It is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of a plant called Ilex paraguariensis. It’s often shared socially and seen as a way to energize. It contains caffeine and antioxidants. It may have health benefits but also some risks if consumed excessively or at very high temperatures.
Research shows it can help increase mental focus and energy due to its caffeine and antioxidant content. However, it contains less caffeine than coffee. It may also help digestion, weight loss, and heart health, but more research is needed.
Drinking large amounts of very hot mate over long periods seems to increase the risk of certain cancers. This risk goes up dramatically for people who smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. It may also negatively impact sleep due to its caffeine.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use caution with it. Overall, it seems relatively safe in moderation for healthy adults, but long-term health effects require more research. Reducing other cancer risk factors can help mitigate any potential risks.
Why is mate cancerous?
What studies have found is that the temperature mate is consumed at, not mate itself, is the main cause of cancer. I repeat: it’s the water temperature, not mate. In countries like Argentina and Uruguay mate is drunk at 70-85°C which seems to increase esophageal cancer risk. Considering the high daily intake, cancer seems a major health issue in Uruguay.
As studies have concluded cancer is associated with hot mate, researchers theorize cancers mainly result from PHAs in it. Cancers usually result from a genetic predisposition and what an individual consumes. In other words, most cancers do not have a single cause. This becomes clear in the following examples:
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The combination of cell damage from very hot tea could enhance the carcinogenic effect, increasing esophageal cancer risk.
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Our organic, air-dried leaves are smoke-free. So enjoy our light mate with peace of mind.
The way it is prepared and consumed affects its cancer-causing potential. Temperature and steeping duration influence this.
Despite suggesting a lower cancer risk, drinking mate is linked to increased cancer, especially esophageal. If you enjoy it, look at controllable risks and avoid very hot tea. Keep up with the research. There are risks in many foods and activities.
Is it bad for heart?
It contains caffeine. Caffeine can increase effects of some medications. It also has antioxidants that may interfere with certain medications. Consult a doctor before consuming it if taking medications.
You can reuse it 10-30 times until the flavor fades. Expired mate is safe to drink, just less tasty. Brew it between 160-180 degrees. Store it sealed in original packaging.
Drinking mate with milk softens the taste. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which inhibit oxidative stress. This may help increase bone density and reduce complications like inflammation. However, mate likely increases risk of cancers of the throat and mouth, especially when consumed very hot or with smoking.
The caffeine in mate boosts energy but may increase blood pressure and pregnancy risks for some. More research on safety is needed. Benefits may include improved cholesterol, weight loss, heart health, and cancer risk reduction.
What disease can you get from it?
It is a member of the holly family native to South America – Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Southern Brazil – whose leaves are used to make a bitter beverage called mate. Due to immigration, mate is also consumed in places like Syria and Poland.
Studies show it contains antioxidant compounds which may protect against heart disease, cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular issues, liver diseases, and more. Antioxidants are important for a healthy immune system.
However, excessive consumption may increase risks. Studies found mate drinkers had higher risk of esophageal cancer, especially regular drinkers who did not smoke or drink alcohol. Other risks include disrupted sleep patterns due to caffeine.
If you want ready-made drinks without sugar or flavors, add mate liquid extract or powder to hot water. Just because people in South America drink mate all day doesn’t mean you should.