Caffeine Content
It can have an impact on your sleep because of its caffeine content. Indeed, each person has a different tolerance and receptivity to this molecule. It is generally said that drinking too much will prevent you from sleeping.
Why is this? This beverage contains caffeine: the main active ingredient in coffee. It contains slightly less caffeine than coffee but more than a cup of tea. Therefore, just like any other caffeinated food or beverage, it may increase your energy levels and make you feel less tired.
Best Time to Drink
What time should you drink it? The best time to consume this infusion is in the morning, after a meal. A meal high in fat and protein, and low in carbs is even better as some studies suggest this can help combat anxiety.
The consumption can disturb sleep. This South American drink is rich in PAHs which are usually carcinogenic. A combination of smoking and drinking it can prove to be carcinogenic. However, further research needs to be conducted to determine these side effects. People with sleep issues should restrict consumption after 6 pm, as it can cause problems.
Components
There are 4 main components that make up drinking this infusion:
1) Gourd – the basic cup.
2) Bombilla – the metal straw.
3) Hot water
4) The herb.
Benefits and Cons
Benefits include many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Avoid constant consumption, 2-3 drinks at most per day. Avoid evening consumption if caffeine sensitive.
The best time to drink it is in the morning. However, in countries like Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, drinking this South American infusion is a beloved cultural tradition consumed throughout the day. It’s sometimes enjoyed alongside cakes or cheeses. Offering it to guests is also considered polite hospitality.
It is made from the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains caffeine. It can cause inability to sleep, nervousness, upset stomach, and increased heart rate.
I have been drinking this infusion for 20 years. Usually I avoid caffeinated drinks after 6 pm. However, sometimes I have had this beverage after 10 pm. More often than not, it has prevented me from falling asleep for hours. I have some tolerance but drinking 1 liter gives me an energy boost.
Another reason you might sleep better with it is it contains magnesium and nutrients which aid sleep. If you drink it everyday, it likely affects your sleep less than if you only drink it sometimes. This pertains to drinking it before bed. Having it in the morning barely affects my sleep.
Effects on Sleep
Drinking it before bed may or may not help with sleep. In the morning it might help. It has a diuretic effect. It helps eliminate toxins. This effect is natural. It likely doesn’t pose a risk for healthy adults who occasionally drink it. But some studies indicate people who drink large amounts long-term may have increased cancer risk.
It contains caffeine and people use it to help them stay awake and alert. The effects typically last about four hours. The best time to have your last cup is 4-6 hours before bed to avoid sleep disruptions. Using cooler water and shorter steeping times creates a brew with less caffeine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to consider timing when enjoying this South American drink to maximize benefits and sleep quality. It contains compounds to enhance mental clarity and focus by stimulating dopamine production. Many report an energy boost without nervousness sometimes caused by coffee.
Some experience better sleep with it because it provides magnesium, zinc, B vitamins and other nutrients that aid sleep. Those drinking it regularly likely have a higher tolerance for the caffeine at bedtime. Tolerance varies by individual.
Valued for physical stamina and consumed more than coffee in parts of South America, this infusion holds an important place in regional culture.