Some consumers are worried about the amount of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in yerba mate based on the fact that yerba mate is usually smoke-dried (over burning wood) when processed. 

PAHs are a group of naturally occurring chemicals found in coal, coal tars, oil, wood, tobacco, charcoal and other carbon-containing organic materials.

PAH4 is the sum of four different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, named:

• Benzo[a]anthracene
• Chrysene
• Benzo[b]fluoranthene
• Benzo[a]pyrene)

PAHs have been linked to many health issues, including some forms of cancer.

BUT what people don't realize is that we are actually exposed to PAHs every single day! 

Every time you eat barbecued, grilled, roasted, smoked foods including turkey, pork, chicken, beef and fish products you’re exposed to PAHs.(1)

Every time you eat fruits, vegetables and grains, you’re exposed to PAHs.(2)

Every time you are exposed to secondhand smoke or if you smoke, you’re exposed to PAHs.(3)

Every time you use shampoos and scalp treatments, soaps, hair dyes and lotions (depending on the brand), you’re exposed to PAHs.(4)

Every time you are walking on the street breathing exhaust from vehicles, you’re exposed to PAHs.(5)

Yerba mate has many health benefits so if you are thinking of restraining yourself from consuming this Super Drink you should also consider quitting on drinking Coffee (all roasts), white tea, black tea and red tea...That’s right, most of them contain PAHs.(6)

"What people don't realize is that we are actually exposed to PAHs every single day!..."

Medical studies

If you are a yerba mate lover or you are educating yourself before starting to consume this super drink that people in South America consume on a daily basis, let's go to the bone and find out what are the facts.

In 1991 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified hot mate drinking as a Group 2A carcinogen, meaning that the tea was "probably carcinogenic to humans." This was based on studies showing an increased risk of esophageal cancer, though the relationship was only significant for those who drank their mate hot or very hot.

Subsequent analysis (after 1991) found that not only mate—but other beverages—appeared to be carcinogenic when consumed hot or very hot. In addition, animal studies found that hot water could induce esophageal tumors in nitrosamine treated rodents, while cold mate reduced the incidence of these tumors.

On the basis of these considerations and on the totality of the evidence, drinking very hot beverages at above 65°C was classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) in 2016. This evaluation of very hot beverages includes drinking very hot mate. Drinking mate that is not very hot was reclassified as “not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans” (Group 3).1

The studies show that drinks consumed at extremely hot temperatures are associated with throat cancer. However, this applies to ALL hot drinks including tea and coffee.

It is very important to note that there have been no studies directly connecting the PAHs in yerba mate to cancer. More studies are needed to make a definitive connection.(7)  There is scientific evidence that yerba mate actually might help fight most cancers. With huge amounts of antioxidants and other compounds, yerba mate is a nutritional boost against cancer, including colon cancer.(8)

It is very important to note that there have been no studies directly connecting the PAHs in yerba mate to cancer.

So what’s the deal? 

Yerba mate Smoked vs Unsmoked Explained

Smoked method:
This smoking method imparts PAHs to the leaves that can be released when brewing. Studies have found a number of samples of yerba mate from different brands to contain a high content of it. Any brand that participates in this drying method (which is the majority except a few brands, including BOHEMIA YERBA MATE), most likely contains elevated levels of PAHs.

Unsmoked method:
Some brands, who really care about their customer’s health not only are USDA Organic but also sell UNSMOKED yerba mate. The way our yerba mate is dried assures a minimum amount of PAHs in comparison with regular yerba mate brands. Nowadays, many countries (especially in Europe) require yerba mate an other teas, to be tested for PAHs as a quality control method.

BOHEMIA Yerba Mate guarantees that PAHs are minimal on our farm production, making sure we meet the strict EU standards.

Buy BOHEMIA YERBA MATE with confidence, you deserve it & we care.

Ready to order BOHEMIA YERBA MATE? 
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Keep reading:

• What is Yerba Mate?
• Yerba Mate Benefits
• The Yerba Mate Ritual
• How to drink Yerba Mate
• Caffeine in Yerba Mate

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26776018/

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29172043/

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12052463/

4. https://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/coal-tar/

5. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es981227l#:~:text=Motor%20vehicles%20are%20a%20significant%20source%20of%20PAHs%20in%20the,range%20(3%E2%88%928)

6. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10406638.2014.918554

7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19695149/

8. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00535.x

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Scientific studies cited in this article may investigate yerba mate, its naturally occurring compounds, or specific preparations under particular research conditions. Their findings may not apply directly to every yerba mate product or establish that a particular product provides the same effects.

Yerba mate naturally contains caffeine, and individual responses may vary. Consult your healthcare professional if you have questions about whether yerba mate is appropriate for you, particularly if you have an existing medical condition or take medication.

The statements in this article have not necessarily been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.