Most people cannot function without their morning cup of coffee. But coffee, and the caffeine it contains, can lead to a wide variety of negative side effects such as anxiety, heart problems, jitters, and poor sleep. This is because caffeine, a stimulant, can block the receptors in your body that induce sleep, as well as affect your mood to add to the well-known caffeine high and crashing low.
The effects of caffeine are addictive, which is what creates the strong dependency we have to drink our daily coffee. To combat this addiction, maybe it is time you thought about trying an alternative to coffee.
ALTERNATIVES TO COFFEE
There are different types of natural and organic teas available across the globe that can mimic the effects of coffee, but with less caffeine. Once such drink is called Yerba Mate tea. This bitter tea uses leaves from the Yerbe Mate plant, located in South America, which are brewed in hot water and sipped through a filtered straw.
Another alternative to coffee is Chai tea. Originating in India, this popular hot drink consists of a range of different spices and herbs such as cardamon, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, and cloves. Chai also has caffeine, but in much smaller quantities when compared with coffee.
ORGANIC COFFEE ALTERNATIVES
Aside from natural teas, there are organic blends available that also mimic the effect of coffee, but without the negative side effects. These manufactured blends come in a powdered form that is added to hot water and mixed in. These blends use a range of organic ingredients to create a coffee alternative that provides health and performance benefits, all with less caffeine.
INGREDIENTS IN ALTERNATIVE COFFEE BLENDS
Below are the types of ingredients commonly used in coffee-alternate blends that provide natural energy and focus:
LION’S MANE
Lion’s Mane is a type of mushroom that is also a natural nootropic, meaning that it is known to boost brain function and performance. Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries in both Chinese and Japanese medicine.
CHAGA
Chaga is another type of mushroom that grows on birch trees. Chaga mushrooms contain a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that are great for your overall health and wellbeing.
REISHI
Reishi is another common mushroom used in alternative coffee blends. It has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2000 years and is known to support and boost your immune system.
CORDYCEPS
Cordyceps is a type of fungus that has high levels of antioxidants that boost energy and stamina levels.
CACAO
Cacao seeds contain theobromine, which acts as a mild stimulant, similar to caffeine. Cacao also contains tryptophan, an amino acid, that is essential for nitrogen balance in adults and growth in babies. It is also responsible for assisting the body in creating serotonin, a chemical responsible for creating feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
TURMERIC
Tumeric is a common spice which contains curcumin, an antioxidant that can stabilize inflammation. It is also known to support collagen, a protein that provides strength to many parts of our body, such as our bones, skin, and muscles.
CINNAMON
While also adding a great taste to the alternative coffee blend, cinnamon spice is full of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants that help protect your overall health and wellbeing.
HIMALAYAN SALT
Salt is responsible for our body’s hydration and keep a balanced pH level. It is also known to support our digestive system while also providing key minerals.
WHY SHOULD YOU TRY AN ALTERNATIVE TO COFFEE?
Coffee-alternative blends contain less caffeine than regular coffee and usually contain no added sugar or sweeteners, making it a healthier alternative. These alternative coffee blends can also be 100% organic, vegan, and gluten free.
