Duration of Effects
The effects can last up to 5 hours. But this depends on your metabolism, digestion, and how much you drink. Some factors that affect how long it stays in your system:
- Body weight – Heavier people retain it longer.
- Medications – Some meds change how it gets metabolized.
It contains caffeine and other healthy compounds.
Heart Health Benefits
It can relax blood vessels and boost circulation. This may benefit heart health. Some research links it to lower blood pressure and reduced heart disease risk.
Maximizing Quantity
To get the most servings buy it in bulk. Use a tea strainer instead of a bombilla. This way one kilogram of leaves can make up to 250 cups.
Possible Side Effects
Insomnia may occur due to the caffeine content. Headaches are another downside from enjoying too much of the South American drink. The possible cancer risk may be attributed to drinking it at very hot temperatures and contaminants release.
It is considered safe for most healthy adults who drink moderate amounts. However, the caffeine content can negatively affect sleep quality and increase heart rate in some people.
Drinking large amounts for prolonged periods may increase cancer risk of the esophagus, mouth, throat and lungs, especially if combined with smoking. Pregnant women should consume it in moderation.
Interactions
The caffeine in the South American drink may worsen diarrhea. Animal studies show it may reduce appetite and boost metabolism to help with weight loss.
The way it is dried can add cancer-causing chemicals called PAHs. But most brands use this drying method. More research is needed on potential cancer risk.
How fast you metabolize and eliminate it depends on factors like your metabolism, weight, medications, and more. Faster metabolism means faster removal. Higher weight means slower removal. Certain medications may interact and affect elimination time.
It has compounds that may help with brain function, fatigue, headache, and athletic performance. But more research is needed to confirm benefits.
Long-term use with alcohol or tobacco is linked to increased cancer risk. It has caffeine and should not replace medications. Using for more than 12 weeks is possibly unsafe.
Side effects are possible due to caffeine.