Does yerba mate make my dopamine lower than coffee?
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Yerba mate and coffee both contain caffeine, which can increase dopamine levels. However, they do not decrease dopamine levels. Rather, regular ingestion of caffeine from sources like yerba mate and coffee can upregulate dopamine receptors, enhancing the effects of dopamine in the brain.
notes that yerba mate contains caffeine and additional compounds such as antioxidants and GLP-1, which offer neuroprotective benefits, particularly for dopaminergic neurons. This means yerba mate can help preserve dopamine neuron function and potentially increase dopamine receptor density 1.
Coffee, on the other hand, also increases dopamine receptor density and the efficacy of these receptors, making the existing dopamine in the system more potent. This upregulation is similar to the effects observed with yerba mate 2.
Neither yerba mate nor coffee lowers dopamine, but both can enhance dopamine signaling through receptor upregulation. Thus, there is no evidence to suggest that yerba mate would lower your dopamine levels more than coffee or vice versa. Both can be part of a strategy to enhance dopamine activity 1.
RELATED QUESTIONSI feel low motivated on yerba mate, how can that be?
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Feeling low motivation with yerba mate can be linked to several factors. discusses yerba mate's impact on brain and behavior, particularly its content of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 can inhibit feeding and reduce appetite 1. This suppression might indirectly affect energy levels and motivation for some people. Additionally, despite yerba mate's benefits in neuroprotection and dopamine receptor upregulation, individual responses to stimulants can vary widely 2.
Your experience could be due to how your body processes yerba mate or interacts with GLP-1 and other constituents, affecting your overall energy and motivation differently compared to other stimulants like coffee. If yerba mate isn't boosting your motivation, considering a switch to another caffeine source might help. Always tailor your intake to how your body responds for optimal results.
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