Did it have the potential to overtake my midday cup of joe?
Santiago Urquijo/ Getty Images
I drink about five cups of coffee a day.
Still, Im always looking for ways to cut back without facing the dreadedcaffeine withdrawalslump.
Santiago Urquijo/ Getty Images
What Is Yerba Mate, Exactly?
Its especially popular in countries like Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Yerba mate has stimulating properties that are generally less potent than those of coffee.
Week 1: The Switch
Cutting back on coffee is hard.
While the taste didnt quite scratch the coffee itch, I found it pretty refreshing and tasty.
No major changes that first weekbut I found myself looking forward to the ritual.
And that, I think, made a difference in how I approached theafternoon slump.
Not in a heart-pounding, hyper-productive way, but in a gentler, more sustainable kind of lift.
After my midday mate, I felt more alert, less foggy, anddare I say ita bit happier.
Theres something about a smoother caffeine delivery that made me feel more balanced emotionally.
But hey, Ill take the win.
(Im a regularinsomniac, so anything that affects mysleep qualitygets evaluated under a microscope.
Except, of course, for my beloved coffee.)
And maybe it was a coincidence, but I startedsleeping better.
Week 4: Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, I caught the flu in week four.
So between the naps, meds, and general misery, my yerba mate trial got a little foggy.
Still, I stuck to itand even when I was sick, I found my ritual comforting.
It gave me a little boost on days when I needed to get through admin or write something coherent.
Yerba mate contains:
Theobromine contributes to cardiovascular health, Avitia says.
It also regulatesGLP-1,which aids in appetite reduction and improves glucose regulation.
Would I Keep Drinking It?
Yes, but probably not daily.
But it truly added some sparkle to my otherwise boring afternoon routine.
I might use cold yerba mate as asober social beverage.
Its convenient, crisp, and tasty.
Would I Recommend Yerba Mate?
If youre looking for an alternative to coffee, yerba mate might be worth exploring.
Try different brands and flavorssome are grassy and intense, others are fruity and refreshing.
Disclaimer
Yerba mate can have similarside effects to coffeefor some people, according to Avitia.
These side effects include nausea, insomnia, and abdominal discomfort.
As with everything, balance is key.
She also recommends eating something before drinking yerba mate or any other caffeinated beverage.
And if youre anything like me?
You might just become a sleepy girl with slightly better afternoons.
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