Yerba mate leaves come from the Ilex paraguanensis plant, native to South America. Brewed and sipped out of a hollowed gourd with a metal filter straw, or brewed using teabags, yerba mate is increasing in popularity throughout the United States. While advocates tout yerba mate's jitter-free caffeine boost and many health benefits, the medical research remains inconclusive about the tea's safety and long-term effects on the body. More studies are necessary to determine the pros and cons of yerba mate.
Stimulates the Central Nervous System
Yerba mate contains caffeine and stimulates the central nervous system. Mate increases alertness and provides an additional source of energy while fighting feelings of fatigue. Guayaki, a leading distributor of mate, claims that mate provides a caffeine boost without the negative side effects usually associated with caffeine---the jitters, headaches and stomachaches. According to a March 16, 2009 Los Angeles Times article, "Yerba Mate Tea: Drink in Moderation," mate's limited amount of negative side effects may have less to do with its content and more to do with the actual amount of caffeine in mate. A serving of mate contains about 80 mg of caffeine, or about half the amount found in a cup of coffee.
Boosts Antioxidant, Mineral and Vitamin Intake
Mate contains 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids and 11 polyphenols. A 2005 study conducted at the University of Illinois found that mate contains more antioxidants than green tea. Mate contains B vitamins, vitamin C, manganese, potassium and zinc. One of the antioxidants it contains, chlorogenic acid, may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer---more studies are necessary to determine its exact role. According to the Los Angeles Times, only a small number of studies have researched the effects of mate, and most trials have involved rats, not humans. While yerba mate kills liver cancer cells in rats, it is unclear if it does the same in humans.
Aids the Digestive Tract
Yerba mate stimulates the digestive tract and helps the body eliminate waste. Mate is a traditional treatment for gastrointestinal disorders in South America.
May Increase the Risk of Cancer
In 2003, the Head and Neck Journal published a review of all previous studies on mate and its effects on drinkers. Most studies have been conducted in South America and include participants who drink large amounts of mate daily. The review concluded that drinking a liter or more of mate a day increased the risk of developing cancer of the lungs, larynx, mouth, pharynx and esophagus.
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