The first effects of mate become notable around 15 minutes after ingesting it. Expect the peak effect around 45-60 minutes after drinking mate. The long-term health benefits of mate are roughly comparable to black tea. We will explore the potential benefits, side effects and proper use of mate.
Preparing Mate
Mate is energizing. Caffeine in mate enters and fills adenosine receptors in the brain reducing fatigue and sleepiness. For priming mate:
- Pour water directly on the mate straw to warm and prevent dry leaves from getting wet.
- Use a wide-mouth container to put more water on the mound.
- Check the foam which indicates if the mate is washed.
Mate’s Effects and Recommended Intake
The properties of mate show for a relatively long time. 2-3 servings a day of mate is typical for an experienced drinker. Mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than black tea, about 80 milligrams per cup.
In Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Southern Brazil mate is more popular than coffee, consumed in 90% of households. Argentinians usually drink mate for breakfast or before sunset, hot or cold depending on weather. Sharing mate forges emotional links between people taking Argentinians back to their roots.
Mate is an herbal tea made from the leaves and twigs of a South American plant. It contains caffeine and other stimulants that provide an energizing effect. The kick-in time for mate’s effects varies by individual but is usually within 30 minutes of drinking it.
South Americans traditionally drink mate all day long, consuming up to 4 liters daily. In North America and Europe, daily intake averages 1-2 liters. Mate provides a steady energy boost without "jitters" caused by coffee. This smooth stimulation stems from mate’s mix of caffeine and theobromine, a stimulant also found in chocolate.
Most people describe feeling more awake, focused, and cheerful after drinking mate. It’s commonly consumed as an early morning or late night pick-me-up. The herbal infusion also warms the body on cold days.
Mate provides energy for a few hours. For experienced drinkers, 2-3 servings a day is common. It can be consumed all day unlike coffee. However, drinking it at night is not recommended. Between pours, waiting longer prevents the leaves from clogging. To make mate last, pour a liter of water over an hour or two.
Mate is a tea made from the leaves of a South American holly bush. It has about the same amount of caffeine as coffee. But it does not make you jittery like coffee can. It gives a balanced energy boost that can help you focus mentally and stay awake.
Mate has healthy antioxidants. It may help fight cancer, balance sleep, and lower unhealthy cholesterol. The caffeine occurs naturally. This makes it gentler than coffee for some people.
Mate’s Social Importance
In South America mate is a popular social drink. Sharing mate with others is an important custom. It brings people together and forges emotional links.
Mate first became popular with indigenous tribes like the Guarani. They considered it a gift from the gods.
There are rules for sharing mate in groups. It shows respect to follow mate etiquette. This impresses locals when traveling. The host pours the mate and then passes it to each person. When finished, you give it back to the host. They refill it and pass it around again.
Mate Consumption By Country
Drinking mate is most common in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil. Argentina has the highest consumption in the world. Mate became popular there centuries ago. It is part of the country’s cultural heritage. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or before sunset. But mate drinks are now sold in cans and bottles too. So people drink mate throughout the day.