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 long periods may be at increased risk of some types of cancer, such as cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs.

Is yerba mate healthier than coffee?

Yerba keeps your heart healthy.

According to researchers, the antioxidants in yerba mate protect against heart disease too. Remember that green tea, which is rich in antioxidants, can't even do this, and coffee is often linked to heart disease. This benefit of heart health is unique to yerba mate.

Is mate tea cancerous?

High doses and prolonged use of mate tea are linked to increased risk of prostate, bladder, oral, esophageal, lung, and head and neck cancers. Heavy alcohol use and/or smoking combined with long-term mate use additionally increases the risk of cancer.