What Athletes Drink Yerba Mate?
From the locker rooms of professional football to the sidelines of grand slam tennis, yerba mate has transcended its South American origins to become a beverage of choice for many top-tier athletes. Unlike synthetic energy drinks or harsh coffees, yerba mate offers a balanced lift, fueling both physical exertion and mental clarity. Its adoption by global sports stars has brought this ancient, herbal infusion into the modern athletic spotlight.
Famous Athletes Who Enjoy Yerba Mate
- Footballers: The drink is a deep-seated tradition among South American footballers and has spread rapidly to European clubs. Global icons like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar are frequently seen with their gourds and bombillas. Antoine Griezmann is a notable non-South American player who adopted the custom during his time playing with South American teammates. Even players from the English national team, like Eric Dier and Danny Rose, have joined the trend.
- Other Sports: The popularity extends beyond football. Notable examples include NFL star Tom Brady, tennis champion Rafael Nadal, rugby player Marcus Smith, and Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto. These athletes represent a variety of physically demanding sports, showcasing the drink's broad appeal for performance.
- Combat Sports: In martial arts, figures like Jiu Jitsu champion Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu enjoy yerba mate, particularly the cold version known as tereré, for its energizing and hydrating properties. Boxer Canelo Alvarez has also been noted for drinking mate to reduce inflammation and boost energy.
Why Athletes Choose Yerba Mate
For athletes, the choice of what to consume is strategic, and yerba mate offers several scientifically-backed benefits that support peak performance and recovery.
Sustained Energy Without the Jitters
While coffee and energy drinks often provide a rapid, and sometimes jarring, energy spike followed by a crash, yerba mate's effect is different. The beverage contains a unique combination of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, which work together to produce a smoother, longer-lasting energy boost. This helps maintain high energy levels and focus over prolonged periods, which is critical for endurance sports or long games. This unique balance is what many refer to as the "mate feeling".
Enhanced Physical Performance and Endurance
Research suggests that yerba mate can significantly impact athletic output. Studies have shown that consuming yerba mate before exercise can increase fat oxidation, allowing the body to use fat more efficiently for fuel. This metabolic shift helps preserve the body's glycogen stores, delaying fatigue and improving endurance, especially during longer activities. Furthermore, it can help reduce the buildup of lactic acid in muscles, which decreases soreness and speeds up recovery times.
Rich in Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Yerba mate is exceptionally rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, boasting a higher concentration than green tea. These compounds combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, both of which are common after intense exercise. One study noted that consumption of mate improved the rate of strength recovery after eccentric exercise. Saponins, another class of phytochemicals in mate, also contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Improved Mental Focus and Team Cohesion
Maintaining mental clarity and concentration is as crucial as physical stamina in competitive sports. The blend of stimulants and mood-enhancing compounds in yerba mate, including the neurotransmitter dopamine, can enhance alertness, memory, and reaction time. Beyond the individual benefits, the traditional social ritual of sharing mate in a circle fosters strong team bonding and communication, an aspect highly valued by teams and locker rooms.
Yerba Mate vs. Other Stimulants for Athletes
Athletes must be mindful of what they consume for competitive fairness and health. Below is a comparison of yerba mate with common alternatives.
| Feature | Yerba Mate | Coffee | Energy Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Curve | Smooth, sustained lift; gradual decrease. | Rapid spike and quick crash. | Fast, intense spike often followed by a hard crash. |
| Mental State | Calm, focused alertness due to theobromine and theophylline. | Can cause jitters, anxiety, and nervousness in some individuals. | High potential for anxiety and nervousness due to high caffeine levels. |
| Nutritional Value | Rich in antioxidants, vitamins (B, C, E), minerals, and amino acids. | High in antioxidants but lacks the full spectrum of mate's nutrients. | Often contain synthetic vitamins and are loaded with sugar. |
| Post-Workout Recovery | Anti-inflammatory properties aid in muscle recovery. | No specific recovery benefits; often consumed for simple stimulation. | Typically contain high sugar levels, offering poor nutritional support for recovery. |
| Purity | Often available as dried leaves, offering a pure, natural option. | Can be pure but variations exist; decaf options are processed chemically. | Highly processed with artificial colors, sweeteners, and synthetic ingredients. |
How Athletes Incorporate Yerba Mate
Athletes incorporate yerba mate into their routines in several ways to maximize its benefits.
- Pre-Workout Fuel: Many athletes, particularly in endurance sports, drink yerba mate 30-45 minutes before a workout or competition to boost energy and focus. Its fat-burning properties are particularly advantageous for endurance activities lasting over 90 minutes.
- Post-Workout Recovery: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it an excellent drink for recovery. Consumed within 30 minutes after training, it helps fight oxidative stress and supports muscle repair.
- Daily Ritual: Beyond training sessions, the communal aspect and balanced energy make it a consistent part of many athletes' daily lives. It is often enjoyed socially in the locker room, fostering a sense of team unity.
Conclusion
For athletes around the world, yerba mate is more than just a passing trend—it is a strategic performance aid. The list of elite competitors who drink yerba mate includes top footballers, tennis stars, and MMA fighters, all drawn to its unique blend of clean energy, enhanced focus, and robust recovery properties. Its natural composition, cultural significance, and sustained energy profile offer a compelling alternative to more processed or intense stimulants, solidifying its place in modern sports nutrition. Whether used as a pre-workout booster or a post-exercise recovery drink, mate's benefits go beyond the physical, also fostering a positive mental state and team camaraderie.
Side Effects and Responsible Consumption
While generally safe in moderation, yerba mate's caffeine content requires caution. High intake can lead to typical caffeine side effects like insomnia, anxiety, and heart rate fluctuations. Additionally, long-term consumption of very hot mate has been epidemiologically linked to a slightly increased risk of certain cancers, a risk potentially reduced by drinking it cold as tereré. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or caffeine sensitivity.
How to Enjoy Yerba Mate
For those interested in adopting this ritual, the traditional method involves a special gourd and a metal straw with a filter, known as a bombilla. Loose leaves are steeped in hot (but not boiling) water and refilled, providing a social and long-lasting experience. For convenience, modern versions include tea bags, bottled drinks, and powdered extracts, offering a way for anyone to enjoy the benefits.
