Several studies in the past have associated traditional mate (smoked yerba mate) with an increase in cancer, especially esophageal cancer. Some research has raised alarm about possible adverse health effects linked to the consumption of smoked yerba mate. These studies refer to the fact that the secado, the drying process of yerba mate, occurs from the intentional burning of wood, which can produce chemical substances called “polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons” or PAHs.

Malesa is the Spanish word for weed. Conventional yerba mate production frequently uses heavy applications of herbicides to control weeds. Organic yerba mate cultivation relies on fairly-paid workers with machetes. We think the extra cost of organic yerba mate is worth it... for the land, for the workers, and for our bodies. This yerba mate is loved a great deal in Brazil, but its popularity outside South America is on the rise. In North America, yerba mate has a niche as a cutting edge energy herb, but in South America yerba mate is everywhere! You see grandmothers sipping yerba mate at bus stops. Teenagers sipping yerba mate outside night clubs. Families sipping yerba mate at the beach. The grocery stores have a yerba mate aisle with about thirty different brands.It is typically served in a gourd and drunk with a bombilla straw , which contains a filter to keep out any stray leaves. Avoid touching the straw! Stirring makes all the herb steep at once, and it can also make the straw clog. One of the cebador’s most difficult jobs is to gracefully discourage newcomers to the yerba mate circle from touching the straw. Yerba (yair-buh) is the Spanish word for Herb. Mate (mah-tay) is from the Native American Guarani language, and it means Cup. Yerba Mate means Herb of the Cup.

According to the organism, drinking any type of drink or infusion above 65°C (149°F) can cause an irritation in the esophagus. This can result in chronic inflammation of the tissue, which increases the risk of cancer mutations. Note that the IARC has not found any link between cancer and drinking mate with cold or warm water. To choose the best yerba mate brand for you, you should go for flavors that appeal to your tastes. Brands like Cruz De Malta and CBSe come in flavors that most novice yerba mate drinkers will appreciate, while others like Taragui and Rosamonte are best if you want a traditional yerba mate flavor .

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Some research shows that drinking yerba mate tea three times daily for 60 days can lower blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes.