1.6 The Safety Importance of Yerba Mate and Similar Infusions
21
(b) Diminution of oxidative stress
(c) Cardioprotection evidences
(d) Glucose reduction and enhancement of sensitivity to insulin
(e) General antioxidant and antinflammatory features with associated hepatoprotection and neuroprotection
(f) Reported evidences against retinal degenerations (where oxidative stress plays
a key role).
These features are dependent on the chemical profile of I. paraguariensis infusions
in humans. A more detailed description of these effects and probable causes is offered
in Chap. 5.
On the other side, the possible association between cancer and yerba mate
consumption is still unclear, especially when speaking of oral cancer in humans.
Because of contradictory results concerning the possible inhibitory effect against
oral cancer cells in animals and in in vitro studies, it has been suggested that a
possible association exists when tobacco and/or alcohol are included as synergistic
factors with yerba mate consumption. At present, there are not reliable assumptions
concerning the augment of cancer in humans depending on the oral consumption
of I. paraguariensis infusions (Aguilera 2015; Deneo-Pellegrini et al. 2013; Stefani
et al. 2011).
1.7 Yerba Mate Between Regulatory Norms
and Commercial Matters
The economic importance of yerba mate harvesting and cultivation in Argentina,
Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay has been previously cited. In detail, this plant is a
critical economic resource for South American people working in farms and associated industries. The example of Argentina is notable: yerba mate has been defined
the national infusion in this Country in 2013, showing the strict relationship between
I. paraguariensis and this nation. At the same time, other cultivating and harvesting
people in Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay have the same or similar feeling (Gortari
2007; Lawson 2009). At present, the real problem with yerba mate is not associated with the large commercial operations worldwide: on the contrary, the intensive
relationship between non-South American Nations and commercial production in
South America has generate notable incomes. The problem, by the regulatory angle,
is associated today with the ineffective control and management of the agribusiness
industry, with the result that many small farmers are forced to abandon their homes
and cultivation because of the clear inability to sustain required production volumes.
On the other hand, yerba mate market is essentially and historically an oligopolistic
system: the old manners are difficult to be changed. In this ambit, the fair trade
politics and associated movements have partially determined some amelioration for
agricultural workers (Smith 2014). The success of fair trade is dependent from many
factors, including globalisation and the consequent relocation of South American
21
(b) Diminution of oxidative stress
(c) Cardioprotection evidences
(d) Glucose reduction and enhancement of sensitivity to insulin
(e) General antioxidant and antinflammatory features with associated hepatoprotection and neuroprotection
(f) Reported evidences against retinal degenerations (where oxidative stress plays
a key role).
These features are dependent on the chemical profile of I. paraguariensis infusions
in humans. A more detailed description of these effects and probable causes is offered
in Chap. 5.
On the other side, the possible association between cancer and yerba mate
consumption is still unclear, especially when speaking of oral cancer in humans.
Because of contradictory results concerning the possible inhibitory effect against
oral cancer cells in animals and in in vitro studies, it has been suggested that a
possible association exists when tobacco and/or alcohol are included as synergistic
factors with yerba mate consumption. At present, there are not reliable assumptions
concerning the augment of cancer in humans depending on the oral consumption
of I. paraguariensis infusions (Aguilera 2015; Deneo-Pellegrini et al. 2013; Stefani
et al. 2011).
1.7 Yerba Mate Between Regulatory Norms
and Commercial Matters
The economic importance of yerba mate harvesting and cultivation in Argentina,
Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay has been previously cited. In detail, this plant is a
critical economic resource for South American people working in farms and associated industries. The example of Argentina is notable: yerba mate has been defined
the national infusion in this Country in 2013, showing the strict relationship between
I. paraguariensis and this nation. At the same time, other cultivating and harvesting
people in Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay have the same or similar feeling (Gortari
2007; Lawson 2009). At present, the real problem with yerba mate is not associated with the large commercial operations worldwide: on the contrary, the intensive
relationship between non-South American Nations and commercial production in
South America has generate notable incomes. The problem, by the regulatory angle,
is associated today with the ineffective control and management of the agribusiness
industry, with the result that many small farmers are forced to abandon their homes
and cultivation because of the clear inability to sustain required production volumes.
On the other hand, yerba mate market is essentially and historically an oligopolistic
system: the old manners are difficult to be changed. In this ambit, the fair trade
politics and associated movements have partially determined some amelioration for
agricultural workers (Smith 2014). The success of fair trade is dependent from many
factors, including globalisation and the consequent relocation of South American