Mate is an herb, like oregano, mint, parsley. The Earth has consumable herbs we enjoy without hesitation. When did you last ask yourself how much mint tea to consume? With coffee, most never consider how much to consume—it’s consumed all day! This South American drink seems adaptogenic, in a group of herbs known as adaptogens.
One cup of mate has about 85 mg caffeine. Considering that, pregnant women can drink 1-2 cups per day. A 2005 study in Southern Brazil taking 5000 pregnant women showed 70% drank mate. Results showed no danger to pregnancy. Another 2008 BMJ study showed caffeine effects fetal growth, reporting over 100mg caffeine daily often constricts it.
The recommended amount is 3-4 cups. Mate’s stimulating effects due to caffeine offers potential benefits like optimal hydration.
Studies use 3 cups (330mL each) daily up to 60 days. It’s safe to drink up to 1.5 liters daily. Toxicity is not shown from higher doses.
At 85 mg caffeine per cup, it has less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. Like any caffeinated food/beverage, it may increase energy and reduce tiredness.
In South America, thousands of pregnant women safely consume it daily as it’s the National Drink. Keeping consumption under 300mg caffeine daily is safest.
In U.S., Canada, Europe, avid drinkers consume 1–2 liters daily. Its euphoric effect is vaguely akin to a good acid trip’s beginning. It also grants mental clarity. This isn’t just caffeine. No study conclusively showed it causes cancer.
This South American drink contains vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, saponins. But too much of anything is rarely good. You may worry about it causing cancer. The answer is still unclear. But research so far suggests it may help prevent cancer due to its healthy compounds.
As Mayo Clinic suggests, if you drink it regularly for an extended period, you may risk developing cancer of mouth, esophagus or lungs. Smoking and drinking it can prove carcinogenic as it contains PAHs which are usually carcinogenic.
In 2005, a study in Brazil monitored 5000 pregnant women, 70% of whom admitted drinking it daily. Results showed no harmful effect on pregnancy. In South America it is safely consumed by thousands of women during pregnancy. For safety, keep consumption under 300mg caffeine daily. Avoid first brew.
It is more popular than coffee or tea in South America. Some estimates suggest a 6 to 1 ratio over coffee-based alternatives there. Even the Pope enjoys it daily, photographed drinking it hot from a traditional gourd on a trip to Paraguay.
It definitely contains caffeine, especially if steeped over a couple minutes. This gives it a “clean” buzz.
It is an herbal tea, a traditional drink in Latin and South America, made by steeping dried yerba mate plant leaves in hot water. Like black or green tea, it has caffeine. Drinking it is not linked to health problems in most adults. A daily cup of tea made with three grams of leaves may be safe for up to 12 weeks. Some studies suggest beneficial effects on cholesterol, weight loss, heart, inflammation and cancer risk, but more research is needed.
It contains 1-1.5% caffeine. The caffeine content varies between 20mg-180mg per cup depending on the brewing method. Compared to coffee, it has 85mg of caffeine per 8 oz while coffee has 130mg per 8 oz. Compared to green and black tea, it contains more caffeine.
Some studies show it poses no danger during pregnancy while others show high caffeine intake can reduce birth weight. The caffeine in it works differently than coffee leading to less irritability and anxiety.
The amount consumed daily depends on personal tolerance. Like other herbs, it appears to be an adaptogen that is well-tolerated. Consuming 1-2 liters daily is common if drinking terere. However, avoid constant consumption and evening consumption if sensitive to caffeine.
To prepare, use 2-3 tablespoons per cup depending on personal taste, strength preference and cup size. Mate Libre cans contain 50mg caffeine per can, less than coffee but enough for an energy boost without jitters or crashing.
For an experienced drinker, 2-3 servings a day is typical. Moderation is always wise. It contains about 80 milligrams of caffeine per cup, almost twice the amount in black tea but less than half that of coffee. It and other alternatives like rooibos won’t stain your teeth like coffee.
Drinking it can help fight parasites and naturally cleanse your digestive tract better than coffee. Grown in South America, it is famed for boosting energy. Each cup contains roughly 70 mg of caffeine, providing an effect like coffee without the jittery crash afterward.