Is Yerba Mate Bad For You?
Short answer
Yerba mate is probably safe in moderate amounts. A series of studies, however, have indicated that it may be carcinogenic.
Recommended Alternative
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Yerba mate is a plant in the holly family. A tea brewed from the leaves of the plant, also called yerba mate, is a popular beverage. It has significant amounts of caffeine and other stimulants. It’s also often marketed as a health food.
Yerba mate tea has some good qualities. Moderate amounts work to strengthen and protect your cardiovascular system. It can drive down LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
There's a chance, however, that yerba mate might be carcinogenic. That was the opinion of the World Health Organization's cancer research arm in the 1990s: they classified yerba mate as "probably carcinogenic in humans." Why? Several scientific studies of populations in South America who drink significant amounts of Yerba mate demonstrate higher rates of mouth, throat, lung, kidney, and bladder cancer.
The increased risk may be because yerba mate is served hot - hot drinks have previously been linked to higher rates of cancer. It could also be because mate is rich in chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. They're carcinogenic, and the leaves of the plant used to make yerba mate are rich in PAHs. A 2003 study in the Journal of Head and Neck Cancer reviewed the studies published so far and concluded that mate is indeed likely carcinogenic.
The yerba mate industry, of course, has disputed these findings. Yerba mate, they say, has high levels of antioxidants, which mop up carcinogenic chemicals in the body. They point to the fact that most foods have some level of PAHs, and that organically grown yerba mate is likely safer and healthier than alternatives grown non-organically. They also cast doubt on the validity of studies which show that mate causes cancer, saying that they are methodologically flawed and need to be affirmed through further study.
Yerba mate is also a stimulant. It contains caffeine and similar chemicals to wake you up and help you focus. That doesn't mean much in moderation. Too much over the long-term, however, and you'll put stress on your cardiovascular system. You may develop a dependence; when you don't get your yerba mate, you might have low energy, develop a headache, or feel irritable.
Possible short-term side effects
- sleep deprivation
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heartburn
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anxiety
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shakiness
Possible long-term side effects
- mouth, throat, lung, kidney, and bladder cancer
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heart disease
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caffeine withdrawal
Ingredients to be aware of
- caffeine & other stimulants
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polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pahs)
Benefits
- strengthens cardiovascular system
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lowers “bad” cholesterol
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can decrease inflammation
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boosts energy and focus
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Guayaki Yerba Mate
- Organic energy
- Lima Limón flavor
- Only 5 calories
- Unsweetened
- 80mg caffeine
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