Caffeine and Pregnancy
It contains caffeine. Pregnant women can drink 1-2 cups per day. Research shows it poses no danger to pregnancy. Too much caffeine may restrict fetal growth.
Regional Consumption Levels
In South America, people safely drink 1–4 liters daily. In North America and Europe, avid drinkers consume 1–2 liters daily. How much you drink depends on your tolerance and preference.
Benefits and Precautions
It is an herb, like mint. Enjoy it moderately. It has benefits but lacks hydration, so drink water too.
Research shows drinking it boosts energy, focus, performance, and metabolism. It may protect against disease. But too much may increase cancer risk.
Avoid late evening consumption if sensitive to caffeine. Eat food and drink water to avoid dehydration. Talk to your doctor if concerned.
Rules for Drinking Mate
What are the rules for drinking it?
It is made from the leaves and twigs of a South American holly bush.
To prepare:
Put between 1/4 to 3/4 of the cup size of leaves in the cup. How much depends on strength and fineness. Finely ground needs less.
Pour 70°C to 80°C water over the leaves. Water right before bubbles means the right temperature without a thermometer.
Use a straw with a filter to drink and keep leaves out. This is called a bombilla. The cup traditionally comes in wood, glass, metal or silicone.
Drinking a lot daily for a long time may increase cancer risk. The caffeine provides an energy boost. The environment where it grows affects quality.
Beginner Instructions
How do you drink it for beginners?
To use a mate cup, fill the gourd with leaves and pour hot water over the leaves. Insert a bombilla straw to drink the infusion while filtering out leaves.
Use a French press, teapot, or gourd, add leaves then pour hot water. Let steep then enjoy. Add milk or ginger to enhance flavor.
Drink 2-3 beverages daily maximum, avoiding evening consumption. Limit intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It has balanced, unique effects unlike coffee or energy drinks.
Common Preparation Methods
How do people drink it?
It is a small bush that produces evergreen leaves used to make tea. The plant is native to southern parts of South America. There are 4 main components:
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Gourd. The basic cup is made from a gourd.
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Bombilla. This is a metal straw with a filter to keep leaves out.
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Hot Water. Water should be 70-80 °C.
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Leaves. These are dried leaves from the plant.
To prepare traditionally:
Put leaves in a gourd, filling 1/4 to 3/4 full. Insert bombilla. Pour hot water over leaves. Drink through bombilla. Add more hot water until flavor fades.
There are health benefits but high doses for long periods may increase cancer risk. Moderation is recommended, with 2-3 drinks at most per day.