Yerba mate is an herbal tea. This tea, commonly known simply as mate, is popular in parts of South America. The leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant are dried, typically over a fire, and steeped in hot water to make an herbal tea.

Why is yerba mate bad for you?

Yerba mate tea contains PAH, a known carcinogen also found in grilled meat and tobacco smoke. Studies show that increased exposure to PAHs can affect the immune, reproductive, and neurological systems. They can also cause developmental effects and increase the risk of cancer .

How is yerba mate different from tea?

The main differences between green tea and yerba mate are the flavor, and how they're brewed. Where green tea has a mild, green, astringent flavor yerba mate has a strong, grassy flavor. Green tea is brewed for 2 minutes, while yerba mate is continuously brewed in special gourds.