South-America's Secret Weapon: Yerba Maté.

South-America's Secret Weapon: Yerba Maté.

The Yerba Maté Phenomenon

Yerba mate, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of South America, originates from the lush rainforests of Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. This traditional herbal tea has become a symbol of social bonding and shared moments across the continent.

In addition to being a cultural tradition, yerba mate provides a natural energy boost, making it a favored beverage for athletes. The practice of sharing mate highlights the strong ties between South American culture, the love for football, and the natural, energizing properties of this iconic herbal tea.

Which Footballers Use It?

Top footballers like Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Antoine Griezmann, Alexis Mac Allister & Luis Suarez have openly embraced Yerba Maté as part of their daily routine.

So much so, that during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, eventual champions Argentina brought in 240kg of Yerba Maté into Qatar to use for training and matches.

Many football stars from this region are known to embrace the ritual of sharing mate with teammates and friends. The camaraderie fostered by passing around a Maté mirrors the unity found on the football pitch.

Effects on Football Performance

Yerba Maté brings tangible performance benefits. Its natural caffeine content provides a clean energy boost, heightening focus and concentration without the jitters associated with synthetic alternatives. 

Alongside being a natural source of caffeine, Yerba Maté also contains theobromine and theophylline, which can both increase metabolism and reduce physical and mental fatigue. Plus, Yerba Maté is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, making it a healthier option than most energy drinks.

In the chaos of a football match, maintaining a calm and focused mindset is crucial. Yerba Maté contributes to creating the perfect balance, allowing players to tap into their instincts and make split-second decisions with clarity. 

The calming effects and natural caffeine boost make it a perfect companion for footballers navigating the intensity of training and matches.


South-American Flair

As Yerba Maté gains global recognition for its performance-enhancing properties, it's no surprise that footballers are turning to this South American gem to fuel their success.

In Football Formulas' PRE-MATCH gel, Yerba Maté takes its place among the elite ingredients, contributing to a formula designed for champions. Embrace the culture, unlock the performance.

Try our PRE-MATCH gel and see for yourself why its become a staple among football's elites.

References:

1. Heckman MA, Weil J, Gonzalez de Mejia E. Caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine) in foods: a comprehensive review on consumption, functionality, safety, and regulatory matters. J Food Sci. 2010 Apr;75(3):R77-87. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01561.x. PMID: 20492310.

2. Kennedy DO, Wightman EL. Mental Performance and Sport: Caffeine and Co-consumed Bioactive Ingredients. Sports Med. 2022 Dec;52(Suppl 1):69-90. doi: 10.1007/s40279-022-01796-8. Epub 2022 Nov 30. PMID: 36447122; PMCID: PMC9734217.

3. Walton CM, Saito ER, Warren CE, Larsen JG, Remund NP, Reynolds PR, Hansen JM, Bikman BT. Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) Supplement Exerts Beneficial, Tissue-Specific Effects on Mitochondrial Efficiency and Redox Status in Healthy Adult Mice. Nutrients. 2023 Oct 20;15(20):4454. doi: 10.3390/nu15204454. PMID: 37892529; PMCID: PMC10609848.

4. Mielgo-Ayuso J, Calleja-Gonzalez J, Del Coso J, Urdampilleta A, León-Guereño P, Fernández-Lázaro D. Caffeine Supplementation and Physical Performance, Muscle Damage and Perception of Fatigue in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2019 Feb 20;11(2):440. doi: 10.3390/nu11020440. PMID: 30791576; PMCID: PMC6412526.

Reading next

B-Vitamins: An Essential for Football Performance
Fuel For Footballers: Carbohydrates