Cancer continues to take lives all over the world. Although there is no definite conclusion about the cause and treatment of cancer, there are very serious studies about the triggering factors. It has long been known that alcohol, smoking, and consumption of too much red and processed meat can trigger cancer. A popular herbal tea may increase your risk of cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
MATE TEA TRIGGERS CANCER
Yerba mate is an herbal tea. Commonly known as mate, it is popular in parts of South America. There has been a warning from experts about herbal tea, which has become popular in our country in recent years. “Some studies show that people who drink large amounts of yerba mate over a long period of time may be at increased risk for certain types of cancer, such as cancer of the mouth, throat, and lung,” warns the Mayo Clinic.
RELATED TO CANCER
Drinking very hot yerba mate is associated with a higher risk of cancer than drinking yerba mate at cooler temperatures, according to the health organization.
A review article published in the BMJ cited research that found that drinking “very hot” yerba mate was associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
CONTENT OF MATE TEA
The Mayo Clinic states that mate tea contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to cause cancer. There is also PAH, tobacco smoke and grilled meat.
A 2012 study conducted by University of Illinois scientists showed that colon cancer cells die when exposed to about the same number of bioactive compounds found in a cup of mate tea.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
“The caffeine derivatives in mate tea not only caused death in human colon cancer cells, but also reduced important markers of inflammation. This is important because inflammation can trigger steps of cancer progression,” said Elvira de Mejia, associate professor of food chemistry and food toxicology.
“If yerba mate is your tea, drink it in moderation. But as always, consult your doctor before trying any herbal product,” advises the Mayo Clinic.