California's Source Naturals has added a stamdardized yerba mate extract to its line, targeting the growing weight loss market and increasing consumer interest in the traditional tea.
The South American herb is gaining recognition for its energizing effects. It contains natural caffeine and two tablets of the standardized 8:1 mate extract offered by Source Naturals (600mg of mate extract per tablet) is said to be equivalent to one cup of mate tea.
Recent studies have also suggested that the plant can protect DNA and inhibit LDL oxidation.
Linda Meltzer, research scientist at Source Naturals, said: "Its antioxidant properties are comparable to that of green tea and vitamin E. Mate is also a rich source of polyphenols, like those found in green tea and grape seed, as well as methylxanthines such as chlorogenic acid, which together are primarily responsible for its many health benefits."
Source Naturals will market the extract alongside its Maximum Metabolism Weight Loss Plan.