Can Yerba Mate Cause Cancer? A Look at How Unimate Is Processed | Unimate Yerba Mate

I heard that yerba mate drinks can cause several types of cancer including bladder and esophageal. Can you tell me if this is true?

Though potentially beneficial for the body, there's some research that shows excessive use of yerba mate over a prolonged amount of time is linked to a number of cancers. Some commonly mentioned include: lung, mouth, stomach, esophageal, laryngeal and bladder.

Before incorporating yerba mate into your diet, be sure to do your research as some 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.

In this article we will look closer into Unimate yerba mate drink, the key part of THE FEEL GREAT SYSTEM, specifically addressing the possible link to yerba mate causing cancer. 

Let's take a look at what is being said about Yerba Mate

While yerba mate does have many health benefits including that it can relieve fatigue, aid in weight loss, ease depression, and help treat headaches and various other conditions. There is that last concern that some might believe there is a “health risk”.

There are studies that indicate 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. Drinking very hot yerba mate — 149 F (65 C) or hotter — is associated with a higher risk of cancer than is drinking yerba mate at cooler temperatures.

What is PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)

One possible explanation to this concern is that yerba mate contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s), which are known to cause cancer. Several studies have shown that commercially prepared yerba mate leaves have significant amounts of PAHs. A small amount may be accumulated in the unprocessed green leaves due to soil and atmospheric contamination.

It’s important to note that there’s a high chance you’re already exposed to PAH’s on a daily basis, without even knowing it. You are exposed to PAH’s if you smoke; eat barbecued, smoked, grilled, or roasted foods; if you eat fruits, vegetables, and grains. PAH can be found in the air, water, and soil in varying degrees. To try to avoid it is nearly impossible. And to avoid yerba mate, for this sole reason alone should not be the biggest concern.

Smoke Dried Yerba Mate 

Because yerba mate is smoke-dried (over burning wood) when processed, some believe the smoking method to be the cause, as they say it imparts this carcinogenic chemical known as PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) to the leaves that can be released when brewing. Studies have found a number of commercially available yerba mate brands to contain a high content of it. They believe that this drying method (which is the majority), most likely contain PAHs.

Unimate is unique to all Yerba Mate on the market!

Here at Unicity, we focus on bringing the best and most effective products to the market that are safe, effective and backed by science. We truly understand the value of yerba mate based on clinical research we have conducted ourselves and reviewing the literature. 

As an example, a study from the University of Illinois suggested that bioactive compounds found in one cup of yerba mate can actually disrupt colon cancer cells, at least in the lab. The researchers reported that caffeine derivatives in the tea damaged cancer cell DNA causing the cells to self-destruct. However, no human studies have linked drinking yerba maté to a lower risk of colon cancer.

• Unimate vs other Yerba Mate Drinks
• Unimate is a Concentrated Yerba Mate Drink
• FAQ: Unimate Yerba Mate Drink Frequently Asked Questions

Unimate Has A Patented 5-Step Process

The Unicity Unimate is unlike any other yerba mate on the market. Unimate’s yerba mate is grown in South America and undergoes a 5-step patented process to make it 375 times more effective than other commercially available Yerba Mate. The 5 step process is: Hand Picked, Fire Roasted, Extracted, Concentrated, Purified.

• Unimate Drink: A Unique 5-Step Patented Yerba Mate

Clinical Science & Research on Unimate Yerba Mate

As a result this extensive research and clinical studies on Unimate yerba mate, it has been accepted into the Prescribers' Desk Reference PDR. Unimate is the only Yerba Mate that is back by science and listed in the PDR. Being listed in the PDR is a mark of distinction and should provide reassurance even to consumers of it's quality and efficacy. 

The recognition that Unicity can bring leading edge science to the age-old tradition of Yerba Mate, and have it approved for listing in the PDR based on clinical research, should bring encouragement and confidence to our mission in supporting a healthy lifestyle as part of the Feel Great System. 

In the below video, Erin L. Glynn, PhD, Vice President, Research & Development at Unicity explains this 5-step patented process in more detail. As you will see, this process is specifically designed to remove the impurities and any unwanted compounds after the fire roasting.