Mate and health: what science says

Antioxidants, caffeine and a word of caution about very hot water: what we know and what we don't.

Mate has a reputation for being healthy, and there's some truth to it. But there are also exaggerations going around. Here's what we know today.

Antioxidants

Yerba is rich in polyphenols, mainly chlorogenic acids, the same compounds found in coffee. They are antioxidants: they help protect cells from oxidative damage.

Caffeine and energy

It provides caffeine and a little theobromine. That's why it wakes you up and helps you focus. As with any caffeinated drink, go easy on it if you have trouble sleeping or are sensitive to caffeine.

Careful with boiling water

In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that drinking very hot beverages, above 65 °C (149 °F), probably increases the risk of esophageal cancer. The issue is the temperature, not the yerba: mate drunk at a normal temperature was not placed in that category.

Use water at 70-80 °C (158-176 °F), never boiling.
If it feels like it burns, wait a few seconds.

What it doesn't do

It won't make you lose weight on its own or "detox" your body. It keeps you company and hydrated, but it doesn't replace a varied diet.

If you have any health concerns, it's best to ask a doctor.