The tea contains caffeine. I use it to boost my energy levels before exercise or work more effectively. But what happens if you drink some late in the evening? The caffeine in mate might prevent you from falling asleep.
What is mate?
The herb is used to make a beverage known as mate. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile. It was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, before European colonization.
Components for drinking mate
The leaves are used to make the tea. There are 4 components that make up drinking it:
- Gourd
- Straw
- Hot Water
- Leaves
Effects of drinking mate late at night
Everything about the tea in relation to sleep is speculation. I’ll share what I’ve noticed and what others have shared. But again, none of this is definitive. You’re going to have to try it yourself.
Drinking mate is a social experience
It is meant to enjoy with friends and family. You’re supposed to fill up your gourd, drink it, fill it back up and pass it to the next person. You can refill your gourd around 20 times! It has a bitter, earthy taste, so be prepared to not like it much at first.
Caffeine content
The herb has way more caffeine than camelia sinensis tea. It’s very close to the caffeine levels of coffee.
When drinking it, there’s more to it than temperature and size. Drinking it is a social experience involving sharing with friends, passing the gourd, and following traditions. As someone who enjoys this regularly, understanding these practices is crucial for appreciating the significance.
In North America and Europe, it’s not uncommon for an avid drinker to consume 1–2 liters daily. The amount you consume mainly depends on your tolerance and preference.
Health benefits
It is a great herbal alternative to coffee, whether hot or cold. It’s one of the few plants that naturally produce caffeine.
The tea, a traditional drink in Latin America, is made by steeping dried leaves from the plant in hot water. Like tea, it has caffeine which can make you feel alert and focused. Drinking it isn’t linked to health problems in most adults. A daily cup with three grams of leaves may be safe for up to 12 weeks. It may have helpful effects on health.
Reasons not to drink mate
Below are reasons why you shouldn’t drink it: It has endless health benefits. Those averse to endless health benefits should beware.
People drinking it regularly for a long time may be at risk of mouth, esophagus or lung cancers. The combination with smoking can be carcinogenic because it contains PAHs which are usually carcinogenic. However, more research is needed to determine these risks. Those with sleep issues should restrict it, especially after 6 pm, as it can cause problems.
Preparing and drinking mate for health
First, it has evidence-based mental and physical health benefits. Then we’ll explore how to prepare and drink it for maximum health and enjoyment.
Where mate comes from
It is native to southern parts of South America. 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. It was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization.
How it’s prepared
When served cold, the drink is called tereré in Guaraní. The drink is made by steeping dried leaves from the plant in hot water. It is served cold or hot. Like black or green tea, it contains caffeine, which can make you feel more alert and focused. Drinking it isn’t linked to health problems in most adults. Some studies suggest beneficial effects on weight loss and inflammation. But more research is needed to confirm the links.
There are 4 main components that make up drinking it: gourd, bombilla (metal straw), hot water, and leaves. The gourd is the basic cup. It can be simple or elaborately designed. The metal straw strains the leaves so you can easily suck up just the brewed tea.
The custom is to share the drink by passing around the mate gourd. So drinking it is considered a communal, connective experience.
Is it OK to drink mate everyday?
Despite being a social drink, it is commonly drunk alone in the morning. One 150 milliliter cup contains around 80 milligrams of caffeine, similar to coffee. Some say it energizes without causing nervousness. However, research is limited.
Evidence suggests it may reduce heart disease risk. It’s more popular than coffee or tea in South America. Estimates say it’s consumed 6 to 1 over coffee there. Even the Pope reportedly drinks it daily from a traditional gourd.
It has plenty of caffeine, especially when steeped over just a couple minutes. As Mayo Clinic says, occasional drinkers likely won’t develop diseases. But regular, long-term intake may increase cancer risks. More research is needed on side effects. Those with sleep issues should restrict intake after 6 pm as it can worsen problems.
A daily cup with three grams of leaves may be safe up to 12 weeks. Some studies suggest benefits for cholesterol, weight loss, heart health, inflammation and cancer risk. But more research is required.
In the U.S., Canada and Europe, avid drinkers may consume at least 1-2 liters daily, depending on tolerance. We generously enjoy consumable herbs without hesitation. When was the last time you limited mint tea? Even with coffee, most never consider how much to drink. It appears to be an adaptogenic herb. It seems able to regulate the body’s systems.
How long does mate take to work?
The brewing method impacts the taste. Experiment with methods for exciting flavors. Beginners only need a bombilla and gourd.
Drinking large amounts long-term increases cancer risks. The bombilla filters out leaves when drinking. If using a strainer, one kilo lasts over 6 months when consumed daily.
Effects last 90 minutes. Can boost energy and mental focus. Locals drink 1-4 liters daily but limit intake when starting.
Risks include mouth, esophagus or lung cancer. Stop high doses after 6pm to avoid sleep issues. Argentinians drink it mostly in mornings or before sunset, hot or cold. Sharing mate forges emotional links beyond the drink itself.
It naturally contains caffeine. It’s a great herbal alternative to coffee.