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Yerba Mate


paramnam

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  • 5 years later...
On 2/4/2016 at 9:46 PM, dalsingh101 said:

Never heard of it. 

Saw it available in Tescos recently. I know it's popular from hearing about South American footballers drinking it (like Lionel Messi)

As a related point, what does everyone think about intaking things which our ancestors never did? Potentially more risk of harm and reactions since we are not genetically designed for it ?

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/yerba-mate/faq-20058343

A friend suggested that I try yerba mate tea to boost my energy. What is yerba mate?

Answer From Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
 

Yerba mate is an herbal tea. This tea, commonly known simply as mate, is popular in parts of South America. The leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant are dried, typically over a fire, and steeped in hot water to make an herbal tea. Yerba mate may be served cold or hot. Like black tea, yerba mate contains caffeine, which is a stimulant.

 

In the U.S., yerba mate is widely available in health food stores and online. People who recommend yerba mate say that it can relieve fatigue, aid in weight loss, ease depression, and help treat headaches and various other conditions. There's limited evidence that yerba mate may help with some of these conditions.

Yerba mate isn't likely to pose a risk for healthy adults who occasionally drink it. However, some studies indicate that people who drink large amounts of yerba mate over long periods may be at increased risk of some types of cancer, such as cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs. Drinking very hot yerba mate — 149 F (65 C) or hotter — is associated with a higher risk of cancer than is drinking yerba mate at cooler temperatures.

One possible explanation is that yerba mate contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to cause cancer. Tobacco smoke and grilled meat also contain PAHs. More investigation needs to be done into the safety and side effects of yerba mate.

If yerba mate is your cup of tea, enjoy it in moderation. But, as always, check with your doctor before trying any herbal product.

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