Elevated blood viscosity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis, Aquifoliaceae) tea, a popular South American beverage made from the leaves, has been found to have lipid-lowering effects, antioxidant activity, and other potential cardiovascular benefits. There were, however, no clinical studies that evaluated the effects of yerba maté tea on blood viscosity. So, the aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effects of yerba maté tea on blood viscosity, microcirculatory parameters, and other CVD risk factors in subjects with high blood viscosity.
