The College of Glycation is an educational video series dedicated to helping viewers understand one of the most critical and often overlooked processes in human biology: glycation. Led by Dr. Paul Reynolds, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University, this series explores how sugar interacts with proteins and fats in the body, forming harmful compounds called Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). These compounds accelerate aging, contribute to chronic diseases, and play a key role in metabolic dysfunction. Each video is designed to break down complex topics into clear, practical insights. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or simply someone seeking to improve your health, this series will give you a deeper understanding of the biological roots of inflammation, insulin resistance, and cellular damage—and what you can do to address them.
Curated by: PaulReynoldsPhD (74 videos)
In this essential episode of the College of Glycation series, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology—unpacks how yerba mate, a traditional South American infusion, may help counteract one of the most destructive metabolic processes of modern life: glycation. Building on previous discussions of glycation’s effects on organs, metabolism, and aging, Dr. Reynolds now explores how this antioxidant-rich herbal powerhouse can support glucose control, reduce oxidative stress, and interfere with the formation of AGEs (advanced glycation end products). Glycation occurs when excess sugar binds to proteins and lipids, forming AGEs that stiffen tissues, ignite inflammation, and accelerate chronic disease. Yerba mate’s unique profile—chlorogenic acids, xanthines, saponins, and micronutrients—offers a multifaceted defense. By reducing oxidative stress, stabilizing blood sugar, improving mitochondrial function, and modulating incretin hormones like GLP-1, yerba mate may interrupt glycation at multiple biochemical steps. Emerging research and direct findings from Dr. Reynolds’ own lab reveal how this centuries-old beverage can modify metabolic pathways, reduce inflammatory signaling, and enhance cellular resilience. This episode connects the dots between ethnobotany, molecular biochemistry, and real-world health strategies. From antioxidant mechanisms and carbonyl trapping to mitochondrial efficiency and microbiome-mediated incretin release, Dr. Reynolds breaks down how yerba mate works—and how you can integrate it into a lifestyle aimed at minimizing glycation, supporting metabolic flexibility, and promoting healthy aging. Topics Covered -What glycation is and why it drives metabolic aging -How AGEs form and disrupt tissues at the molecular level -Yerba mate’s major bioactive compounds and their functions -Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycation mechanisms -How yerba mate supports glucose control and insulin sensitivity -Mitochondrial efficiency, redox balance, and metabolic protection Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Glycation & Yerba Mate 00:42 – Why Yerba Mate Matters for Metabolic Health 01:24 – Welcome & Episode Overview 02:00 – What Is Glycation? 02:38 – How AGEs Form & Why They’re Harmful 03:22 – Drivers of Increased Glycation 04:05 – Breaking the Glycation Cycle 04:45 – Yerba Mate Background & Cultural Roots 05:27 – Yerba Mate’s Anti-Glycation Potential 06:09 – Key Bioactive Compounds in Yerba Mate 06:56 – Saponins, Minerals & Synergistic Effects 07:43 – Mechanisms: How Yerba Mate Reduces Glycation 08:29 – Effects on Glucose Metabolism & Carbonyl Trapping 09:18 – Anti-Inflammatory Actions (NF-κB) 10:04 – Mitochondrial Support & Energy Efficiency 10:53 – Animal Studies: Improved Metabolism & Reduced AGEs 12:30 – Research Gaps & Strength of Evidence 13:14 – Lab Findings: Weight Gain Prevention & Mitochondrial Effects 13:59 – Muscle Bioenergetics & Mitochondrial Coupling 14:46 – Liver Antioxidant Improvements 15:30 – GLP-1 Modulation & Glycemic Control 17:00 – Microbiome Conversion to Bioactive Metabolites 17:50 – Summary of Anti-Glycation Mechanisms 18:37 – Practical Takeaways: How to Use Yerba Mate Whether you're seeking tools for healthier aging, exploring functional botanicals, or aiming to understand the science behind glycation and metabolic resilience, this episode reveals how an ancient herbal tradition intersects with cutting-edge biochemistry—and how yerba mate can support a low-glycation, anti-inflammatory lifestyle. About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and professor at Brigham Young University, known for translating complex cellular biochemistry into clear, actionable insights. His College of Glycation series empowers students and lifelong learners to understand and combat the molecular processes that drive aging, metabolic disease, and optimal cellular health. #yerbemate #unimate #Glycation #AGEs #inflammation #OxidativeStress #ROS #Redox #CollegeOfGlycation #Ketodiet #LowCarb #InsulinResistance #HealthyAging #SugarDamage Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://unicity.link/121f260bfe Yerbe mate with a special formulated Balance fiber: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/PaulReynolds For the full Metabolic System storefront: https://shop.unicity.com/paulreynolds Paul’s favorite source for clean, earth-sourced essentials such as salt, electrolytes, hydration, pre-workout and more. Go to https://redmond.life and use PAULSALT for 15% discount. Paul’s favorite exogenous ketones: A high-quality option is the NSF-certified goBHB from Clean Form Nutrition, where you can use the code Paul10 for a 10% discount: https://cleanformnutrition.com/products/go-bhb Paul’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: PAUL20) Paul’s favorite health check-up for men or women: https://blokes.co/DRPAUL (discount: DRPAUL for 50% off of labs and smart supplements and 15% off all other products)