Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption is associated with higher bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

► Yerba Mate tea is widely consumed in South America, but its effects on bone are unknown. ► We compared bone mineral density of postmenopausal women who drink Yerba Mate tea and who do not have this habit. ► Bone mineral density at spine and hip was higher in Yerba Mate drinkers than in non-drinkers. ► In multivariate analysis, Yerba Mate consumption and body mass index were positively associated with bone mineral density.