What is Clean Cause Yerba Mate?
Clean Cause offers a line of ready-to-drink, canned yerba mate beverages designed to provide a cleaner energy boost than conventional energy drinks. The company distinguishes itself through two primary aspects: its use of USDA organic ingredients and its social mission to donate 50% of profits to support addiction recovery. The product's base is brewed yerba mate, a traditional South American herbal tea known for its stimulating effects. The packaged versions include natural flavors and are available in both sparkling and non-carbonated varieties, some with organic cane sugar and some with zero-calorie sweeteners.
The Health Profile of Clean Cause Ingredients
The healthiness of Clean Cause depends heavily on its formulation, which varies between product lines. The organic brewed yerba mate provides the core benefits, but added ingredients change the overall nutritional value. For example, some non-carbonated versions contain organic cane sugar, adding calories and sugar content. In contrast, sparkling zero-calorie versions use sweeteners like stevia and erythritol. All versions contain a high dose of caffeine, with a typical can holding 160mg. This is a significant amount, comparable to nearly two cups of coffee.
Health Benefits of Yerba Mate
The core of Clean Cause's health appeal comes from the yerba mate plant itself, which offers numerous potential benefits backed by various studies. The plant is a rich source of antioxidants, including polyphenols and saponins, which help protect the body against cellular damage and inflammation.
Benefits associated with yerba mate include:
- Sustained Energy and Mental Clarity: The unique combination of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline in yerba mate provides a smoother, more balanced energy lift than coffee, reducing the likelihood of jitters and a subsequent crash.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Studies have shown yerba mate to have a higher antioxidant capacity than green tea, which helps combat oxidative stress.
- Weight Management Support: Research suggests that yerba mate may aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism, increasing fat oxidation during exercise, and helping to curb appetite.
- Improved Heart Health: Some evidence indicates that yerba mate can help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels and support overall cardiovascular health.
- Digestive Aid: Traditionally, yerba mate has been used to aid digestion and promote a healthy gut.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While many benefits exist, it is crucial to consider the potential drawbacks, particularly concerning the high caffeine content and other product aspects of Clean Cause.
Factors to consider:
- High Caffeine Intake: The 160mg of natural caffeine per can can be too much for some individuals, leading to side effects like anxiety, jitters, insomnia, or an increased heart rate. Excessive consumption should be avoided.
- Added Sugar vs. Sweeteners: Some flavored Clean Cause varieties use organic cane sugar, which contributes to overall sugar and calorie intake. Others use zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia and erythritol. Those monitoring sugar consumption must read labels carefully.
- Long-Term Consumption: Epidemiological studies suggest a potential link between the long-term, high-volume consumption of very hot yerba mate and an increased risk of certain cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, and lungs. This risk is thought to be higher for individuals who also smoke or drink alcohol. It's important to note that this risk is linked to the temperature of the beverage, not necessarily the yerba mate itself. Choosing cold, canned versions mitigates this thermal risk.
Clean Cause Yerba Mate vs. Other Beverages
To fully understand if Clean Cause is a healthy option, it's helpful to compare it to other popular caffeinated drinks. Here is a comparison:
| Feature | Clean Cause Yerba Mate | Brewed Coffee | Canned Energy Drink | Regular Soda |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Stimulants | Caffeine, Theobromine, Theophylline | Caffeine | Caffeine, Taurine, etc. | Caffeine |
| Energy Profile | Sustained, smoother boost without crashes | Quick spike, potential jitters and crash | Rapid spike and hard crash | Minor spike, minimal crash |
| Antioxidants | Rich in antioxidants, more than green tea | Moderate antioxidant content | Often very low or none | Little to no antioxidant content |
| Sugar & Calories | Some varieties with sugar (approx. 20g), some zero-calorie | Typically sugar-free (unless added) | Very high in sugar and calories | Very high in sugar and calories |
| Other Additives | Organic ingredients, natural flavors | Varies | Artificial flavors, colors, additives | Artificial flavors, colors |
Compared to sugary energy drinks and sodas, Clean Cause offers a significantly cleaner ingredient profile and avoids artificial additives. Its energy profile, driven by a blend of stimulants, is smoother and more sustained than coffee, making it a better option for those sensitive to coffee jitters.
Making an Informed Decision
Is Clean Cause yerba mate a healthy choice? The answer is nuanced and depends on your specific health goals and habits. For many, it can be a healthier alternative to sugary sodas or conventional energy drinks, offering a dose of antioxidants and sustained energy. However, its high caffeine content and added sugars (in some versions) mean it must be consumed in moderation.
For those seeking the purest form of yerba mate's benefits, brewing the loose-leaf variety is the most controlled option. For the convenience of a canned beverage, Clean Cause offers a product with a cleaner ingredient list than many competitors, while also contributing to a worthwhile social cause.
In conclusion, Clean Cause offers a refreshing and functional beverage with several health benefits derived from its yerba mate base. By being mindful of its sugar and caffeine content, you can enjoy it as a responsible part of a healthy lifestyle. For more information on yerba mate, see the health section of the reputable Mayo Clinic website.
What is the difference between Clean Cause Yerba Mate and traditional loose-leaf yerba mate?
Primary difference: Clean Cause is a ready-to-drink, pasteurized, flavored, and sweetened (or zero-calorie sweetened) version of yerba mate, while traditional yerba mate is prepared as a hot or cold infusion from dried leaves and stems.
Can drinking Clean Cause Yerba Mate help with weight loss?
Yes, potentially: Research on yerba mate suggests it can aid in weight management by boosting metabolism and increasing fat oxidation, though these benefits are linked to the yerba mate plant's compounds, not specific to the Clean Cause brand.
Is the caffeine in Clean Cause different from coffee?
Yes, in its effect: Clean Cause contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, which together provide a more balanced and sustained energy boost without the sharp peak and crash often associated with coffee's caffeine.
What are the main health benefits of the yerba mate plant?
Antioxidants and nutrients: Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Benefits include enhanced mental focus, antioxidant support, improved heart health, and digestive aid.
Are there any side effects from drinking Clean Cause?
Yes, in excess: Due to its high caffeine content, excessive consumption can lead to side effects like anxiety, insomnia, upset stomach, or increased heart rate, especially for those sensitive to caffeine.
Is Clean Cause a good alternative to regular energy drinks?
Yes, for a cleaner option: With organic ingredients, less sugar than many leading competitors, and a smoother energy profile, Clean Cause is a better-for-you alternative to most conventional energy drinks laden with artificial additives.
How does Clean Cause support addiction recovery?
Donates profits: Clean Cause donates 50% of its net profits (or 5% of net revenue, whichever is greater) to support individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
What are the long-term risks associated with yerba mate consumption?
Associated with high-volume, hot traditional consumption: Some epidemiological studies have linked very high, long-term consumption of very hot yerba mate to an increased risk of certain cancers. The risk is generally associated with the thermal damage from the heat, not the mate itself, and is less relevant for cold, canned versions.
Do all Clean Cause flavors have the same sugar content?
No: Clean Cause offers both versions sweetened with organic cane sugar and zero-calorie versions that use sweeteners like stevia and erythritol. Sugar content varies by product line.
Is Clean Cause Yerba Mate safe for pregnant women?
Not recommended: Due to its high caffeine content, pregnant and breastfeeding women are typically advised to limit or avoid yerba mate. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional before consumption.
