Coffee is the most consumed wake-up beverage in the world and is a popular energy drink. However, if you consume coffee regularly, you may be aware of its negative side effects, which include anxiety, headaches, and stomach discomfort. But, if you have an early morning or need to get through a late-night study session, what can you drink instead of coffee? Fortunately, there are many beverages that can replace coffee and are just as effective while having fewer negative effects. If you want to drink less coffee, consider some of the beverages on this list.
1. Matcha Tea
The Camellia sinensis plant's leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder to create matcha, a form of green tea. Unlike brewable green tea, you consume the entire leaf. Because of this, you are receiving a very concentrated source of antioxidants, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is responsible for a large number of matcha's alleged advantages. For instance, studies indicate that frequently drinking green tea may lower your risk of developing high blood pressure. Compared to regular coffee, matcha has less caffeine but more than regular green tea.
2. Chai Tea
Chai tea is a type of black tea that has been blended with potent herbs and spices. Despite having less caffeine than coffee, multiple studies have shown that drinking black tea can improve alertness. The Camellia sinensis plant is used to prepare both black and green tea, but black tea goes through a fermentation process that alters its chemical composition. Both appear to have potent antioxidant qualities. The drink has been connected to a lower risk of heart disease.
3. Kombucha
Black tea is fermented with bacteria, yeast, and sugar to make kombucha. A symbiotic colony of yeast and bacteria is produced during the fermentation process. Following fermentation, kombucha is filled with bacteria, acetic acid, and antioxidants, all of which may be beneficial to your health. Studies that kombucha can enhance blood sugar levels in diabetics, cholesterol levels, and the immune system. The reported health advantages in people, however, are mostly anecdotal. Making kombucha on your own is not suggested because of the significant potential of contamination from hazardous bacteria. There are numerous commercially available types, though, that doesn't carry the same level of risk.
4. Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is made from the leaves of evergreen trees, which accounts for its tea-like flavor. It also includes theophylline, theobromine, and naturally occurring caffeine, albeit in slightly smaller amounts than coffee. The flavor is bittersweet. Polyphenols, which can function as antioxidants, have antibacterial characteristics, and offer disease protection, are also abundant in yerba mate. Plus, yerba mate is a fantastic choice if you're seeking to control your blood sugar levels, drop a few pounds, or lower your LDL cholesterol levels.
5. Chicory Coffee
This chicory root-based beverage has the same appearance, flavor, and aroma as coffee but is devoid of the acidity and caffeine that come from coffee beans. Its high inulin content (which should not be mistaken for insulin) can lower blood sugar levels, raise the number of healthy bacteria in your gut, and even lower your risk of colon cancer. Additionally, because of its quantities of manganese and vitamin B6, brewed chicory helps enhance brain function. Chicory root can be bought pre-ground and roasted, making it simple to cook. Simply use a filter coffee maker, French press, or espresso machine to brew it like ordinary coffee grounds.
6. Turmeric Milk
Due to the recent buzz surrounding turmeric, golden milk has become more and more popular. As turmeric often does with anything, it gives the milk a golden yellow hue, which is how it got its name. Golden milk has a blend of spices that warm you up pleasantly, much like Chai tea, yet it isn't tea at all. Actually, it's just a mixture of maple syrup, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, and a substitute for milk. Because it includes curcumin, turmeric is excellent for reducing inflammation. The fact that Golden Milk is the ideal drink for a pleasant evening is another fascinating fact that can actually make it a terrific coffee substitute!
7. Rooibos Tea
Red tea, also known as rooibos, is a caffeine-free beverage with South African roots. Unlike coffee and other teas, rooibos has fewer antioxidant tannins, which can be advantageous but potentially hinder iron absorption. Rooibos has a significant amount of other antioxidants while having a low tannin level. Rooibos may help prevent heart disease, according to one study, while another suggested that it may lower the risk of cancer. Rooibos takes longer to steep than most teas, and over-steeping does not make it taste harsh. The flavor of rooibos is really fruity and slightly sweet.
8. Dandelion Coffee
Dandelion coffee is prepared from roasted dandelion root and has a somewhat sweet, creamy flavor. It is frequently combined with other components, such as chicory root, barley rye, and beets, all of which dissolve immediately in hot or cold liquid. The health benefits of the roasted dandelion root are very amazing because it is full of probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Plus, it has a flavor that is extremely close to that of conventional, full-bodied coffee but without acidity or bitterness. Instead of coffee, the source of post-dandelion energy is trace minerals that can support adrenal processes.
9. Barley Coffee
If you want to occasionally switch up coffee for another beverage or don't want to give up coffee completely, barley coffee is an excellent option to try. These Italian caffeine-free coffee alternatives are made by roasting and crushing grains of barley. It has a mildly bitter and earthy flavor. B and E vitamins, as well as minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, are abundant in barley. Although it's unlikely that barley coffee can significantly increase your energy levels, its potassium concentration can assist your body's electrolyte levels to return to normal.
10. Lemon Water
Another healthy alternative to coffee is lemon water. This beverage is a fantastic source of vitamin C and has no calories or caffeine. Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that keeps your immune system functioning normally and shields your skin from UV ray damage. Additionally, vitamin C increases the production of collagen, which enhances the structure of the skin, tendons, and ligaments.