Yerba Mate - Great Drink, but Not a Magic-Health Elixir

There seems to be a Yerba Mate trend happening in the United States and as someone who has done a lot of research in this area I want to point out a few facts. I honestly love drinking Mate it is a great drink/herb. But I have come across some people giving samples at the store that did not have their facts straight. Yerba Mate contains caffeine, just like coffee or tea and this is the main effect it has, every other supposed health benefit is sales talk.

Yes, small amounts of anti-oxidants are present but there are also anti-oxidants in green and black tea, and even coffee has some anti-oxidants. Also many studies indicate that heavy, heavy daily use among South Americans (who drink it a LOT) can cause cancer. Studies not only with the population, but with the herb itself, show it has carcinogens. Enjoyed a few times a week with friends - awesome. Drinking it heavily every day - probably a bad idea. The are no magic health effects from it that tea or coffee don't already offer. Not here to burst bubbles only to spread the facts.

I encourage you to do your own research as I have. You will come across two bodies of information. One set (the sales people) have put out sites masquerading as health sites etc. that proclaim the health benefits and magic properties of yerba mate. The other set of information you will come across will discuss the chemical structure and active ingredients in the herb. This second set of information will also discuss the many studies that have show it has carcinogens when consumed in large amounts. So beware of the first set of false information that is out there and base your judgment in the scientific studies.