This tea contains caffeine. It can provide energy. However, the caffeine may disrupt sleep. Some people find it relaxing. Others cannot sleep after drinking it.
The caffeine and chemicals in it may lower iron absorption. This may benefit people with excess iron. It is often drunk in the morning.
It can be drunk alone or socially. The best time to drink it is in the morning or with a meal. If sensitive to caffeine, moderate your intake. Do not drink it late night.
Regular, heavy consumption over an extended period may increase the risk of mouth, throat or lung cancers. This risk goes up if you smoke. Occasional drinking is not linked to health issues. Up to three grams daily for 12 weeks appears safe. Research on health benefits is limited.
Some South Americans drink up to four liters of it per day over a lifetime without issues. In the US and Europe, up to two liters daily is common among avid drinkers. The amount depends on your tolerance. As an herb, it resembles mint or oregano more than coffee.
This energizing tea contains caffeine. I use it to boost energy before exercise or work. But drinking it at night may prevent sleep. Some say it relaxes them, even helps them sleep better. Let’s discuss how it affects sleep.
It has health benefits when used properly. Drink 1-2 liters daily at most. Avoid constant consumption. Don’t drink it in the evenings, especially if caffeine sensitive.
Drinking it is a social tradition bringing friends together. Being offered mate shows respect. Mate rituals vary slightly but basic etiquette is shared. Offer the mate to others first. Drink the whole cup. Don’t move bombilla around. Pass mate clockwise. Add hot water when done. Say "Gracias" when finished.
The caffeine in it may prevent sleep if drank before bed. But for some it has no effect or even helps sleep. If drank regularly, the caffeine likely affects your sleep less. My sleep is barely affected since I drink mate daily. So for some yerba mate before bed helps sleep, for others it worsens insomnia.
Ingredients
Yerba mate leaves are used to make this tea. The traditional way to drink it involves a gourd, a metal straw, leaves, and hot water. To prepare it, put leaves into the gourd, add hot water, and sip through the straw. Drinking it this way is common in rural and urban parts of South America. It’s a big part of their culture. When someone offers you mate and you refuse, you’re seen as rude.
It can also be found in other drinks like teas, smoothies, and cocktails. These beverages combine its flavors with other ingredients to create an energizing experience whether you prefer a concentrated shot or a bubbly soda.
Preparation
First fill 3⁄4 of the gourd with the leaves. Put your hand on top, cover it completely and turn it twice, mixing the dust with the other particles. Then put the bombilla in with the dry leaves and pour water near it until saturated.
Culture and Customs
Drinking it is common in South America like drinking coffee and tea elsewhere. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and mateine, a gentle caffeine. It can be served cold with lemonade called tereré, popular among children. Drinking it continuously for hours by adding more leaves or water releases more flavor and nutrients. It’s often enjoyed socially by passing one gourd and bombilla around a gathered group which creates a bond.
Health Effects
It may provide health benefits but more research is needed. Possible benefits include improved cholesterol, weight loss, heart health, inflammation and cancer risk. However, drinking large amounts for a long time may increase cancer risks of the mouth, throat and lungs, especially if combined with smoking and alcohol.
How long do you let yerba mate sit?
It is commonly consumed as a tea called mate. Mate is a traditional drink of countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil.
To prepare mate, use a cup and a metal straw with a filter. Add leaves to the cup. Pour hot water and let steep for 2-5 minutes. Drink the mate through the metal straw. Refill the cup with hot water and pass to others to share. This is a social tradition.
Drink no more than 2-3 mate teas per day. Avoid drinking mate in the evening as it contains caffeine.
Signs of spoiled leaves are mold, musty smell and lack of flavor.
It has adaptogenic properties so is less likely to cause jitters or crashes compared to coffee. It provides alertness and clarity. Some prefer it over coffee or green tea.