Yerba Mate potentially linked to cancer

By Anousha Greiveldinger ‘20

Research has shown that high levels of yerba mate consumption may be linked to cancer, potentially causing concerns for the many Catlin Gabel School students who regularly enjoy Guayaki yerba mate, a specific brand of tea commonly found in the United States.

Studies conducted on South American populations show that there may be a higher risk of cancer with increased duration and volume of consumption. According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking yerba mate at temperatures above 149°F increases the risk of cancer. 

Guayaki Yerba Mate. Photo by Anousha Greiveldinger

Senior Jane Madden drinks about four cans of Guayaki a week. She is aware of the concerns about yerba mate, but said that these will not stop her from drinking it.

“I’m not concerned about the cold ones because it’s been shown that people who drink hot beverages have a higher risk of esophageal cancer, therefore, the correlation between yerba mate is probably based on the temperature,” Madden said.

Other hot drinks like black tea and coffee have also been linked to increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Upper School science teacher Veronica Ledoux also weighed in. 

“The exact concentrations of chemicals in yerba mate are not known,” said Ledoux. “It could be one or a combination of them causing these effects, but it is not known.”