How does mate naturally boost your energy?

Many energy drinks popular on the market today rely on caffeine as their primary source of energy. This substance, naturally present in coffee, tea and some sodas, is known for its stimulating properties that awaken the mind and body.

However, mate stands out from the rest. Instead of relying primarily on caffeine as an energy source, mate gets its power from mateine .

Mate and Coffee

Chemically, mateine ​​shares many similarities with caffeine, which can lead to confusion between the two. But where mateine ​​really stands out is in the way it works in our bodies. Unlike caffeine, which often gives us an immediate feeling of energy boost followed by a "crash" or energy dip a few hours later, mateine ​​works differently. It offers a more spread-out release of energy over time .

This linear mechanism of action of mateine ​​results in a gradual increase in energy . Instead of feeling sudden spikes of excitement—a common occurrence after consuming highly caffeinated beverages—followed by abrupt fatigue, those who drink mate experience a gentle rise in vitality.

This harmonious progression of energy avoids unpleasantness such as palpitations, nervousness or insomnia, often associated with excessive coffee consumption. Thus, mate offers a healthy and balanced alternative for those looking for a stimulant, without the unwanted side effects of too much caffeine.

When we talk about mate, it is easy to focus on mateine, this unique alkaloid that characterizes it so well. However, to stop at this single component would be to minimize the incredible richness that this drink has to offer. Indeed, mateine, as stimulating as it is, is only the visible tip of a much larger nutritional iceberg.

Mate is packed with essential nutrients that make it one of the healthiest beverages . For starters, it’s rich in vitamins , which are crucial for many of our body’s functions. For example, the vitamin C it contains helps maintain healthy skin, boosts the immune system, and aids in wound healing. B vitamins, meanwhile—B1, B2, B3, and B5 to be precise—play a key role in converting food into energy, maintaining healthy skin, protecting the eyes, and producing red blood cells.

Young mate shoots

At the same time, yerba mate is a valuable source of essential minerals . Magnesium, for example, is essential for healthy bones and proper muscle function. Manganese, meanwhile, is crucial for bone formation and protecting cells from damage. Zinc plays a role in the immune response, protein production, and DNA creation, while phosphorus is vital for bone and tooth formation.

But that's not all. Mate also contains an impressive amount of antioxidants, molecules that fight free radicals and protect our bodies from oxidative damage. Finally, let's not forget amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, which are involved in almost every biological process, from muscle repair to mood regulation.

So, beyond the simple stimulation it provides, mate offers a complex set of nutrients that work together to improve the health and well-being of those who consume it regularly.

The interaction of compounds found in mate appears to have a synergistic effect. Antioxidants fight free radicals, protecting the body from oxidative damage, while vitamins and minerals support a multitude of bodily functions, from energy production to protein synthesis.

A mate in our wooden gourd