Daily Mate Drinking Is Associated with a Low Level of Depressive Symptoms among a Sample of Syrian University Students

Abstract

Background & Aim: In this survey study, we investigated prevalence of depression and the possible anti-depressant effects of regular consumption of mate or chimarrão (a traditional infused drink popular in Latin America and the Levant, made by soaking dried leaves of the holly species Ilex paraguariensis) in a sample of Syrian youth. Experimental: A cross-sectional study with random sampling of 196 students in two different medical universities in Damascus, Syria. Students were assessed using Beck Depression Inventory Scale-II and a structured questionnaire was used for collecting data regarding yerba mate consumption. Results & Discussion: Our results showed a prevalence of depression at 70.10% (n = 136), also a significant correlation between depression and mate consumption. Practical Recommendation: We recommend further studies on the antidepressant role of yerba mate.