Cancer Prevention

Claims

One popular claim is that Yerba Mate possibly prevents some forms of cancer (e.g., retailer Guayaki). These claims are supported by both its historical use and medical research.

Lab results show benefits from flavanoids, but regular tea "flavonoids to plasma and tissue antioxidant activity in humans is now thought to be relatively minor" (Oregon State University, 2005) Specificially: "Green and black tea have been found to have cancer preventive activity in a variety of animal models of cancer, including cancer of the skin, lung, mouth, esophagus, stomach, colon, pancreas, bladder and prostate (22, 23). White tea and green tea recently were shown to suppress intestinal polyps in mice (see Tea Complements Drugs in Fight Against Colon Cancer). In most cases, flavonoids appear to contribute substantially to the cancer preventing effects of tea, but caffeine has also been found to have cancer preventing activity in some animal models of skin (24) and lung cancer (25). Although beneficial effects of tea flavonoids were often attributed to their antioxidant activity, the overall contribution of tea flavonoids to plasma and tissue antioxidant activity in humans is now thought to be relatively minor (26). Currently scientists are focusing their attention on the potential for tea flavonoids to modulate cell signaling pathways that promote the transformation of healthy cells to cancerous cells (27) " (Jane Higdon, Ph.D. Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University , 2005).

Fortunately, as Bixby's 2005 lab results confirm, the Traditional Method, which uses very little water, is the most effective way to benefit from Yerba Mate's many nutritive values. The Traditional Method of consuming Yerba Mate increases your ability to extract more flavonoids than any other method; "flavonoid rich beverages [Yerba Mate] could represent an alternative coadjuvant in treatment. In this regard, our studies suggest that Ilex paraguariensis extracts [Yerba Mate via the Traditional Method] are more effective than either green tea or red wines." (Bixby, Spieler, Menini, Gugliuccit, Life Sciences, 2005, #77 pgs 345-358).

Yerba Mate, consumed in the Traditional Method, possibly prevents some cancers.

General Benefit Note:

Jane Higdon, Ph.D, Oregon State University, writes that it may be difficult to drink enough of a tea "to reach sufficient plasma and tissue levels of tea polyphenols to realize a protective effect." The American Chemical Society supports this claim by noting that the "direct measurements in people's blood" when using a tea without the gourd and straw are "typically less than one-tenth" the amount shown to produce any significant result. (2003) Fortunately, the Traditional Method of consuming Yerba Mate increases your ability to gain its many benefits. Laboratory tests confirm that drinking mate via the Traditional Method may be the only way to recieve certain benefits (Bixby, 2005; c.v. Palermo, 2003).

Drinking very little water with tea is an ancient and important principle that should be considered when drinking Yerba Mate. One can not safely recommend drinking copious amounts of water with it. The Traditional Method of drinking Yerba Mate with gourd and straw, which uses very little water, is the most effective way to benefit from it's many nutritive values (Bixby, 2005: Life Science).

Benefit Disclaimer

Please keep in mind that each persons body is unique. Cancer is a serious medical condition. Please use our information as a springboard for research into your specific needs. Of course, it is recommended to discuss any information with your doctor and listen to the specific needs of your body.

-above information from www.yerbatea.com