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Functional and medicinal beverages have been used to treat and cure diseases since the beginning of civilization. Among these beverages, coffee (Coffea arabica), black/green tea (Camellia sinensis), and yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), have been studied due to their important functional activities. These plants present several bioactive molecules in their chemical matrix that are responsible for therapeutic properties. For instance, coffee is mainly composed of caffeine, chlorogenic acid (CGA), cafestol, and kahweol, while black/green tea present principally polyphenols, caffeine, and theobromine. Moreover, yerba mate is predominantly composed of caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, aglycones, ursolic acid, oleoanolic, and CGA. Some studies reported important functional properties of these plants. Previous investigations described that these plants are able to increase neural activity and to promote health, besides presenting antiinflammatory, antitumor, thermogenic, and antioxidant capacities. In this sense, the frequent intake of these functional beverages can contribute to a healthier life. |
