Are you a hardcore gamer? If so, you really need to get familiar with nootropic drinks for gamers, or more specifically, Yerba Mate. To the uninitiated, nootropics, also known as “brain drinks”, are a type of cognitive enhancer. Designed to make you smarter, nootropic drinks are becoming increasingly popular in the gaming world due to their ability to boost brain power and improve focus. So, whether you are a gamer who wants to enhance the game or be able to play better for longer, our blog below will tell you everything there is to know about nootropic drinks and how they are the perfect beverage for gamers! What is Yerba Mate and why do so many gamers love it? Yerba Mate is a herbal tea that is highly popular in South America. It can be served hot or cold, and, like black tea, it contains caffeine, which acts as a stimulant. Yerba Mate is widely available in health food stores across the United States, as well as online. It is hugely popular within the gaming community because it can enhance performance, increase mental focus and keep gamers awake for longer. Plus, it doesn’t come with any of the negative side effects associated with other popular stimulants, such as energy drinks like Red Bull, Rockstar and Monster, to name just a few. Where does it come from and how is it made? Yerba Mate is grown and processed all over South America, and today, Brazil is the largest producer of this popular herb, followed by Argentina and Paraguay. It comes from the Yerba Mate tree, a species of the holly family, and boasts evergreen leaves and small fruit berries. To make Yerba Mate herbal tea, the leaves and stems are handpicked and then dried in a controlled environment. The leaves are sometimes roasted over a woodfire before they are broken or cut to create the final product. Also, some Yerba Mate is aged in either cedar or another wood for up to one year for even more depth of flavour. Yerba Mate is prepared in a gourd, which is also referred to as a “mate”, where cold water is added a little at a time so that it absorbs into the herbs. What does it taste like, is it good for me and how much can I drink? Yerba Mate has a very distinctive taste that is often described as earthy, herbaceous and bittersweet. However, the exact flavour can vary depending on the region where it’s grown, how it’s cultivated and the brewing techniques used. If the plant is harvested late, it can create a more bitter-tasting herb as it will contain more tannins. In terms of how much Yerba Mate you can drink, this will be dependent on your overall health. If you’re in good health, you can safely drink 8-10 cups of Yerba Mate each day with no issues. However, if you suffer from a health condition such as osteoporosis, you should not drink more than 6 cups daily. As Yerba Mate contains caffeine, those who are sensitive to this stimulant should drink Yerba Mate in moderation and stop if they experience any unwanted side effects. If you experience any side effects after drinking Yerba Mate or are concerned about trying this herbal drink for the first time, you should consult your doctor. Why is it better than coffee/Red Bull and other energy drinks? If you’re a gamer, you probably stay up late at night or even until the early hours of the morning. If this is the case, you may rely on stimulants such as coffee, Red Bull, Monster and other energy drinks to keep you alert and awake. However, you may or may not know that these beverages can harm your health when consumed regularly or in large amounts. Coffee can make you feel jittery and make it difficult for you to fall asleep. You can also easily become too reliant on this popular morning beverage, which can make you unable to get up without it. Energy drinks are also known for containing very high amounts of caffeine, which can lead to agitation, headaches, dehydration, hyperactivity, and, in extreme situations, heart attacks and strokes. They also contain a lot of sugar, which can be bad for your waistline and teeth and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Yerba Mate, on the other hand, is completely natural and, although it does contain caffeine, comes with a ton of health benefits. It has 90% more antioxidants than green tea, it is full of vitamins and minerals, and it contains no fat or sugar – perfect for gamers! It has also been shown to deliver a more mellow and relaxed state of stimulation than energy drinks and coffee. Additoinally, the effects are longer-lasting, which means you can game for longer without any of the negative side effects caused by other popular (but unhealthier) stimulants. Risks and side effects from drinking Yerba Mate Yerba Mate is widely considered to be one of the healthiest energy beverages, with the power to boost your abilities as a gamer as well as contribute to a healthy, balanced diet.There are few risks and side effects associated with drinking Yerba Mate, especially if you are in good health. That being said, as Yerba Mate contains caffeine, you may experience some unwanted side effects if you are sensitive to this stimulant or consume it in large amounts, such as: Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep Nervousness Restlessness Upset stomach Nausea and/or vomiting Increased heart rate and breathing High blood pressure Headaches Ringing in the ears Irregular heartbeat Everything in life should be enjoyed in moderation, and even natural energy drinks are no exception to that rule! Try natural energy drinks for your next gaming session! Here at Go Mate, we have a wide range of all-natural, healthy energy drinks made from Yerba Mate, nootropics and fruits. Browse our selection and find the perfect energy booster to take your gaming skills to the next level! Want more information on Yerba Mate? Get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team today. We’re right here to answer any questions you may have!