Coffee: a gift from above for the insomniacs. You can take it black, iced, extra strong, but at the end of the day, there’s no escaping the simple fact: coffee is everywhere. And if you’re anything like me, it’s hard to imagine a day without it.
Studies show that caffeine is the most commonly used drug globally. Is this a surprise? Considering many of our high-stress and busy lifestyles, I would say it’s entirely expected.
Coffee, the most popular form of caffeine, has harmful effects that should not be ignored. These include insomnia, dehydration, restlessness, and heightened anxiety. If you’re a chronic coffee-drinker and have noticed that your dependency is starting to get out of hand, it might be time to consider alternatives.
1. Matcha
The green powder that became a major trend in the last year, matcha, is not only delicious, but has numerous health benefits. Because matcha is made from the entire tea leaf, it holds more caffeine than most teas, providing you with that energy boost. Moreover, matcha contains negligibly less caffeine than coffee – so why is it so much better?
When you drink coffee, caffeine immediately heads to the bloodstream, resulting in the extreme insulin spike and eventual crash. Unlike coffee, matcha is released slowly, which prevents these extreme effects. In addition, matcha has various benefits such as filling the body with antioxidants, boosting metabolism, and lowering risk for heart disease. Consider trying matcha tea or making a matcha superfood recipe.
2. Green Tea
Similarly to matcha, green tea contains caffeine but does not cause the jittery effects associated with coffee. Packed with antioxidants and dopamine-boosting amino acids, green tea comes with health benefits such as reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and burning fat. If you notice that your coffee intake leads to that brutal midday slump, definitely try this wonderful coffee alternative. If you aren’t a tea-drinker, get creative with DIY green tea face masks or scrubs.
3. Coconut Water
Although it doesn’t contain caffeine, coconut water has been proven to help athletes perform, acting as a natural sports drink. Many people utilize coffee prior to exercising, wanting that extra energy. This can take a turn, resulting in dehydration or nausea. Coconut water, a fantastic coffee alternative, is much safer and easier to drink in large quantities before exercising. Moreover, studies show that coconut water is equally sufficient as sports drinks at restoring hydration. Other health benefits include its ability to reduce blood pressure, improve heart health, and combat diabetes.
4. Kombucha
Among the chic and trendy coffee alternatives lies kombucha. If you want the benefits of tea without the actual tea, this is the drink for you. Kombucha is a fermented drink made from a mix of green or black tea. Not only does it provide the same advantages that come with tea, but it can aid in helping digestion, weight loss, and high blood pressure. Filled with antioxidants and probiotics, kombucha helps to burn fat, prevent heart disease, and lower cholesterol.
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