Hello Friends!!
You've probably wondered which of these three legendary drinks is best for your daily life. Each has its die-hard fans and its detractors, but today we're going to put prejudices aside to do an objective analysis and discover what makes each one unique.
The choice between mate, coffee and tea often depends on personal preferences, but also on the desired effects on the body. In this article, we will compare these three popular drinks from several angles: caffeine content, health benefits, side effects, consumption method and cultural impact .
| Beverage | Caffeine Content (average per cup) | Effect on the body |
| COFFEE | 95-200 mg | Immediate boost, rapid energy spike but also sudden drop in energy (crash). |
| MATE | 65-130 mg | More stable energy, without crash, thanks to theobromine and theophylline. |
| TEA | 14-70 mg | Softer and more gradual effect, more relaxing depending on the type of tea. |
ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Mate:
- Very rich in antioxidants (polyphenols, saponins)
- Vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E
- Minerals: magnesium, potassium, zinc
- More than 200 bioactive compounds
Coffee :
- Rich in antioxidants (polyphenols)
- Source of vitamin B3
- Few additional nutrients
Tea :
- Specific antioxidants (catechins)
- Unique L-theanine
- Minerals: manganese, zinc.
Health Effects: Which One is Best for Your Body?
Mate: Benefits:
- Gradual release of caffeine
- High in antioxidants
- Natural appetite suppressant effect
- Improved concentration
- Immune system support
Disadvantages:
- Some industrial mates may contain additives
- May disrupt sleep
- Traditional very hot temperature (risk for the esophagus)
Coffee: Benefits:
- Fast stimulating effect
- Protection against neurodegenerative diseases
- Improving sports performance
- Metabolism Boost
Disadvantages:
- Marked energy peak and drop
- Risk of anxiety and nervousness
- May increase stomach acidity
- Risk of insomnia.
Tea: Benefits:
- Softer and more prolonged effect
- L-theanine promotes calm concentration
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Improved cardiovascular health
Disadvantages:
- Weaker stimulating effect
- May reduce iron absorption
- Tannins that can cause digestive problems
Tip: Whatever your choice, it is essential to moderate your consumption and avoid excessively high temperatures.
ABSORPTION AND DURATION OF EFFECTS
- Coffee: Quick energy peak (15-45 min), marked drop after 2-3 hours
- Mate: Gradual absorption, effects over 4-6 hours, no crash
- Tea: Moderate effect over 3-4 hours, smooth transition
IMPACT ON PRODUCTIVITY
Coffee :
- Intense but short concentration
- Ideal for urgent tasks
- May cause nervousness
Mate:
- Sustained concentration
- Mental clarity without agitation
- Improves memory
Tea :
- State of calm concentration
- Improved creativity
- Less mental stress
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ASPECT
Mate:
- Community sharing ritual
- Symbol of friendship and connection
- Strong culture in South America
- Longer preparation and consumption time
Coffee :
- Associated with productivity
- Globally omnipresent coffee culture
- Multiple preparation methods
- Often consumed quickly/on the go
Tea :
- Elaborate preparation rituals (Asia)
- Symbol of relaxation and meditation
- Strong cultural dimension
- Tasting time set
VERDICT:
There is no absolute "winner", each drink has its own strengths:
- Mate excels for: complete nutritional intake, progressive stimulating effect, social aspect
- Coffee dominates for: immediate stimulating effect, practicality, diversity of preparation
- Tea is distinguished by: the gentleness of the effects, the varied health benefits, the meditative aspect
The optimal choice depends on individual needs:
- For immediate productivity → Coffee
- For long-lasting stimulation → Mate
- For Zen concentration → Tea
For my part, I choose a coffee early in the morning before leaving, then at work I drink mate all morning, exactly 1.2 liters , the size of the Gaucho thermos . Then, in the afternoon, if I feel very tired and I still have a lot of work, I drink half a liter of mate again until 5 p.m. at the latest .
And you, what is your favorite drink? 🧉☕🍵
