Yerba mate, often called the drink of “friendship and health,” is touted as a drink that is not only an enjoyable social custom, but healthy for your body as well. Claims concerning the health benefits of yerba mate are plentiful, although many are based on a long history of antecodal evidence instead of scientific studies.

Yerba mate, which translates to “cup herb,” is made from the leaves and twigs of the evergreen tree/shrub of the same name, which is also a species of the holly plant. It is grown and mostly consumed in South America — specifically, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Traditionally, the dried leaves and twigs are packed into a cup made from a gourd, steeped in hot (not boiling) water, then drunk through a metal or wooden straw with a strainer, called a bombilla. It is very popular, and treated as a social occasion, much like tea in other parts of the world.

One of the biggest health benefits of yerba mate is that it is a side-effect free stimulant. Although it has a small amount of caffeine, it also has xanthines, theobromine and theophylline which are stimulants. Many say that while it acts as a stimulant, you don’t have the jitters, stomach upset and anxiety that is often associated with coffee. For people who don’t tolerate coffee well, they may find yerba mate preferable. The ingredients stimulate myocardial tissue (heart tissue) while relaxing smooth muscle tissue. It contains 20 vitamins and minerals — including magnesium, potassium and manganese — 15 amino acids and some say, has 90% more antioxidants than green tea.

Some small studies have found that among the health benefits of yerba mate is its ability to combat atherosclerosis, or blockages of the arteries. Yerba mate may also have some cancer retarding properties, but most studies have been conducted on animals. Other purported health benefits of yerba mate include:

• Boosts immunity
• Brain stimulant
• Anti-fatigue
• Detoxifies blood
• Reverses aging
• Appetite control
• Fights insomnia
• Weight loss aid
• Cleans colon
• Combats allergies
• Relieves stress
• Diuretic

While there are many documented health benefits of yerba mate, drinking large quantities of it has been associated with liver disease and certain oral cancers. Supporters of yerba mate claim that drinking hot beverages, regardless of what they are, is associated with an increased risk of some cancers. Additionally, due to the stimulants it contains, it shouldn’t be used with MAO inhibitors because it may raise blood pressure. For most healthy people, the health benefits of yerba mate make it a good addition to their diet, but for people with certain physical conditions, they should consult their doctor before trying it.