Composition
The tea contains caffeine. It has health benefits but taking large amounts for a long time can increase cancer risk. To avoid cancer risk, choose unsmoked yerba mate and don’t drink it too hot. Limit intake to prevent side effects like insomnia, stomach upset, and sleep issues.
The beverage tastes strong, earthy, and bitter. It contains more antioxidants than green tea. Commercial yerba mate blends claim 90% more antioxidants than green tea. Guayakí Traditional Yerba Mate Tea is considered one of the healthiest.
- The tea has 85 mg caffeine per cup. More than a cup of tea but less than coffee.
The beverage provides strength of coffee, health of tea, and euphoria of chocolate. Indigenous South Americans called it “drink of the gods”.
The tea is made from dried leaves of a South American holly, Ilex paraguariensis.
Cancer Risk
In large amounts for long periods, the tea increases cancer risk of esophagus, larynx and oral cavity. Smoking plus yerba mate greatly increases this risk.
The tea contains caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. A cup has around 30mg caffeine, a moderate amount. It can provide gentle energy boost without coffee’s jitteriness.
- At 85mg caffeine per cup, the beverage has less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. Like any caffeinated food/beverage, it can increase energy and make you feel less tired.
When taken in large amounts or long periods, yerba mate increases mouth, esophageal, kidney, bladder and lung cancer risk. This risk is especially high if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Benefits
The tea has more caffeine than green tea so offers more fat burning and metabolism boosting benefits.
The traditional way to drink yerba mate is to sip it from a dried gourd called a calabash, using a metal straw with a filter to avoid ingesting leaves/stems.
The tea is made from the leaves and twigs of a South American holly tree. It can be served hot or cold. The tea contains caffeine. The caffeine provides an energy boost and may enhance mental function and physical performance. However, yerba mate may affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes. It also contains PAHs, so drinking large amounts combined with smoking greatly increases cancer risk.
When compared to caffeine alone, the tea provides less stimulation but is healthier with more nutrients. Yerba mate and coffee contain similar caffeine levels, but coffee is often lower quality. The best yerba mate grows in the rainforest shade. This maintains more nutrients and flavor.
The tea is made from the leaves of a South American holly plant. It contains antioxidants and caffeine. Yerba mate may help increase bone density, improve mood, support weight loss, and reduce blood sugar.
The traditional way to drink yerba mate is to sip it through a metal straw with a filter on the end. The straw is fully submerged in the tea. Yerba mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than typical tea. The caffeine provides an energy boost.
More studies are needed to fully understand yerba mate’s health effects. But many people in South American countries drink it daily without issues. Overall, yerba mate is a flavorful, energizing tea that may offer health benefits in moderation. Those sensitive to caffeine should monitor their intake.
Pros
- Beneficial compounds like caffeine, theobromine, chlorogenic acid, vitamins and minerals
- May offer stimulant effects, increased focus, weight loss benefits, enhanced digestion and heart protections
Cons
- Potential health risks if consumed in excess, especially at high temperatures
- Increased risk of certain cancers, insomnia and headaches in some individuals
- Those with heart conditions should exercise caution with caffeinated drinks
Overall, moderate yerba mate consumption offers numerous health benefits, but appropriate precautions should be taken.