Yerba mate is often praised for its clean energy, antioxidants, and rich tradition—but if you're here, you're probably asking the other side of the question:
Can yerba mate be bad for you?
The short answer: It depends how you drink it. Yerba mate can be an incredibly healthy beverage—but like anything, quality, quantity, and preparation matter.
Let’s break down the facts.
🚫 The Risks of Traditional Yerba Mate (When Misused)
There are some studies that suggest heavy, frequent consumption of very hot yerba mate may be linked to increased cancer risk—particularly of the esophagus and mouth. But it’s important to understand why:
🔥 1. Temperature—not the yerba itself
The studies focused on scalding hot mate (typically over 149°F / 65°C). The high temp—not the herb—was associated with tissue damage and long-term risk.
🚬 2. Lifestyle factors in those studies
Many participants in these studies were also smokers or alcohol drinkers, which skewed the results. Yerba mate on its own wasn’t proven to be the direct cause.
✅ When Yerba Mate Isn’t Bad for You
Consumed in moderation and brewed properly, yerba mate is not only safe—it’s beneficial.
Here’s why:
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🧠 Natural caffeine with mood-boosting theobromine
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🌿 Packed with antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids
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🧃 Can be cold-brewed (tereré), which removes temperature-related risk
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✅ When sugar-free and clean-sourced, it’s better than most energy drinks or coffee blends
🧉 What Makes Teko Yerba Mate Different
We created Teko to keep yerba mate simple, clean, and safe for modern life:
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❄️ Cold-mixable—so you avoid high temps completely
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🌿 USDA Organic Paraguayan yerba mate—no pesticides or additives
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💧 No sugar, no junk, no crash
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💪 With Balance and Boost options, you control the dose and energy level
Teko gives you all the benefits of mate—without the baggage.
Can Yerba Mate Be Bad for You?
Not when it’s consumed responsibly. Yerba mate is a healthy, functional drink when:
✅ You avoid scalding-hot temps
✅ You drink it in moderation
✅ You choose clean, sugar-free options like Teko Yerba Mate
FAQs: Yerba Mate Risks and Safety
1. Is yerba mate safe every day?
Yes—for most people. Just stick to moderate servings, and avoid drinking it boiling hot.
2. Can I drink yerba mate if I’m sensitive to caffeine?
Start with a light blend like Teko Balance, which is lower in caffeine than coffee or energy drinks and designed for smoother, gentler energy.
