Yerba mate is a popular herbal tea made from the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant native to South America. It has a long history of traditional use as a social and cultural beverage across several South American countries.
Who should avoid drinking yerba mate?
The yerba mate plant contains small amounts of carcinogens, which are also found in tobacco smoke and grilled meats. The carcinogens are a result of the smoking process traditionally used to dry the yerba mate leaves to make tea.
Because of this, some health agencies advise that people with increased risk of certain cancers may want to limit or avoid yerba mate consumption. This includes people who:
- Have oral, head, or neck cancer
- Have esophageal, lung, or bladder cancer
- Use tobacco products
- Drink very hot beverages frequently
Benefits of yerba mate
Yerba mate has several science-backed health benefits when consumed in moderation at warm or cold temperatures. These include:
- Increased energy and reduced fatigue
- Enhanced mental focus and productivity
- Weight loss support due to increased metabolism
- More vitamins and antioxidants than coffee
Comparison to coffee
Yerba mate contains more caffeine than coffee, providing a stronger energy boost. It also does not cause the "crash" that some experience from coffee later in the day.
Many yerba mate drinkers report increased energy, productivity, and mental clarity from yerba mate compared to coffee or other caffeinated beverages.
Expense and availability
Yerba mate is generally more expensive than coffee or tea. This is largely due to the difficulty growing it commercially outside its limited native growing range. As it gains global popularity, more brands and buying options are emerging.
When purchasing yerba mate, try different types in 250-500 gram amounts first to determine preferred flavor and quality before buying larger 1+ kilogram packages for cost savings.