Almost everyone has heard of Yerba Mate. There are six main types of tea in the world: black, green, white, yellow, oolong, and pu-erh. All of them are made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis, which grows in the mountainous forests of Southeast Asia.

However, tea can also refer to any beverage prepared by brewing plant leaves. In South America, a very popular tea is called yerba mate. It is made from the leaves and twigs of the Paraguayan holly (Ilex paraguariensis) and is believed by many to have significant health benefits.

However, fans of this drink often don’t realize or don’t want to admit that yerba mate contains substances that may lead to the development of cancer. Scientists estimate that an average cup of this drink harms the human body as much as smoking 100 cigarettes.

Characteristics of yerba mate tea

According to The Science Times, before brewing, the leaves and branches of the Paraguayan holly are dried over fire. Afterward, they can be steeped in hot water. Like black tea, yerba mate contains caffeine and can be consumed hot or cold. In addition to caffeine, yerba mate tea contains tannins, which give the drink an astringent taste similar to red wine. It also contains essential oils, vitamins A, B, and C, along with other beneficial substances.

Due to its purported health benefits, yerba mate tea enjoys significant demand. In many countries, it can be purchased at health food stores and online. Enthusiasts claim it helps relieve fatigue, aids weight loss, alleviates headaches, and so on. However, despite the abundance of positive reviews, scientific evidence supporting the benefits of this tea is scarce. Furthermore, some studies suggest it poses health risks.

The beneficial effects

Before addressing the cancer concerns, it is important to highlight the health-promoting effects of Yerba Mate. Studies have shown that Yerba Mate contains various substances that have positive impacts on the human body. These include increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels, enhancing antioxidant effects, and exhibiting anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, and stimulating properties.

The role of temperature in cancer risk

A significant body of research indicates that the temperature at which Yerba Mate is consumed, rather than the beverage itself, is a critical factor in assessing cancer risk. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that the high temperature of the ingested liquid is strongly associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. This is not unique to this tea; similar risks have been observed with the consumption of other hot beverages like tea and coffee.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified hot beverages consumed at temperatures above 65°C (150°F) as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” rather than specifically implicating Yerba Mate as a carcinogen. This classification emphasizes the thermal factor as the primary risk, rather than the inherent properties of the beverage.

Recently, it became known that yerba mate tea lovers are at a higher risk of developing several types of cancer. Yet, most people prefer drinking tea hot, especially in colder seasons! According to researchers, regularly consuming hot yerba mate tea triples the risk of cancers in the lungs, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and other vital organs.

Carcinogens in tea and cigarettes

This revelation isn’t exactly groundbreaking. Scientists have long known that Paraguayan holly leaves contain carcinogens—substances that provoke cancer development. It’s worth noting that malignant tumors form due to uncontrolled cell division in body tissues. In yerba mate tea, the carcinogens are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are also found in grilled meat and tobacco smoke.

The cancerogenic properties: a scientific review

Yerba Mate, a traditional South American beverage made from the dried and ground leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, has been a subject of interest in the scientific community due to its potential health benefits and possible links to cancer. Here, we delve into the current state of knowledge regarding the cancerogenic properties.

In 2012, scientists conducted a study comparing yerba mate tea consumption to cigarette smoking. According to their calculations, one average cup of this drink contains about 50 grams of Paraguayan holly leaves, which have as many carcinogens as 100 tobacco cigarettes. Because of this, drinking yerba mate is considered an even more harmful habit than smoking.

That said, it’s essential to understand that equating yerba mate with cigarettes is premature. The substances in yerba mate are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, while cigarette smoke directly enters the lungs. At present, it’s unclear in which case carcinogens cause more harm to the body. There is hope that researchers will continue to study this issue, and one day, we will learn more about the properties of this unusual tea. If a groundbreaking discovery occurs, we’ll be sure to report it. So, follow us on messenger channels and social media groups to stay updated.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Yerba Mate leaves can contain PAHs, which are known carcinogens formed during the incomplete combustion of organic substances. The traditional drying process of leaves using smoke and fire is a source of these PAHs. However, studies have shown that the amount of PAHs in Yerba Mate infusion is not significantly higher than in other common foods. Moreover, there is no clear evidence that the PAHs in Yerba Mate, in the absence of other risk factors, increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Association with other cancers

While the primary focus has been on esophageal cancer, some studies suggest associations between Yerba Mate consumption and other types of cancer, such as kidney, bladder, lung, and prostate cancers. However, these associations are not attributed to the tea itself but rather to other lifestyle factors, including smoking and alcohol consumption. For instance, studies have found that the combination of hot tea consumption with smoking and alcohol use can increase the risk of various cancers.

Anticancer properties

Interestingly, this tea has also shown potential anticancer properties. Various in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that its components can modulate the carcinogenesis process and reduce the development of metastases in other cancers. For example, studies on mice have shown that tea extract can induce apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibit the growth of colon and prostate cancer cells without toxicity to non-cancerous cells.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding the cancerogenic properties of Yerba Mate tea is complex and multifaceted. While there is no conclusive evidence that this tea itself causes cancer, the high temperature at which it is often consumed is a significant risk factor for esophageal cancer. The presence of PAHs in it is a consideration, but it is not a unique risk compared to other foods.

It can be consumed safely when it is not excessively hot, and its health-promoting effects, including its antioxidant and anticancer properties, make it a valuable part of a healthy diet. As with any food or beverage, moderation and awareness of consumption habits are key to minimizing potential risks.

 Recommendations

• Consume Yerba Mate at a moderate temperature to avoid the thermal risk associated with hot beverages.
• Be aware of the potential interactions between tea consumption and other lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol use.
• Appreciate the health benefits, including its antioxidant and anticancer properties, while maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.