prevent and treat diabetes due to antioxidants and protective effects against the formation of advanced glycation end products.
diabetes
Anti-inflammatory effects: It may be beneficial for some inflammatory conditions and some types of cancer.
Yerba mate may also be beneficial for weight loss. It contains compounds called methylxanthines, which may promote weight loss by speeding up metabolism, increasing fat oxidation, and increasing the amount of energy your body burns.
Yerba mate also has some potential risks, especially if it’s taken in larger amounts. For example, consumption of large amounts of yerba mate may increase the risk of certain cancers due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can be found in yerba mate.
potential risks
Drinking very hot yerba mate tea may increase the risk of certain cancers, including esophageal cancer, due to the hot temperature.
Also, yerba mate contains caffeine, and excessive caffeine consumption may cause side effects such as:
increased heart rate
increased blood pressure
upset stomach
anxiety
anxiety
insomnia
insomnia
Is yerba mate similar to Ozempic?
Yerba mate is an herbal tea, whereas Ozempic is a prescription injection.
The FDA does not approve the safety or effectiveness of any herbs or supplements. It also does not approve herbs or supplements for the treatment or prevention of disease.
does not approve
On the other hand, Ozempic is FDA approved to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. Ozempic is also approved to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. (Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)
off-label
Yerba mate may also have antidiabetic, weight loss, and cardiovascular protective effects.
may also have
Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a hormone that:
glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist
a hormone that
stimulates the release of insulin from your pancreas
reduces glucagon release (glucagon is the hormone that increases your blood sugar levels)
slows digestion, which slows down the release of glucose into your bloodstream
regulates your appetite and increases feelings of fullness when you eat
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone to help regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss.
According to a 2019 research review, yerba mate may be beneficial for diabetes, as it has been shown to significantly increase GLP-1 levels in mice.
2019 research review
And according to a 2021 review, yerba mate may have antidiabetic and weight loss effects. Yerba mate may be able to help:
2021 review
decrease the rate of body fat growth
reduce weight gain
reduce appetite
lower blood sugar levels
increase metabolism, which may increase fat burning
slow down stomach emptying, leading to feelings of fullness, which may promote weight loss
lower cholesterol and protect your heart
Green teas such as yerba mate are not the same as Ozempic, but research suggests that green tea extract may significantly increase GLP-1 levels and improve insulin resistance.
research
Is it safe to take yerba mate with Ozempic?
There is not enough evidence to know whether it is safe to take yerba mate with Ozempic.
Before taking any supplements or herbs with Ozempic, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it’s safe for you to do so.
Yerba mate may affect your blood sugar levels, and Ozempic is approved to help manage blood sugar levels. Because both products can affect your blood sugar levels, if you were to take them together it would be important to monitor your levels to prevent them from dropping too low. Low blood sugar can cause symptoms such as tiredness, sweating, and shaking.
Low blood sugar
Also, both Ozempic and yerba mate may reduce appetite. If you have a reduced appetite, it’s important to make sure you’re still getting enough nutrients.
If you have questions about taking yerba mate with Ozempic, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Summary
Ozempic is an FDA-approved medication for managing blood sugar levels and lowering the risk of cardiovascular events in certain people. Weight loss is a possible off-label use of Ozempic.
Yerba mate is an herbal tea. It is not a replacement for Ozempic, but it may have potential benefits for diabetes management, weight loss, and cardiovascular health.
You can talk with your doctor about whether yerba mate may be a safe and beneficial option for you. Also be sure to talk with your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbs you are taking before you start any new medication.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.