Mate is a traditional South American drink made by steeping mate leaves in hot water. It has a unique, invigorating taste and high caffeine content. The effects of mate on energy levels last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on how much is consumed. Feeling stimulated can occur within minutes due to mate’s quick absorption rate.
One way to make mate last longer is to avoid overdiffusing the tea leaves. Overdiffusing releases more tannins, making the mate taste bitter and lose its stimulating properties faster.
Glaucoma risk increases when drinking mate due to the caffeine increasing eye pressure for at least 90 minutes. Mate may lower heart disease risk because it contains antioxidant compounds like caffeoyl derivatives and polyphenols.
Compared to coffee which contains 95-200mg per cup, mate has less caffeine. So it gradually enters the system, providing enhanced energy and focus for prolonged durations.
When prepared with a tea strainer instead of a gourd and bombilla, mate lasts much longer. The serving size is then similar to other teas at 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water.
How long do the effects last?
Mate caffeine peaks around 30 minutes to 1 hour after drinking it. However, metabolism affects duration. Mate increases eye pressure, occurring in 30 minutes and lasting at least 90 minutes. With 85 mg caffeine per cup, mate has less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. Thus, it can boost energy and focus like other caffeinated foods and beverages.
Mate has antioxidant compounds which may protect the heart. Studies report mate extract provides some heart disease protection. Anxiety isn’t observed with mate as with coffee due to the caffeine and theobromine combination.
Besides less caffeine, green tea tastes lighter than mate with a shorter steep time. Green tea lifts energy but not to mate’s level. Most notably, both have antioxidants but differ in health benefits.
The origins of mate are filled with folklore. It provides energy similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It has health benefits for both mind and body.
Mate has about 78 mg caffeine per 5 oz cup, just less than coffee’s 85 mg. Mate drinkers don‘t complain of jitters or crashes like coffee drinkers often do. Mate contains magnesium, zinc, B vitamins and other nutrients which aid sleep. Whether it affects sleep likely depends on individual tolerance.
Glaucoma patients should know mate increases eye pressure for 90+ minutes after drinking. Discuss mate use with your healthcare provider if you have glaucoma.
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Caffeine has a half life of 3-7 hours. If you consume 200mg, 100mg remains after five hours. It takes up to 12 hours to fully leave your system.
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Up to 400mg daily appears safe for most adults. That’s four cups of coffee. 200mg equals about two cups of coffee or four cups of tea.