Yerba Mate: Love Being Explained

Under more than one question stress about this "Mate Picture" over my facebook profile, i find it
obligatory to re-adjust our concept about the perception of drinking Yerba Mate, somehow away from our
cultural static image of this habit. Here below is some random but LOGICAL pieces of facts and reviews
for drinking Yerba Mate.

1. Chemical composition and properties[edit] (Taken
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerba_mate#Health_effects)
Xanthines[edit]
Yerba mate contains three xanthines: caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, the main one being
caffeine. Caffeine content varies between 0.7% and 1.7% of dry weight[14](compared with 0.4 9.3%
for tea leaves, 2.57.6% in guarana, and up to 3.2% for ground coffee);[15] theobromine content varies
from 0.3% to 0.9%; theophylline is present in small quantities, or can be completely absent.[16] A
substance previously called "mateine" is a synonym for caffeine (like theine and guaranine).
Preliminary limited studies of mate have shown that the mate xanthine cocktail is different from other
plants containing caffeine, most significantly in its effects on muscle tissue, as opposed to those on
the central nervous system, which are similar to those of other natural stimulants.[citation needed] The
three xanthines present in mate have been shown to have a relaxing effect on smooth muscle tissue, and
a stimulating effect on myocardial (heart) tissue.[citation needed]

Yerba mate contains: (Taken from http://guayaki.com/mate/2931/Health-Benefits.html)
Theophylline, theobromine, and caffeine
Vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex
Minerals: Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc
Additional Compounds: Carotene, Fatty Acids, Chlorophyll, Flavonols, Polyphenols, Inositol, Trace
Minerals, Antioxidants, Tannins, Pantothenic Acid and 15 Amino Acids.2. IS IT SAFE TO DRINK
YERBA MATE? (Taken from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-
healthy-eating/expert-answers/yerba-mate/faq-20058343)

Yerba mate isn't likely to pose a risk for healthy adults who occasionally drink it. However, some studies
indicate that people who drink large amounts of yerba mate over prolonged periods may be at increased
risk of some types of cancer, such as cancer of the mouth, esophagus and lungs. Smoking in combination
with yerba mate seems to greatly increase the cancer risk.
One possible explanation is that mate contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are
known to be carcinogenic. (Tobacco smoke and grilled meat also contain PAHs.) More investigation needs
to be done into the safety and side effects of mate.

3. Discussion and Conclusion (Taken from http://circleofdrink.com/yerba-mate-and-cancer)
Is Yerba Mate Safe to Drink?
Yerba mate has been well established as a powerhouse of health and nutrition. With antioxidants
significantly higher in concentration than green tea, in addition to the significant amounts of chlorogenic
acid and saponins unique to mate (Mejia, 2007), yerba mate has shown to be an effective drink (when
consumed with the right temperature) of health, both socially and scientifically.
Several studies have actually shown mate to destroy cancer cells (Bixby, et al, 2005). In 2011, in a study
conducted by Elivra de Mejia, mate was shown to destroy colon cancer cells in vitro.(...) Suggested
Safety Measures when Consuming Mate:
Know where and how your mate is processed. Taking into account these studies discussed,
particularly with the understanding that PAH levels can be controlled by limiting flame contact to leaves
during postharvet, and removing contaminants from the storage facilities, it would be wise to select the
cleanest, non-smoked, organic yerba mate available to you. Being able to ask the company owner such
questions as to the quality control of the mate has never been more critical.
Dont drink your mate very hot. Properly gauge the water temperature used to drink mate. Never
drink boiling water. A suggested temperature of around 165F is recommended.
Understand the building correlation between alcohol and tobacco consumption with yerba
mate. If you do smoke and drink, then take extra precaution not to drink very hot mate.
Mate may work best in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and
vegetables, combined with sufficient exercise and relaxation, may help offset the chances of developing
disease and boost mates ability to reduce oxidative stress (proliferation of free radicals).