The Health Effects of Yerba Mate Tea

This herbal tea is a plant grown in South America used for making tea. It has health benefits but also possible side effects when consumed excessively. Headaches and insomnia are associated with too much of it, likely due to its caffeine content.

It contains more antioxidants than green tea. It may help with weight loss, heart health, inflammation, and cancer risk, but more research is needed.

The cancer risk seems to come from drinking it at very hot temperatures (158-185°F), not from the plant itself. This may explain higher rates of esophageal cancer in countries that consume a lot of very hot mate.

It has other benefits like increased memory, focus, and mood from caffeine. It may also slow blood clotting, lower blood sugar, and reduce neurological disease risk.

The common advice is 1-2 liters per day maximum. Occasional drinkers are unlikely to experience side effects. Those with medical conditions or who are pregnant/nursing should be cautious with caffeine intake.

This herbal tea is made by steeping dried leaves in hot water. It can be served cold or hot. It has caffeine that makes you feel alert. It also has antioxidants and nutrients that may benefit health. But more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Millions drink it worldwide. Using a straw has benefits when drinking it. Drinkers may consume 1-2 liters or more daily depending on tolerance.

As an herb, it abounds with herbs people enjoy without hesitation. Herbs seem to be in a group known as adaptogens. South Americans safely drink upwards of 1-4 liters daily.

This tea may decrease lipid peroxidation and liver fat. It also may make you happy due to its unique nutrients. Too much can be unhealthy. More research is needed on cancer links.

When drinking it, avoid constant consumption. 2-3 drinks should last through the afternoon. Avoid evening drinking if caffeine sensitive. Canned drinks provide a convenient, healthy replacement for coffee.

Its caffeine differs from coffee. It offers stimulating and soothing effects from theobromine. It provides mental alertness lacking in coffee or tea.

Made from the leaves and stems of a plant, it has been shown to have benefits such as increased energy and improved mental focus. However, consuming large amounts may cause side effects:

  • Insomnia. Consuming large amounts may cause insomnia due to its stimulant effect.

  • Likely due to the mix of three stimulants ‒ caffeine, theophylline and theobromine ‒ it increases focus, allowing people to work for longer periods of time, without crashing like with coffee or doing Adderall. Unlike Adderall, it won’t keep you up for days on end.

Moreover, there is that gorgeous set with the metal straw and gourd .

The benefits include:

  • It releases slower bursts of energy despite having less caffeine than coffee. Associated with physical exercise, it can help lose weight.

  • It gives you an incredibly long-lasting energy boost without the coffee crash. The taste is warmly strong, slightly bitter, and nutty.

While it aids digestion, consuming too much may not be best for health.

Drinking very hot mate is associated with a higher cancer risk. One explanation is that it contains chemicals which are carcinogenic. However, organic unsmoked brands may be safer.

There are several reasons not to drink too much:

  • It increases cancer risk, especially for smokers and drinkers.
  • Research found sipping it can help slim down, likely due to its caffeine.
  • It also can soothe digestion problems like constipation.

In the U.S. and Europe, avid drinkers consume at least 1–2 liters daily. The amount you drink depends on your own tolerance.

Like other herbs, it is abundant in vitamins, minerals, and healthful compounds. Concerns about cancer risk mainly apply to drinking very large amounts for long periods.

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