TL;DR

While there’s no conclusive evidence linking Yerba Mate to cancer, it’s advisable to avoid consuming it at extremely high temperatures, as this could potentially be a risk factor. More research is needed to establish a definitive connection between Yerba Mate and cancer.

Introduction

Yerba Mate, a traditional South American beverage enjoyed for centuries, has attracted significant attention from researchers in recent decades. A beverage known for its stimulating properties, Yerba Mate has been associated with various health benefits, including its effects on liver cells, central nervous system stimulation, anti-inflammatory properties, and cardiovascular health. It has also been recommended for weight management1 and as a companion for those engaged in sports2. However, a growing body of research has raised concerns about the potential link between Yerba Mate consumption and an increased risk of cancer, specifically in the esophagus, larynx, and oral cavity.

Yerba Mate and Health Benefits

The consumption of Yerba Mate has been linked to a range of health benefits. Studies have shown that it can have a protective effect on liver cells, potentially contributing to liver health. Additionally, its stimulating effect on the central nervous system makes it a popular choice for individuals seeking a caffeine alternative 3. The anti-inflammatory 4 properties of Yerba Mate are thought to be beneficial for various health conditions. Moreover, it has been suggested that Yerba Mate may have a favorable impact on the cardiovascular system. As such, it has earned a place in the treatment of obesity 1 and is often recommended for athletes and fitness enthusiasts2.

The Cancer Risk Debate

However, the relationship between Yerba Mate consumption and cancer risk remains a topic of ongoing investigation. The debate centers on the temperature at which Yerba Mate is consumed, which is notably high compared to other beverages. Several epidemiological studies have suggested that hot Yerba Mate may increase the risk of cancer in the esophagus, larynx, and oral cavity. The proposed mechanism behind this association involves the damaging effects of high-temperature liquids on mucosal tissues and their potential to accelerate metabolic reactions.

It’s important to note that despite these concerns, there is no definitive evidence from sound population-based case-control studies confirming that Yerba Mate is a direct risk factor for cancer. The research results are inconsistent, and factors such as the volume and temperature of Yerba Mate intake, as well as other lifestyle factors like tobacco and alcohol consumption, make it challenging to draw firm conclusions 5 6 7 8.

The Need for Further Research

Given the increasing global interest in Yerba Mate consumption, there is a pressing need for more comprehensive and rigorous research. Future studies should be designed to separate the effects of Yerba Mate from other confounding factors. This means accounting for potential contaminations introduced during the industrial processing of Yerba Mate leaves and considering the use of other stimulants like alcohol and tobacco by study participants.

Additionally, to provide a more accurate assessment of cancer risk associated with Yerba Mate consumption, researchers should conduct population-based studies that collect data on various variables, including tobacco and alcohol use, temperature and volume of Yerba Mate intake, and dietary habits. These studies should aim to elucidate the precise relationship between Yerba Mate and cancer risk, ultimately offering more conclusive insights.

Conclusion

Yerba Mate, a beloved South American beverage, is the subject of ongoing scientific inquiry regarding its impact on human health. While it is celebrated for its numerous potential health benefits, including liver protection, stimulation of the central nervous system, and anti-inflammatory effects, there is growing concern about the potential link between hot Yerba Mate consumption and cancer risk.

The available evidence is inconclusive, with some studies suggesting a potential risk, particularly for cancers of the esophagus, larynx, and oral cavity. To address this issue, more rigorous research is needed, which considers a wide range of variables and controls for confounding factors. Until then, individuals should be aware of the existing debate and consider moderating their Yerba Mate consumption, especially when consumed at high temperatures, as a precautionary measure while the scientific community continues its investigation into this complex relationship.

Sources

  1. Sun-Young Kim, Mi-Ra Oh, Min-Gul Kim, Han-Jeoung Chae, SooWan Chae. Anti-obesity effects of Yerba Mate (Ilex Paraguariensis): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMC ComplementAltern Med. 2015; 15: 338. DOI 10.1186/s12906-015-0859-1 ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Alkhatib A. Yerba Maté (Illex Paraguariensis) ingestion augments fat oxidation and energy expenditure during exercise at various submaximal intensities. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2014; 11: 42.. doi: [10.1186/1743–7075–11–42]. ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. Pawlak-Lemańska K, Zarzyka O, Gliszczyńska-Świgło A, Tyrakowska B. Yerba Mate, Black and Green Tea Infusions: Comparison of Their Alkaloid Content and Antioxidant Activity. Towaroznawcze Problemy Jakości 2016; 1: 105–114. ↩︎

  4. Puangpraphant S, Berhow MA, Vermillion K, Potts G, Gonzalez de Mejia E, Dicaffeoylquinic acids in Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hilaire) inhibit NF-κB nucleus translocation in macrophages and induce apoptosis by activating caspases-8 and -3 in human colon cancer cells. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2011 Oct; 55(10): 1509–22. doi: 10.1002/ mnfr.201100128. Epub 2011 Jun 8. ↩︎

  5. Goldenberg D, Golz A, Joachims HZ. The beverage maté: a risk factor for cancer of the head and neck. Head Neck. 2003 Jul; 25(7): 595–601. ↩︎

  6. Goldenberg D, Lee J, Koch WM, Kim MM, Trink B, Sidransky D, et al. Habitual risk factors for head and neck cancer. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004; 131(6): 986–93. DOI: 10.1016/j.otohns.2004.02.035. ↩︎

  7. Sewram V, De Stefani E, Brennan P, Boffetta P. Mate consumption and the risk of squamous cell esophageal cancer in Uruguay. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2003; 12: 508–13. ↩︎

  8. Riachi LG, De Maria CAB. Yerba mate: An overview of physiological effects in humans, J Funct Foods. 2017; 38, 308–320. ↩︎