Yerba mate, primarily known for its traditional consumption as chimarrão or tereré, is breaking boundaries and expanding its applications in high-value industrial markets. With various bioactive compounds, the plant has been the focus of research and innovations in areas such as cosmetics, functional foods, energy drinks, nutraceuticals, and aromatic products. In this article, we explore these new frontiers and how Ervais do Futuro is at the forefront of this movement.
The Science Behind Yerba Mate
Yerba mate, commonly known as Ilex paraguariensis, contains bioactive compounds in its leaves that are of great interest to human health, such as caffeine, theobromine, polyphenols, saponins, and various minerals. These ingredients, already widely recognized for their antioxidant and stimulating properties, make yerba mate a valuable raw material for a variety of industries. In a world increasingly oriented towards sustainability and well-being, yerba mate stands out as a natural and functional solution to meet the growing demand for healthy and environmentally responsible products.
Expanding Industrial Applications
Natural Energy Drinks
With the growing demand for natural alternatives to traditional energy drinks, yerba mate is consolidating itself as an excellent source of sustainable energy. The caffeine present in yerba mate provides a natural and long-lasting boost, without the abrupt spikes associated with synthetic compounds. Major brands are already incorporating yerba mate into functional drink formulas, aiming to satisfy a public seeking more natural energy and focus.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
The polyphenols in yerba mate are potent antioxidants, fighting free radicals and slowing down skin aging. In addition, the saponins ensure foam formation, making them excellent for deep skin cleansing, improving the epidermal barrier, and inducing collagen production, with an anti-aging effect. This makes yerba mate a promising component in cosmetics such as soaps, moisturizers, and hair products. The anti-inflammatory and even healing properties of yerba mate make it an effective ingredient in products for sensitive and irritated skin. Ervais do Futuro is committed to exploring this avenue, developing partnerships with cosmetic industries that want to invest in natural and sustainable ingredients.
Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
Yerba mate’s nutritional richness makes it a standout in functional foods and nutraceuticals. With compounds capable of aiding weight reduction, improving digestion, offering anti-inflammatory benefits, and providing cardiovascular protection, yerba mate is an essential component in healthy products. Due to its high protein content, it can also be an ally in balanced nutrition and assist in muscle mass gain when incorporated into cereal bars, dietary supplements, and numerous other foods like bread and cookies.
Aromatic Products
An innovative application of yerba mate is in the production of candles and aromatic products. Its properties are being harnessed to create fragrances for the environment, promising to bring a touch of well-being and tranquility. This is yet another area where sustainability and the plant’s natural benefits find synergy wit the growing market for eco-friendly products.
Ervais do Futuro’s Commitment
At Ervais do Futuro, our focus is on combining technological innovation and sustainable practices to take yerba mate to new levels. Our cultivation techniques, such as CEVAD Campo and clonal testing, guarantee products with specific concentrations for each industrial application, maximizing the benefits of yerba mate. By exploring new ways to use the species, we are helping to open doors to a future where yerba mate not only sustains traditions but also leads the way in high-value global markets.
Unexplored Opportunities
The industrial applications of yerba mate are only beginning to be explored. As new research reveals more about its beneficial properties, interest is growing from industries seeking natural, sustainable, and high-performance alternatives. With its vast potential, yerba mate is ready to position itself as a key asset in global markets, and Ervais do Futuro is leading this transformation.
Whether for energy drinks, cosmetics, functional foods, or aromatic products, yerba mate has much to offer. We are ready to take this natural wealth even further. Are you coming with us?
Contact us to learn more about how yerba mate can transform the future of your industry.
References:
Cardozo Junior, E.L.; Morand, C. Interest of mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) as a new natural functional food to preserve human cardiovascular health – A review. Journal of Functional Foods, v. 21, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2015.12.010
Clemente, P.A. et al. Technological prospection and scientific innovation of Ilex paraguariensis Saint-Hilaire in the wound healing process. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 67, 2024. https://www.scielo.br/j/babt/a/rR4Yx33XmCT3BBzq4fFL3HR/
Gerber, T. et al. Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) for new therapeutic and nutraceutical interventions: A review of patents issued in the last 20 years (2000–2020). Phytotherapy Research, 37(2), 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7632
López-Hortas, L. et al. Recent developments on the extraction and application of ursolic acid. A review. Food Research International, 103, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2017.10.028
