Mate is a tea-like drink popular in South America. It has less caffeine than coffee but more than regular tea. South Americans often drink 1-4 liters of mate per day, but those amounts aren’t recommended in the U.S. and Europe. There, it’s common for enthusiasts to drink 1-2 liters daily. Mate contains antioxidants and may provide some health benefits, but more research is needed.
It has an earthy, bitter taste that people don’t always like at first. But it’s very social – you drink it by passing around a shared gourd. Friends gather and share stories over many rounds. In this way, mate serves to strengthen social bonds in South American culture.
The best times to drink mate are morning and early afternoon. As an energizing drink, avoid it too late or you may have trouble sleeping. If you drink a lot daily, stop suddenly, or have certain health conditions, check with your doctor about any special precautions. Overall though, mate is safe for most people in moderation. Approach it positively, keep an open mind about the taste, and enjoy it in a relaxed social setting for the true South American experience.
Mate tea contains plenty of caffeine. I use it to boost my energy levels before exercise or work more effectively. But what happens if you drink mate tea late in the evening? The caffeine in mate might prevent you from falling asleep.
Yerba Mate is a small bush that produces leaves used to make mate tea. Mate is traditionally consumed in Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Chile.
-
Yerba mate may give an energy boost without nervousness from coffee. However, research hasn’t confirmed this benefit. In one study females given yerba mate showed no significant difference during exercise.
-
Common mate side effects are overstimulation, upset stomach, increased heart rate and cancer risk with excessive long term use. Mate is caffeinated like coffee but many people report energy without jitters or crashes. Still there are precautions when consuming it.
After being brewed, mate resembles green tea in flavor. It can be enjoyed at any time of day, on its own or blended. The caffeinated drink offers both mental and physical health benefits.