THE INGESTION OF TERERÉ (YERBA-MATE) IS AS EFFECTIVE AS WATER IN PROMOTING HYDRATION IN JUDO ATHLETES - A INGESTÃO DE TERERÉ (ERVA-MATE) É TÃO EFICAZ QUANTO A ÁGUA NA PROMOÇÃO DA HIDRATAÇÃO EM ATLETAS DE JUDÔ.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), consumed with cold water, known as Tereré, is a popular drink in Brazil and Paraguay, and contains chemical compounds (caffeine, polyphenols, and saponins) with vasodilatory, hydrating, and stimulating properties that could benefit athletes, especially combat sport athletes, who often experience fatigue and dehydration due to the high intensity/duration of training/competitions, the adoption of rapid weight loss strategies and the use of judogi. However, we did not find studies on yerba mate and hydration of athletes. Aim: To evaluate the acute effects of Tereré (yerba mate) ingestion on hydration status in judo athletes. Methods: This randomized, single-blind, crossover study involved 9 healthy, affiliated, and experienced (10 ± 3 years of practice) judo athletes, including 5 males and 4 females (18 ± 3 years). Hydration was assessed by measuring body mass, total body water, intracellular and extracellular water (via bioelectrical impedance), thirst score, thirst perception, and urine specific gravity. The measurements were obtained before (baseline), 60 min after the drink’s consumption and immediately after a judo training session. Participants consumed Tereré (50 g of herb with 6 mL cold water/kg) or cold water (6 mL/kg) 10 min after the baseline measurement. Results: Two-way repeated measures ANOVA did not show a significant effect of condition × time interaction (p > 0.05) for any of the outcomes analyzed. Thirst sensation and thirst score increased significantly after the training session, but there were no differences between conditions (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that acute ingestion of Tereré was as effective as water in promoting hydration in judo athletes.