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Breakfast drink Lionel Messi always has burns fat and boosts physical endurance
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Breakfast drink Lionel Messi always has burns fat and boosts physical endurance The world-famous footballer is regularly seen holding a cup of the South American drink Argentine professional footballer Lionel Messi is regarded by many fans as one of the greatest players of all time. He will be taking to the pitch tonight (July 15) in Atlanta Stadium as Argentina go up against England for the FIFA 2026 World Cup semi-final, which starts at 8pm and airs on the BBC.
Breakfast drink Lionel Messi always has burns fat and boosts physical endurance
The world-famous footballer is regularly seen holding a cup of the South American drink
Argentine professional footballer Lionel Messi is regarded by many fans as one of the greatest players of all time. He will be taking to the pitch tonight (July 15) in Atlanta Stadium as Argentina go up against England for the FIFA 2026 World Cup semi-final, which starts at 8pm and airs on the BBC.
Many fans are interested in what the Inter Miami footballer's diet looks like to stay fit at 39 and what fuels his best performance in matches. In a rare television interview with La Cornisa, Messi was asked about his physical transformation.
The footballer detailed his structured approach to clean eating. He said: "I don't know what I ate but I ate badly for many years. At 22, 23... [it was] chocolate, alfajores, fizzy drinks. Now I eat well: fish, meat, vegetables, salads. Everything is organised and taken care of.
"Sometimes a bit of wine, but that’s not a problem. I really noticed the change when it came to vomiting. They said it could be a lot of things, eventually I changed and it didn't happen any more."
In recent years, Messi has been photographed drinking a certain beverage known for its wide range of health benefits. He regularly posts photos of himself drinking yerba mate. He is recognised as one of the leading figures promoting this traditional South American herbal beverage.
What is yerba mate, and why is it good for you?
Yerba mate can be very beneficial for many people when consumed in moderation, but there are some key health considerations to keep in mind. Medical studies and clinical trials indicate that it provides a range of nutrients and health benefits, along with the usual caffeine warnings.
It is a herbal drink from South America, made from the dried leaves and stems of Ilex paraguariensis, a type of holly. It's known for its earthy taste.
Yerba mate is a common breakfast drink. It's very popular in South America and around the world, often serving as an alternative to morning coffee or black tea. Each cup has about 80 to 85 milligrams of caffeine, similar to a regular cup of coffee and much more than green or black tea.
Yerba mate has more antioxidants than regular green tea. It is rich in polyphenols and chlorogenic acid, which work to neutralise free radicals in the body. This can help reduce cellular inflammation, protect your DNA from harm, and lower the chances of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease.
Clinical trials show that consistent consumption boosts your lipid profile. It effectively reduces LDL (often referred to as "bad") cholesterol and aids in preventing cholesterol oxidation in your arteries, which is a significant factor contributing to heart attacks and strokes.
It contains saponins, natural substances recognised for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which support your immune system. It is rich in micronutrients such as vitamins B and C, potassium, and magnesium.
Does yerba mate tea help burn fat and boost physical endurance?
Yerba mate tea is really good for burning fat and increasing physical endurance. The way it improves endurance is directly linked to how it changes your body's fat-burning metabolism during workouts.
Clinical studies show that yerba mate alters how your body uses fuel during exercise. A study published in Nutrition and Metabolism found that people who consumed yerba mate before their workouts increased fat oxidation (fat burning) by about 24% during light-to-moderate cardio activity. It helps to break down stored fat cells and sends them into the bloodstream to serve as the main source of energy.
By using fat for energy, yerba mate enhances endurance through 'glycogen sparing'. Glycogen sparing is a process in which your body uses fat as its energy source rather than depleting its small reserves of carbohydrates.
Yerba mate has a special mix of three natural stimulants: caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. This mix boosts your central nervous system activity, lessens how hard you feel your workouts, and helps prevent lactic acid from accumulating in your muscles, reducing soreness after exercise.
Is yerba mate tea suitable for anyone?
Yerba mate isn't for everyone. Although it's usually safe and offers benefits for most healthy adults, its high caffeine content and specific preparation methods mean that some people should steer clear of it or consult a doctor beforehand.
Those who should consult a doctor before drinking yerba mate include pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with anxiety or sleep disorders, those with gastrointestinal problems, people taking certain medications, and children.