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7 Best Coffee Substitutes Start a Healthier Day

We all do love coffee! The aromatic fragrance of caffeine is mesmerizing, urging our senses in falling for it. There is hardly anyone in the world who is not fond of caffeine. Whether for boosting energy or keeping you active at work, caffeine is more of an addiction. An average intake of 3 to 4 cups a day is the recommended quantity but many a time is not followed well.

If you are drinking coffee more than the recommended ratio, it leads to many adverse effects on health. But, hold on and stop worrying as caffeine overdose can get tackled by replacing it with much better options. These alternatives aid in tackling the withdrawal symptoms of caffeine and aid one in living a healthy life.

Why should you consider replacing your morning coffee?

Replacing coffee can be a difficult task, yet it isn’t impossible. It acts as a stimulant for the body. It surges energy levels along with letting one stay awake at night. However, there are many reasons to have it replaced instead.

Check out below to know yourself

Caffeine aids in boosting power. It stimulates the adrenal system and thereby increases strength in the body. However, the sooner it promotes energy, it also leaves one feel extremely fatigued. It increases the urge for drinking coffee again.

  • It leads to weight gain

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Increased intake of caffeine has its many side effects. The recommended quantity ranges from 3 to 4 cups. Caffeine leads to an increase in stress hormone levels. An increase in cortisol causes weight gain.

  • Deficiency of Minerals

The caffeine in coffee slows the absorption of minerals in the system. It reduces iron absorption thereby lowering the ability of the kidney to store essential minerals. Thus, the levels of magnesium, zinc, calcium and other minerals fall in the body.

  • Sleep Deprivation

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How many have resorted to coffee for staying awake at night? Or to complete a pending work? Consumption of caffeine also causes sleep disruption. It takes a minimum of 4 to 6 hours for breaking down coffee. Hence, even though you may be wanting to head to your bed, you may not fall asleep.

  • It makes one lousy

Well, blame it on caffeine if you are feeling lousy. No wonder it does boost the energy but also erodes you soon. Caffeine increases catecholamines, an important stress hormone. Increase in this hormone raises cortisol thereby eliciting insulin levels. It gradually makes on feel lousy.

  • Increases blood sugar

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Habituated caffeine drinkers are susceptible to high sugar levels. Caffeine reduces the body’s sensitivity to insulin. High level of blood sugar is related to increased cardiovascular risk as well as diabetes.

  • Causes Acidity

High amounts of caffeine in the bloodstream leads to increased discomfort of the digestive tract. It thereby causes an imbalance in the gut flora, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, and heartburn.

  • It’s Addictive

The addictive property of coffee is due to the presence of caffeine which affects the nervous system. Failing to consume it even for a day can lead to withdrawal symptoms including fatigue, restless and much more. Similar to that of a drug addict.

  • Promotes Anxiety and Depression

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Caffeine leads to reduced levels of serotonin synthesis in the brain. The hormone is necessary for inducing sleep, mood, energy and proper bowel function. Sleep deprivation thus leads to other problems of anxiety and depression.

  • Caffeine is Diuretic

It is diuretic by nature and hence its necessary to stay hydrated often. If you are a coffee addict, ensure to drink as much water as possible to keep yourself hydrated, and energized.

What are the best coffee substitutes for great mornings?

Coffee is addictive and causes a myriad of problems when consumed in large quantities. From increasing the blood sugar level to weight gain, the list goes on. Thus, instead of consuming coffee first thing in the morning, the best alternative is replacing it with other healthy drinks.

Are you thriving to leave your addiction to caffeine and opt for healthy living? Then do check out the list below:

  1. Matcha Green Tea
  2. Green Coffee
  3. Water
  4. Chicory Coffee
  5. Golden Milk
  6. Rooibos Tea
  7. Wheatgrass Juice

1. Matcha Green Tea

One of the best choices for a healthy life and weight loss, Matcha Green Tea happens to be the best alternative to consume instead of coffee in the morning. It has comparatively less caffeine content. The preparation of matcha tea powder includes steaming, drying and grinding the leaves of Camellia Sinensis plant. Thus, it renders in boosting your energy without any coffee jitters. Green tea comprises of Catechins – powerful antioxidants that help fight aging increases immunity and retains your glow.

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You must opt for Matcha Green Tea as

  • It helps burn fats
  • Keeps you energized
  • Is not addictive
  • Doesn’t cause withdrawal symptoms
  • Good for diabetes
  • Detoxifies impurities
  • The antioxidants reverse the aging process

2. Green Coffee

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This beverage does have coffee but isn’t coffee. So, what is so green about it and yet not as addictive as coffee? Well, green coffee contains the unripe seeds of coffee. The unroasted seeds that help retain its green color and also a bitter taste. But as the saying goes, what tastes good for the tongue may not be healthy too. The same applies to green coffee too. It isn’t as aromatic as that of the regular coffee, yet it extremely beneficial for health.

It contains Chlorogenic Acid

The presence of chlorogenic acid in green coffee makes it an extremely healthy drink. It helps in weight loss and reduces the aftereffects of caffeine. It boosts energy without increasing the level of stress hormone. Also, it instills weight loss by building your metabolism. Thus, green coffee proves to be the best alternative for coffee. Have coffee but the greenway.

3. Water

Do you often feel dehydrated? Are you feeling fatigued? Majority of people habituated to coffee complain of dehydration and fatigue that makes them pounce for yet another cup. Its the diuretic nature of caffeine that purges water out of the body. Hence, it is immensely necessary to keep oneself hydrated enough.

Our human body comprises of 80% water. Hence, don’t just drink water when thirsty, instead make the first thing to gulp in the morning. In average an adult must consume about two liters to one gallon of water every day.

How is water beneficial instead of coffee?

  • Keeps you hydrated
  • Helps you perform your daily activities
  • It is good for the brain and aids in retaining memory
  • Doesn’t cause fatigue
  • Doesn’t lead to weight gain
  • Keeps your skin hydrated
  • Doesn’t increase blood sugar levels

Tip:
To add some taste to your water, squeeze in some fresh lemon, ginger. You can choose watermelon as an option.

4. Chicory Coffee

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Unlike regular coffee, chicory coffee is caffeine free. It makes a good alternative for coffee.  Its preparation includes roasting chicory, grounding and later brewing it hot. Chicory is healthy and promotes the growth of good bacteria including Lactobacilli. It tastes similar to that of coffee, and hence one would hardly miss not consuming daily.

Why is chicory coffee a good alternative?

  • It’s rich in Insulin, thus helpful in diabetes
  • Strengthens the gut muscle and thereby digestion
  • Stimulates the production of bile in the gallbladder
  • It boosts digestion

Note: As it is a rich source of Insulin, it causes side effects such as bloating and gas. It is not advisable for pregnant ladies.

How to prepare it?

  • Roast and grind chicory roots
  • Brew it in the manner of regular coffee
  • Add two tablespoons of chicory to 180ml of water and brew it hot
  • However, one can change the proportion based on individual preference

5. Golden Milk

It is rich in minerals and an effective alternative for coffee. Golden Milk is caffeine free which has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps retain energy, keep you active throughout the day.

Benefits of Golden Milk

  • Is caffeine free
  • It is anti-inflammatory
  • Aids in the absorption of curcumin and fats

Preparation:

  • Take a pan and combine 1 cup of non-diary milk or regular milk
  • Add to the pan ½ tsp of turmeric, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp of ginger and black pepper
  • Let the mixture warm on low flame
  • Once heated, serve it hot into a cup

6. Rooibos Tea

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Also known as Red Tea, this beverage is Caffeine Free. It contains antioxidants that are beneficial to the body. Besides, unlike other drinks, the Rooibos Tea has a natural sweetness and fruity flavor.

How to prepare Rooibos Tea?

  • Take a tea filter
  • Add 1 to 1.5 tsp of rooibos and heat for 10 minutes
  • You can add lemon or honey for flavor
  • Filter the drink and serve hot

7. Wheatgrass Juice

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A natural energizer, wheatgrass juice contains essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients. It is not only a good alternative for Caffeine but also for protein drinks. It makes it a healthy juice that renders taste and flavor.

Why is wheatgrass a good alternative?

  • Benefits health and is caffeine-free
  • It promotes digestion
  • Instils metabolism and weight loss
  • It is a good protein type supplement for the body

Benefits of these coffee substitutes

All the Alternative drinks listed above are caffeine free. Green Tea comprises a slight quantity of Caffeine which is neither addictive nor unhealthy. These drinks offer similar effects to that of coffee. However, they offer health benefits too. These include-

  • Instilling fat burn
  • Keeping you energized throughout the day
  • Reverse aging
  • Fighting depression
  • Lesser risk of developing cardiovascular disease
  • These drinks assist in inducing serotonin synthesis thereby preventing disruption of sleep

How to fight withdrawal symptoms?

Caffeine consumption leads to toxic load in the body. Hence it becomes challenging to avoid caffeine at the start. Withdrawal symptoms tend to disappear in a day or four, reducing the craving of coffee and caffeine.

  • Have plenty of water
  • Squeeze in some lemon in warm water and have early in the morning
  • Munch more of peanuts, walnuts, almonds, baked fish when hungry
  • Eat a fistful of pumpkin seeds to get good sleep
  • Take a good bath with warm water to induce sleep
  • Eliminate food items that contain refined sugar, flour, dairy, gluten or caffeine. It helps avoid inflammation of the digestive tract.

Though the process is complicated, it is not impossible to achieve. Keep up your perseverance, and go the healthy way to gain health. Replace Caffeine with health drinks and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Coffee in itself is not unhealthy but its increased consumption has its side effects. Thus, it’s better to consume it in moderation. Replacing coffee with alternative drinks will help deliver the same purpose as that of Coffee. Herein it is beneficial for health too. These drinks will aid in keeping the body sufficiently hydrated, fuelling it with protein and boost energy.

Consuming alternative caffeine drinks is a healthy way to kickstart your day. Drinking lots of water aids staying hydrated and boost energy. An additional tip for raising energy is indulging in some exercise like yoga or aerobics. It aids in stimulating your blood thereby keeping one active throughout the day.