What is maté?
Maté is a tea from South America. It has caffeine, theobromine, and vitamins. South Americans drink 1 to 4 gallons of this herbal brew per day. In North America and Europe, maté drinkers consume at least 1-2 liters daily. Add one tablespoon per 12 ounces of water. Let it sit, then add hot water. Maté gives an energy boost with less caffeine than coffee but more nutrients.
What are the psychoactive ingredients in maté?
Maté contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline along with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and saponins. This healthy stimulant concoction provides smooth, consistent vigor without side effects like crashing. The caffeine in maté seems to act differently than coffee, providing consistent energy with more nutrients and less caffeine. It’s often compared to coffee but has higher levels of other xanthines like theobromine, which give it a different energizing effect. The brilliance of maté is it contains all three stimulants that are released separately into the body over time, avoiding side effects of caffeine alone. You can prepare maté at home using leaves in a gourd, French press, or tea bags.
Can dogs have maté?
Maté has caffeine. It gives energy but may cause cancer if drunk in large amounts daily. Some people let their cats eat the used maté leaves. But this is dangerous because maté has theobromine like chocolate, which is toxic to cats and dogs. Pets should be kept away from maté.
The yerba maté plant contains beneficial compounds like flavonoids, vitamins, and polyphenols which may help prevent oxidative damage and regulate energy metabolism.
-
Maté provides a stimulative effect due to its caffeine content which is linked to increased alertness, focus, and reduced fatigue. Caffeine helps stimulate dopamine production which provides an enjoyable "feel good" rush. When compared to caffeine alone, maté has lesser side effects as it contains more nutrients.
-
Maté is considered neuroprotective as it may help preserve dopamine neurons in certain brain pathways related to motivation and movement. Preliminary studies suggest it could protect brain cell function and structure.
-
Some research shows the caffeine in maté may affect blood sugar control in diabetics. More research is needed on potential side effects.