The number of people who drink coffee daily is ever increasing. In fact, coffee has been a favorite drink for many people around the world for several centuries.
If you’re a coffee lover, you may want to know how coffee affects your body. Also, it’s important to know the amount of coffee you need to drink daily.
If you feel that you can’t stay awake or alert without coffee, or you’re always feeling that you need a dose of caffeine from coffee to get you energized, then you’re likely addicted to caffeine.
Unfortunately, excess caffeine intake isn’t healthy. Excess caffeine has some side effects. For instance, caffeine boosts the release of adrenaline to give you a quick energy boost. However, adrenaline is linked to flight or fight response such that you may become more anxious. Also, excessive caffeine intake can lead to hormonal imbalances. If you’re sensitive or allergic to coffee, it’s advised to switch to decaffeinated coffee. However, decaf coffee also has some similar effects as coffee. Also, it contains some caffeine.
If you’re sensitive to coffee, experiencing adverse effects after taking coffee, or you just want to quit coffee due to caffeine addiction, it’ll help to reduce your coffee intake. However, it may be challenging to quit it completely. The best way out is to consider some healthy alternatives to coffee that’ll still keep you awake. Also, there’re numerous energy alternatives to coffee.
When searching for a good alternative to coffee, consider a coffee substitute that offers what you like about coffee. For instance, if you love coffee due to its rich flavor, look for a coffee alternative that offers a complex and rich flavor. If you love the soothing warmth of coffee during cold mornings, then consider an alternative that can offer you warmth. Similarly, if you love taking coffee for its caffeine content, then seek healthy caffeine alternatives to coffee. Read on for the best healthy alternatives to coffee.
Healthy Coffee Replacements
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Green Tea
Green tea is packed with numerous health benefits. It’s minimally processed. In fact, it offers some of the best health benefits when compared to other kinds of teas. Thus, it’s one of the best alternatives to taking coffee.
Numerous research studies show that individuals who consume green tea have a reduced risk of developing various cancers such as colorectal, lung, pancreatic, bladder, stomach, and breast cancers. Also, research shows that drinking green tea assists in reducing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The caffeine content in the tea assists in improving mental acuity. It also enhances metabolism. You can get maximum benefits from green tea by drinking 3 to 5 cups per day.
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Smoothies
Smoothies stand out as some of the best alternatives to coffee for energy. There’re numerous natural ingredients you can combine in smoothies to give you an energy boost like coffee. Smoothies can include a blend of vegetables and fruits depending on your preferences. They contain important nutrients that often lack in the daily diet. Smoothies are great for starting the day as they’re rich in antioxidants, fiber, and carbohydrates. Also, you can add a protein like yogurt to your smoothies for extra health benefits.
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Matcha Tea
Matcha tea is one of the best caffeine substitutes for coffee. It comes as a fine, green powder that’s made by grinding young tea leaves. If you feel jittery after drinking coffee, consider switching to matcha tea to enjoy the benefits of caffeine without feeling jittery. Matcha tea contains caffeine and a type of amino acid known as L-theanine that makes the mind feel relaxed without causing any drowsiness. Recent research findings show that a combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha enhances mood and cognition. Besides, the ground nature of matcha powder will give your digestive system the much-needed fiber.
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Yerba Mate Tea
History shows that Yerba Mate is a tea native to South America. It’s processed from the twigs and leaves of a plant known as Yerba Mate. It’s typically served to offer an energy boost like that offered by coffee. Thus, it’s a perfect alternative to coffee for energy. A cup of this tea offers a caffeine content almost similar to that offered by a cup of coffee. It also contains theobromine, a compound that’s also present in coffee. Theobromine works as a natural stimulant. It offers an energy boost that lasts longer than that offered by coffee without causing any jittery feeling. Besides, research shows that the tea contains antioxidants that assist in preventing heart disease and lowering blood pressure.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Drinking a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar in the morning can offer you a good energy boost. It’s made using fermented apples. It’s non-caffeinated and contains acetic acid. Research shows that acetic acid promotes insulin sensitivity, thereby promoting a healthy blood sugar level. Thus, it’s among the best coffee replacements for energy. Since it is high in acidity, you should take it with water to avoid damaging your teeth.
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Golden Milk
Are you wondering what to drink instead of coffee? You can replace coffee with golden milk in the morning to give you an energy boost that’ll last all day. Golden milk is a traditional drink that originated in India. It’s non-caffeinated and is served warm. Its ingredients include black pepper, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Vanilla and honey can also be added to the drink. The spices used in making golden milk offer anti-inflammatory benefits, especially as a result of a chemical known as curcumin. Curcumin is an active ingredient found in turmeric. Research shows that consuming 500 milligrams of curcumin equals 500 milligrams of arthritis medication. Research also shows that consuming golden milk regularly improves bone density, mental health, and memory.
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Kombucha
Kombucha is a trend that has been growing in popularity across the globe. Besides, it’s a healthy coffee replacement for energy. It’s a fermented effervescent green or black tea. It’s sweetened and comes with numerous health benefits. Tea is used as its medium of fermentation. Thus, drinking kombucha offers the energy benefits that come with consuming caffeine and L-theanine without causing jitters. However, its caffeine content is lower than that of tea and coffee. Thus, it’s among the best healthy alternatives to tea and coffee. Besides, it offers probiotic bacteria that are great for the digestive system. Also, its fizziness can keep you awake.
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Hot Cacao
Besides cacao being a great nighttime drink that helps you relax for a more peaceful sleep, it’s also a perfect coffee substitute. Hot cacao is made by mixing cacao powder, warm milk, and a preferred sweetener. It’s a great morning beverage that’s loaded with beneficial antioxidants and a rich flavor profile that’s comparable to that of coffee. Research shows that taking hot cacao boosts mood. Additionally, it contains magnesium that assists body muscles to relax.
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Chai Tea
Chai tea also goes by the name masala chai. It’s made by combining aromatic herbs and spices with milk and black tea. Black tea contains about half the caffeine content of black coffee. Its herbs and spices make it more flavorful and fuller-bodied than regular coffee. Its milk content adds to its creaminess. If you’re in search of a coffee replacement that takes like latte, masala chai might be your perfect choice. Research shows that chai tea assists in digestion, thanks to its ginger ingredient. Also, it promotes heart health. You can make chai tea at home and add the ingredients and sweetener of your choice.
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Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is a form of red tea. It’s not caffeinated like green or black tea. Also, it contains a lower amount of tannins than green and black tea. Also, it doesn’t contain oxalic acid like other teas, making it great for the health of your kidneys. The tea features a smoky, sweet, herbal, and floral taste. The tea can be blended with sugar and milk. Its red color is a result of the plant turning more golden when steeped. Besides, you can make latte tea out of it.
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Chicory Coffee
Chicory coffee has been in existence for hundreds of years. It’s made using the roots of a plant known as chicory. The root is roasted and ground. It tastes like coffee but has a unique nutty and woodsy flavor. Although it’s a great coffee replacement, it may cause allergic reactions to some people. Thus, take caution if you’re trying it for the first time. You can have it as black coffee or add it to a latte. Its main benefit is its wonderful and unique flavors that even French roast and mocha coffee lacks. You can also make keto coffee out of it for enhanced health benefits by adding MCT oil.
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Hot Lemon Water
Hot water containing some fresh lemon juice is one of the healthiest beverages you can swap with coffee. Although drinking plain water is healthy on its own, adding lemon to hot water introduces alkaline effects and numerous health benefits such as improved skin health, boosting the health of your kidneys, and fighting digestive issues.
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Hibiscus Herbal Tea
Hibiscus is a classic, floral plant. The leaves of the hibiscus plant are used in making this tea. Iced hibiscus tea is a refreshing summer morning beverage. It feels very heavy when iced. You can also enjoy it when served hot. It’s closely related to green tea in many ways but lacks caffeine. It has a fruity, floral, and slightly tart taste. The tea features a pink color. It’s a popular drink in Latin America and is mainly consumed to reduce cholesterol and treat hypertension. You can get it in the form of tea bags and steep them in water like black tea.
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Adaptogenic Coffee
You’ve probably heard about adaptogens like turmeric and ashwagandha. They can be blended to form an adaptogenic coffee. Adaptogens are fungi and plants that allow a person to adapt and cope to stress. Most people take them as supplements. You can also take adaptogens as a coffee substitute. They’re available in several forms and mixes. You can mix your preferred adaptogens to make a healthy beverage.
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Spiced Milk
Many people often drink warm milk at night. But have you ever thought of taking spiced milk instead of coffee? It’s a perfect non-caffeinated drink whose popularity is ever-growing. If you’re sensitive to coffee, tea, or caffeine in general, and you still want to enjoy drinking something that feels like a frothy latte, then consider making spiced milk your favorite morning beverage.
Spiced milk is served warm. It’s prepared by frothing a combination of warm milk, vanilla, honey, cinnamon, and cardamom. These ingredients make a soothing and spicy morning drink. The relaxing benefits of cinnamon combined with the sweetness offered by honey can calm your mind when starting or ending a busy day. It can also be consumed without any sugar, caffeine, and chocolate. Besides, it doesn’t cause jitters.
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Bulletproof Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a favorite drink for many people. Although bulletproof coffee is loved for its numerous benefits, you can make a bulletproof drink out of chocolate to enjoy numerous benefits. It’s beneficial in that it fuels the brain, stabilizes blood sugar, and keeps you full. When turning hot chocolate into a bulletproof drink, you’ll combine cocoa powder, almond milk, your preferred sweetener, and ghee butter, coconut oil, or MCT oil. The drink contains healthy fats that replace carbohydrates in your diet.
Final Words
Whether you’re seeking to eliminate or reduce your coffee intake, these healthy coffee alternatives are worth trying. Choose a coffee substitute depending on your taste preferences. Besides, some contain caffeine to give you a quick energy boost while others are caffeine-free alternatives to coffee.
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