The unique chemicals in this South American tea create a calming effect. It contains theobromine also found in chocolate. It improves mood. This caffeine-rich drink provides mild stimulation and improved focus. The theobromine and caffeine balance each other creating a gentle stimulation and sense of calmness. Its antioxidants reduce inflammation and support immune health.
Indigenous South Americans called it “drink of the gods”. European settlers called it “green gold of the Indios”. It is an energizing, caffeine-rich herbal tea. I use it to boost energy before exercise or work more effectively. But drinking it late evening may prevent sleep. Even if you sleep, it can worsen sleep quality. Why do some say drinking it helps them relax or sleep better? Let’s examine how it affects brain and sleep.
Effects on Sleep
It may improve sleep due to magnesium, zinc, B vitamins and other nutrients which aid sleep. But its relaxing effect likely helps more. Most plausibly, if you drink it daily, caffeine likely barely affects sleep. For occasional drinkers it likely does. This pertains to drinking it before bed – not morning. Drinking it morning barely affects my sleep.
It may or may not help sleep before bed but likely helps sleep in morning. With more antioxidants than green tea and equal caffeine to coffee, this South American beverage uniquely stimulates mind and body without crashing or jittery effects.
Benefits
It makes you feel more relaxed with a great energy buzz from substances like caffeine and vitamins. It is not addictive despite passion of enthusiasts. It contains insane antioxidants, stimulants, vitamins and minerals making one of healthiest drinks. It helps you breathe, makes you happier, lowers cholesterol, improves circulation, increases focus and creativity.
It contains adaptogens regulating body systems and nutrients promoting calm like tea. Its antioxidants are more concentrated than green tea. Sipping this South American drink can aid weight loss like green tea likely due to high caffeine concentration contributing to fat burning. Tummy troubles? Due to its high choleretic effect, drinking it regularly helps digestion issues like constipation and diarrhea.
Health Risks
Drinking it long term may increase cancer risks of mouth, esophagus or lungs. Smoking and drinking it is likely carcinogenic since it contains PAHs also in tobacco and grilled meat. More research on side effects is needed. Those with sleep issues should restrict high doses and consumption after 6 pm as it can worsen problems.
What is Yerba Mate?
It is a species of holly with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis A. The leaves are used to make a bitter tea traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America.
It contains about 80 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per cup, similar to coffee. Therefore, just like any other caffeinated food or beverage, it may increase your energy levels and make you feel less tired.
How it Works
It has a stimulating effect on the release of dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine plays a significant role in our motivation and sense of well-being. Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Theobromine and theophylline in it provide a mild stimulant effect.
It provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It can regulate the body’s systems. It makes the drinker feel better and happier without causing jitteriness.
Key Points
- Contains caffeine, antioxidants, and nutrients
- Has anti-inflammatory and fat burning properties
- Provides a gentle energy boost
- Can improve mood, motivation, and concentration
- May help digestion, weight loss, and sleep
- Does not cause caffeine crashes
- Drinking it is common in parts of South America