Yerba mate is a herbal tea with health benefits, but it has side effects such as nervousness, frequent urination, and high blood pressure due to its caffeine content. It may also increase the risk of certain cancers. Pregnant women, children, and people with diabetes should avoid it.
Yerba mate is an herbal tea that is often taken for its many health benefits, although it does have certain side effects. Among its benefits is its anti-cancer quality, although some studies suggest that those who drink yerba mate are actually more prone to certain types of cancer. Due to its caffeine level, yerba mate side effects often include nervousness, frequent urination, high blood pressure, and other traits typical of those who drink large amounts of coffee. Other side effects, such as nausea, are also possible. Children, pregnant women, and people with diabetes may experience increased side effects.
Grown in South America, yerba mate has an unusually high caffeine content and an uplifting quality not commonly found in herbal teas. In addition to helping to wake up those who drink it, it can improve arthritis pain, digestive distress, headaches, weight management, liver health, and more. Yerba mate is rich in minerals, polyphenols, and antioxidants. As the product has not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration, there is a potential risk that it may contain impurities or additives.
The amount of caffeine found in a typical cup of yerba mate tea is comparable to that found in a small cup of coffee. Because of this, problems such as irritability, nervousness, and general anxiety associated with excessive caffeine consumption can occur among those who drink a large amount of yerba mate tea. Frequent urination is also possible, as caffeine has a diuretic quality. Since caffeine also increases blood pressure and increases heart rate, it may be advantageous for those who take blood pressure medication or have a history of heart attack and stroke to avoid drinking yerba mate.
Some side effects of yerba mate are not necessarily associated with its caffeine content. Nausea, vomiting, and headaches have been reported. Some serious side effects, such as fever, muscle spasms, changes in heart rate, and yellowing of the eyes and skin, have also been reported, although they are less common.
The side effects of yerba mate tend to be amplified when children take it, due to their lower body mass and weight. As caffeine poses a risk to unborn babies, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid yerba mate. People with diabetes may also experience more intense side effects from yerba mate, since certain forms of the prepared substance may contain sugars or alcohol.
Although yerba mate is believed to have anti-cancer qualities, there are some studies that suggest it also has some cancer-causing effects. Among the most dangerous side effects of yerba mate are the risk associated with contracting oral cancer, intestinal cancer, and esophageal cancer. Such studies, however, require further deliberation.
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