Debunking Yerba Mate Myths: What You Need to Know

Is it just "fancy tea"? Does it actually help with weight loss? And most importantly, will it keep you awake during the long winter nights?

Let’s separate the facts from the fiction so you can enjoy your Yerba Mate with confidence.

Myth 1: "Mateine" is a different chemical from caffeine

You might hear people talk about "Mateine" as if it’s a magical, jitter-free version of caffeine. Science tells us that the stimulant in mate is technically caffeine.

However, because Yerba Mate contains theobromine (the "feel-good" chemical in chocolate) and theophylline, the energy release is smoother. Unlike the sharp "spike and crash" of a double espresso, mate provides a sustained, calm focus. In the Baltics, where we often rely on 4-5 coffees to survive the dark winters, Mate is a much gentler alternative for your nervous system.

Myth 2: Yerba Mate dehydrates you

This is a common concern; some people are taught that coffee "steals" water from the body. While caffeine is a mild diuretic, studies show that if you drink mate in a traditional way (refilling the gourd), the amount of water you consume far outweighs the diuretic effect.

In fact, many athletes use it as a pre-workout drink because it provides minerals like potassium and magnesium, which actually help with muscle function.

Myth 3: It’s a "Miracle" Weight Loss Cure

You’ve probably seen the ads claiming Yerba Mate "melts fat." Let’s be honest: no drink replaces a healthy diet. What is true is that Yerba Mate can boost your metabolism and act as a natural appetite suppressant. If you’re trying to avoid mindless snacking during a long work-from-home session in the winter, a warm mate by your side is a great tool to keep you satiated.

Myth 4: You can’t drink it after 4:00 PM

This depends on your sensitivity, but because of how the body processes the caffeine in mate, many people find it doesn't interfere with sleep as aggressively as coffee does.

Myth 5: It's too complicated to prepare

You don’t need a wooden gourd and a silver straw to start. While the ritual is beautiful, you can brew Yerba Mate in a French Press or even a standard tea infuser. The health benefits remain the same!

At La Tienda, we carefully select brands from Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil to ensure you get the most authentic experience possible right here in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland.

Explore our Mate Selection