What does yerba mate interact with?
This South American beverage interacts with alcohol. Mixing it with alcohol can lead to increased intoxication. Studies indicate individuals who consume both experience a 24% higher blood alcohol content compared to consuming only alcohol. This increased intoxication attributes to potential dangers of mixing it with alcohol. It contains caffeine – a stimulant masking feeling of intoxication, causing people to consume more alcohol than normally would. Additionally, it delays onset of alcohol-induced sleepiness, leading to prolonged drinking sessions.
It offers a clean buzz free of jitters not interfering with sleep schedule. Its caffeine level is moderate with up to 85 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces.
Food Pairings
As for food pairings, there are no rules. Pastries or crackers commonly served alongside the drink. Many South Americans prepare thermos to drink throughout day for energy burst.
Popularity
It became more popular in United States recently with availability in grocery stores and use as health supplement in fitness communities. Concerns exist about addiction to this stimulant beverage if consumed regularly but risks no worse than drinking tea or caffeine.
Leaf extract in tablets, capsules, powder and liquid enables enjoying benefits without brewing tea. Extracts contain beneficial compounds of leaves in more concentrated form.
Effects
Does it get you buzzed?
It stimulates production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. This tea-like infusion was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile.
When served cold, the drink is called tereré in Guaraní. It is also popular in the Druze community in Syria and Lebanon, where it is imported from Argentina. The flavor varies greatly from region to region.
It can be enhanced with dried fruits, spicy flavors, mint leaves, dairy-free milks, as well as alcoholic beverages. Mixing it with alcohol undermines the cultural significance and essence of rituals.
Caffeine in it can increase memory, enhance focus, and improve mood. It has also been shown to slow blood clotting, decrease blood sugar, and lower the risk of some neurological diseases. The most common way of drinking it is to continuously sip it for several hours.
Preparation
Rules
Getting started is simple. Grab a handful of mate, add the herb into a frenchpress, teapot, or traditional mate gourd, then add hot or cold water, wait a few minutes, then enjoy. That’s all you need to start drinking it, especially if you’re a beginner. Drinking large amounts daily for long periods increases the risk of some types of cancer.
It comes from the leaves of a holly plant found in the South American rainforest. Paraguay’s Ache Guayaki tribe has sipped it from gourds for its rejuvenating qualities.
Instructions
- Put two teaspoons in a mate, cover it, shake it, and throw away the powder on your hand.
- Return the mate to the correct position and add a little hot water to moisten the leaves.
- Immerse the bombilla and add more hot water from the bombilla side.
- Start drinking until you finish.
It is generally infused with hot water and shared between friends and family. How to prepare mate:
- Fill 3⁄4 of the gourd with leaves.
- Put palm on top, shake it, mixing dust with other particles.
- Tilt the mate cup at a 45° angle to leave space for water.
It is a species of holly with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis A. It is traditionally consumed in regions of South America. First cultivated and used by indigenous Guaraní people and some Tupí communities in Brazil before European colonization. The polyphenols in it decrease oxidation in the body which may lower cancer risk.
There is an art to brewing proper mate starting with the basic ingredient. Get brands with an earthy, grassy taste without complexity. Easily get comfortable with what it tastes like.
Health Concerns
This tea is a popular beverage in several South American countries. There are some concerns that it may increase the risk of certain types of cancer when consumed in large amounts over long periods of time. This risk seems to be higher for people who also smoke or drink alcohol. More research is needed to better understand the potential cancer risks.
Some people wonder if it is addictive. There is little evidence that it causes dependence or addiction. However, it does contain caffeine which can lead to mild withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly after regular use.
Despite traditional beliefs that it can counter sleepiness, there is currently no scientific evidence confirming this. More research is needed in this area.
In moderation, it is unlikely to pose major health risks for most people. But until more definitive research is available, some caution may be warranted – especially for those with health conditions or at high risk of cancer. As with any supplement, it’s best to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.