This South American holly species has high oxalate content. Consuming excessive amounts can contribute to kidney stone formation in some people. Moderation is recommended.
Yerba mate tea overview
The leaves are used to make a tea called mate. It has a bitter taste and stimulating effects from compounds like caffeine and theobromine. Yerba mate contains antioxidants, saponins, polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It has more antioxidants than green tea.
Health risks of yerba mate
The main health concern is that its high oxalate content may cause kidney stones in susceptible individuals. Kidney stones cause severe pain. Some people seem more sensitive to dietary oxalate.
Typical yerba mate preparation
Mate is made by brewing 50 grams of dry leaves in 500 ml of 70 °C water. This is a typical amount for one drinking session. The variety and brewing method affect the concentration of health-promoting polyphenols extracted into the tea.
Home brewed mate can be considered on the same level as drinking black coffee or green tea when fasting. I’m a firm believer in the 50-calorie fasting rule. Mate drinkers can safely drink upwards of 1–4 liters per day. In United States, Canada, and Europe, it’s not uncommon to consume at least 1–2 liters per day. Argentine yerba mate is the most popular type. It contains about 24-40mg of caffeine per cup. Mate will break your fast because it contains a lot of caffeine. Despite not actually being psychedelic or hallucinogenic, there are some things you can do to bring about that experience as much as possible. First, drink mate on an empty stomach. Personalized medical advice is necessary to ensure accurate blood test results, including understanding fasting requirements, avoiding foods and beverages that could interfere with results, and following specific fasting instructions given by healthcare providers.
Health benefits of yerba mate
The amount of antioxidants in yerba mate is even higher than in green tea. It contains around 19 different saponins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The caffeic acid and the chlorogenic acid contained in yerba mate also add to its antioxidant and neuroprotective power, while preventing oxidative stress and DNA damage.
Caffeine is well known to boost memory, mood and alertness and yerba mate contains quite a bit of it. However, combining yerba mate powder with smoking seems to increase the possibility of cancer even more due to carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, including children, should not consume yerba mate.
Yerba mate for kidney health
Yerba mate promotes hydration which helps prevent kidney stones. The compounds have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. They help fight infections and regulate blood sugar levels.
Yerba mate for heart health
Drinking yerba mate daily supports heart health. But too much can cause side effects like headaches, anxiety or insomnia. It’s important not to drink yerba mate at too high temperatures. This can harm the mouth and throat over time. The appropriate dose depends on age, health and other factors.