Mate is a tea made from the leaves of a South American holly plant. It has caffeine that provides an energy boost. Mate also has antioxidants and nutrients that may benefit health in several ways.
Some people drink mate in place of coffee. The caffeine levels are similar, but mate may cause less jitteriness. Some studies show it can enhance focus and mood.
Drinking large amounts of the South American tea regularly is common in parts of South America. People often consume 1-4 liters per day without apparent ill effects. In North America and Europe, drinking 1-2 liters per day is not unusual for avid mate drinkers.
However, the tea may cause side effects for some people, especially in high amounts. It can increase anxiety or interrupt sleep for those sensitive to caffeine. Mate also contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that may increase cancer risk with long-term use.
For most people, moderate mate consumption is considered safe. But it’s best to avoid drinking it in the evening or combining with alcohol. Pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions should ask a health professional before use.
Mate provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It contains caffeine, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and mateine. Mateine is a milder version of caffeine. The tea has a strong, earthy flavor with a grassy, mildly bitter taste.
Mate is commonly consumed in place of coffee or tea in many South American countries. It is often served hot but can be served cold, especially in summer. Cold mate is frequently mixed with lemonade.
Drinking mate is common in over 90% of households in Argentina, with annual per capita consumption over 14 lbs. It’s typically drunk for breakfast with fruit juice or before sunset, but is also increasingly consumed from cans or bottles on the go.
When mixed with alcohol, mate can lead to dehydration and overconsumption. Enjoying the South American tea without alcohol preserves the cultural significance of sharing mate.
Mate is a South American plant containing caffeine. The leaves are used to make a tea called mate. Mate is a popular social drink in several South American countries. The tea is prepared in a gourd or cup using hot water and a metal straw.
Mate has some potential health benefits but also some risks. It may help with weight loss, boost energy, improve insulin sensitivity, and make people feel happier. However, mate likely contains carcinogens. Drinking it regularly, especially while smoking, may increase cancer risk. Mixing mate with alcohol can also be risky.
There is no definitive research on whether mate is addictive. But many regular drinkers feel addicted. New drinkers often don’t enjoy the taste at first.
Mate drinking has a strong cultural tradition in parts of South America. Sharing mate with friends and family is an important social experience. The gourd is passed around, with each person sipping through the metal straw. Hot water is added periodically to continue extracting flavors and nutrients.
Drinking mate in moderation is likely safe. But avoid drinking too much, especially in the evening. Pregnant women may also want to avoid mate due to the caffeine content.
Mate is a tea made from the leaves and twigs of a South American plant. It contains caffeine and other healthy substances like antioxidants. South Americans drink a lot of mate every day, up to 4 liters, but 1-2 liters per day is common even in North America and Europe for avid drinkers.
Mate makes people feel good because of the caffeine and antioxidants. It gives an energy boost similar to coffee but many people find it does not make them as jittery.
Drinking very large amounts of mate for a long time may increase the risk of certain cancers. The reasons are not fully clear but may be related to compounds in smoke during drying or processing of the leaves. Unsmoked mate may carry lower risks.
Mixing mate with alcohol is not recommended. The caffeine in mate can interact with alcohol and cause side effects like fast heartbeat and anxiety.
Mate is considered very safe in moderation, similar to coffee or tea. It has more antioxidants than green tea and the caffeine provides a gentle energizing lift. For most people 1-2 liters per day of mate is safe.