When to Drink Mate Tea
Is it better to drink the tea in the morning or at night?
The tea is an herb native to South America. Considered the national drink of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, it is much more popular than coffee or tea in South America.
- The leaves are dried, chopped, ground into powder, then steeped in hot water to make the drink.
- It is traditionally drunk from a gourd through a metal straw that acts as a sieve.
The tea definitely contains caffeine. The caffeine provides alertness and focus. Many prefer the relaxed energy over coffee’s jitters and crashes. Studies show health benefits like improved cholesterol, weight loss, heart health, reduced inflammation, and cancer risk protection. But more research confirms these benefits.
In the United States, Canada, and Europe avid drinkers consume at least 1-2 liters daily. Consumption depends on personal tolerance and preference. The tea is an adaptogenic herb like mint, oregano, and parsley. Adaptogens are generally safe to consume daily.
The tea has 85 mg caffeine per 8 ounces compared to 100 mg per 8 ounces of coffee. Less caffeine than coffee but provides energy from antioxidants in tea. Custom is to share mate socially from a communal gourd in South America.
Safety of Daily Consumption
Is it good to drink the tea everyday?
The tea is popular in South America. It has health benefits but can cause problems if drunk excessively. In North America and Europe, 1-2 liters per day is common for avid drinkers. It contains less caffeine than coffee but more than traditional tea. It may increase energy. The best time to drink it is morning or after meals.
Too much over long periods increases cancer risk, especially alongside smoking and alcohol. It also causes caffeine-related problems. Moderate your consumption, limiting it to 2-3 drinks max spaced throughout the day. Avoid drinking in the evening if caffeine affects you.
Effects on Sleep Quality
Can you drink the tea before bed?
The tea contains caffeine. I use it to boost my energy before exercise or work. But what happens if you drink it late in the evening? The caffeine might prevent sleep. Yet some say drinking it helps relaxation or sleep. This topic needs discussion.
Drinking the tea in evening can relax before bed. With simple tips, enjoy benefits while sleeping well.
South Americans drink it all day, liter after liter, gourd after gourd, from morning to evening, sometimes even before bed. It is ingrained in their culture.
Studies show PAHs in it can increase cancer risks. Combining smoking and it can prove carcinogenic. Those with sleep issues should restrict it after 6 pm, as it can cause problems.
Recommended Consumption Hours
How late can you drink the tea?
The tea is made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The caffeine provides an energizing effect. But drinking it, especially in high amounts, may prevent sleep or reduce sleep quality if consumed late in the evening. Some people report that it relaxes them or helps them sleep better. More research is needed on how it affects sleep.
When drinking the tea, moderation is key. Consuming 2-3 cups per day, avoiding drinking in the evening, is recommended. Sharing it with friends and family is an important social custom in South American culture.