The Core Ingredient: Highly Concentrated Yerba Mate Extract
At the heart of Unimate is a specialized, ultra-concentrated yerba mate extract. Yerba mate is a traditional South American herbal tea known for its stimulating properties. Unicity, the manufacturer of Unimate, uses a proprietary five-step process to create a highly purified and concentrated extract that they claim is significantly more effective than traditional yerba mate leaves. This meticulous process involves hand-picking the leaves, fire-roasting, extraction, concentration, and finally, purification using technology that enhances the bioavailability of the active compounds.
Key Active Compounds in Unimate
The enhanced yerba mate extract provides several beneficial bioactive compounds that work together to produce Unimate's reported effects. These include:
- Chlorogenic acids: These polyphenol compounds are found in plants like yerba mate and green coffee beans. Unimate is particularly rich in these, containing up to 375 times more chlorogenic acids than standard yerba mate drinks, according to Unicity. Chlorogenic acids are linked to supporting healthy brain function, promoting a better mood, and potentially aiding metabolic health.
- Theobromine: A molecule with a similar structure to caffeine, theobromine is known as a mood-boosting compound also found in high-quality dark chocolate. It contributes to feelings of calm, improved focus, and reduced mental fatigue, and Unimate is reported to have three times the amount of theobromine as the highest quality dark chocolate.
- Triterpene Saponins: These compounds are specific to the yerba mate plant and have been linked to supporting metabolic flexibility and possessing anti-inflammatory properties.
- Caffeine: As a natural stimulant, yerba mate provides a source of caffeine. However, many users report that the energy boost from Unimate feels smoother than that from coffee, without the jitters or subsequent crash, due to the balance of caffeine with other compounds like theobromine.
Additional Ingredients and Flavors
Beyond the core yerba mate extract, Unimate is formulated with other ingredients to create different flavors and enhance palatability. These additions vary by product version. For example, Unimate Lemon Ginger includes:
- Natural Flavors: To provide specific flavor profiles.
- Sweeteners: Unimate typically uses natural, low-calorie sweeteners. For instance, Unimate Lemon Ginger contains stevia extract, erythritol, and sucralose. Some versions may be sweetened only with stevia.
- Other additives: Ingredients like citric acid act as an acidity regulator, while maltodextrin may be included in small amounts to help balance flavors. It's notable that Unimate does not contain added sugar.
Unimate vs. Traditional Yerba Mate and Coffee
Unimate's proprietary process and formula distinguish it significantly from traditional yerba mate preparations and common energy sources like coffee. The table below highlights some of the key differences.
| Feature | Unimate (Unicity) | Traditional Yerba Mate | Coffee (Brewed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | Hand-picked, fire-roasted, extracted, concentrated, and purified using a proprietary process. | Dried leaves and stems are steeped in hot water. | Roasted coffee beans are ground and steeped or filtered with hot water. |
| Concentration | Very high concentration of specific beneficial compounds, particularly chlorogenic acids. | Varies greatly depending on steeping time and leaf quality. | Varies by bean type and brewing method. |
| Active Compounds | High levels of concentrated chlorogenic acids, theobromine, and mate saponins. | Contains naturally-occurring caffeine, theobromine, and polyphenols, but in lower, less concentrated amounts. | High in caffeine, with other antioxidants and trace minerals. |
| Energy & Focus | Reportedly provides sustained energy and enhanced mental focus without jitters or a crash, due to the synergistic effect of its compounds. | Provides a stimulant effect similar to coffee but often described as more balanced. | Can provide a rapid energy boost, but often followed by a crash, and sometimes accompanied by jitters from high caffeine content. |
| Sweeteners | Often uses natural sweeteners like stevia, containing 0g added sugar. | Typically unsweetened unless sugar is added by the consumer. | Typically unsweetened unless sugar is added. |
| Flavoring | Available in multiple flavors, including Lemon and Lemon Ginger, created with natural flavors. | Has a naturally earthy, slightly bitter flavor. | Flavor profile is dependent on the bean and roast profile. |
Conclusion
In summary, Unimate is a dietary supplement primarily made from a highly concentrated and purified yerba mate extract. Unicity's unique process enhances the presence of key compounds like chlorogenic acids, theobromine, and triterpene saponins, which are responsible for its effects on mood, energy, and overall metabolic health. The product is then flavored and sweetened with natural ingredients, offering a low-calorie, zero-sugar alternative to coffee and traditional energy drinks. By understanding what is Unimate made of, consumers can better appreciate its distinct composition and its potential role as a natural, sustained energy and focus booster.
For more detailed information on the science behind Unimate's effects, the Unicity Science website provides access to research and clinical validation studies conducted on their products, including Unimate.
