Have you heard of Yerba Mate? Becoming increasingly popular within the gaming community, this herbal tea product has the ability to improve cognitive brain function, boost concentration levels and keep you gaming for longer. Interested to know more about Yerba Mate and how it can help to improve your game? Read on to discover everything there is to know about this natural alternative to energy drinks, including how to drink it for maximum effect. Can Gaming Drinks Stop you From Sleeping? If you want to enhance your gaming performance but you are worried about the negative effects of drinking traditional energy drinks, then you will be pleased to hear that there are alternatives to Red Bull and Monster that won’t have you battling insomnia come 3am. Whilst traditional energy drinks are incredibly high in caffeine and other stimulants that are designed to keep you awake for as long as humanly possible, natural energy drinks such as Yerba Mate offer a more subtle energy boost. In terms of caffeine content, a cup of Yerba Mate contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee but more than a cup of tea. However, the beauty of this natural energy drink for gamers is that it contains a whole host of other beneficial nutrients such as saponins, polyphenols and xanthines, all of which have a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Furthermore, unlike traditional energy drinks which are known for causing sleeping problems such as insomnia, you can safely consume as many as 8-10 cups of Yerba Mate per day without any unwanted side effects. That being said, if you are sensitive to caffeine, you should moderate your intake accordingly. What Side Effects Should I be Aware of? As mentioned above, Yerba Mate, like traditional energy drinks for gamers, does contain caffeine which means that it can cause certain side effects such as an upset stomach, increased heart rate, nausea, headaches and sleeping issues. However, you should know that these are rare, and most adults can safely consume Yerba Mate on a daily basis without experiencing any unwanted side effects. On the other hand, unhealthy energy drinks such as Red Bull and Rockstar come with many associated health risks, especially when consumed in large amounts and on a regular basis. Some of the most common side effects of drinking energy drinks include high blood pressure, heart palpitations, insomnia, dehydration, restlessness and an increased heart rate. As most energy drinks are also high in sugar, people who drink these on a regular basis are also more at risk of becoming obese, having dental issues and developing type 2 diabetes. How are Nootropic Drinks Different From Other Energy Drinks? If you have not heard of nootropic drinks, then you are in a for a treat. Often referred to as “brain drinks” or “smart drinks”, nootropic drinks are the ideal beverage for gamers as they promise to optimise brain function and deliver a significant cognitive boost. Whilst most nootropic drinks do contain caffeine in the same way that traditional energy drinks do, typically they contain less of this stimulant than most other energy drinks on the market and, instead, they contain lots of natural ingredients that are designed to enhance performance and keep you gaming at your best for longer. Some of the most common natural ingredients found in nootropic drinks are: • Ginkgo Bilboa – this is an ancient herb that is known to enhance mental faculties. • Vitamin B12 – this vitamin works to hard to ensure that the cells in your body receive sufficient energy. • Gotu Kola – is one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s a low, ground-hugging vine and is knows as “the student herb” because it helps focus and improved alertnes• Theobromine -this is a naturally occurring compound found in the cocoa plant which has a positive impact on your mood and state of mind. • Rhodiola Rosea – this promotes both physical and mental performance, as well as improving the body’s capacity to fight fatigue. In terms of consumption and associated risks, there are no known risks associated with nootropic drinks, whereas there are many associated with traditional energy drinks such as Red Bull and Rockstar. If you are ready to try a nootropic drink to improve your gaming performance, then opt for a nootropic that is low in caffeine and high in adaptogenic herbs which are designed to relax the body and stabilise your heart rate whilst simultaneously improving mental focus. Are Nootropic Gaming Drinks High in Calories? Most people are aware that traditional energy drinks are high in sugar and calories which can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes and dental health problems. . However, are nootropic gaming drinks also bad for your waist line? In a nutshell, some are and some are not. There are a wide range of nootropic drinks on the market, as there are traditional energy drinks, and some are higher in calories than others. That being said, if you are worried about your weight or you don’t want to add too much to your daily calorie intake, you will be pleased to hear that you can find low-calorie nootropic drinks. Typically, nootropic drinks are much lower in sugar than traditional energy drinks which means that they are already better for your health. In fact, you can get nootropic drinks that contain as little as 1g of sugar per can. Plus, they also contain natural ingredients which are designed to improve mental and physical performance in a healthier way. If you want to enjoy the associated health benefits of fruit without having to actually consume any, then you can find nootropic drinks that contain a wide range of super fruits and botanicals that are great for energy and overall wellness. Here at Go Mate, we have a perfect selection of nootropics drinks that provide natural energy and are perfect for gamers who want to be able to game longer and improve their overall performance without any of the negative side effects associated with traditional energy drinks. Whether you are worried about your caffeine intake or you simply want a healthier alternative to your daily Red Bull, browse our range of nootropic drinks here and discover a new way to game.