Coffee Alternatives
Not a coffee drinker? Need a new morning pick me up? Try some of these drinks with different flavors and benefits!
Most people wake up and cannot start their day without a fresh cup of coffee. Coffee lovers tend to be drawn to the flavors, variations, increased alertness and boosted metabolism that comes with the beverage. Others choose not to drink it for many reasons, such as stained teeth, bitter taste, digestive upset, too much caffeine, or nowadays too much sugar. Here are a few alternatives to cater to your cravings!
Matcha
Matcha is a type of green tea made from the leaves of the Camelliasinensis plant. You may have already heard of it, as it has gained alot of popularity in the last few years. Its flavor is described as earthy and slightly bitter with a smooth, creamy texture. It can be prepared simply with hot water, milk or another nondairy option. Matcha is a very good source of concentrated antioxidants. Regular consumption may reduce your risk of high blood pressure, reduce weight, reduce body fat, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Matcha typically has a higher caffeine content than traditional green tea and can even have a higher content than coffee, depending on how it's prepared and the quantity used.
Lemon Water
Lemon water is not only refreshing, but both calorie and caffeine free. It also provides a good dose of vitamin C which supports your immune system and protects your skin from sun damage. It can help aid in digestion, support collagen production for healthy, youthful-looking skin, boost energy and alertness and can potentially prevent kidney stones and various diseases. It is recommended to be consumed through a straw to avoid overtime enamel erosion. A few drops of fresh lemon juice should be added to a large glass of water. You can add other fruits or herbs to experiment with different flavors. Some popular additions are cucumber, basil, mint, and watermelon.
Chai Tea
Chai is a type of black tea blended with very strong herbs and spices. It is commonly made with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom seeds, fennel, cloves and black peppercorns. It contains less caffeine than coffee, but can still provide some improved mental alertness and contains antioxidant properties. It can be made with water, made into a latte, be added to milk, etc. Some studies suggest that it can decrease the risk of heart disease and aid in weight loss.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is something most of us are familiar with. It may be sitting in the back or your fridge or pantry. It is very strong and acidic, so it should be diluted with water to avoid throat and stomach irritation, as well as tooth enamel erosion. It may have some benefits on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, making it great for type 2 diabetics. It may also contribute to feelings of fullness after meals, assiting with weight loss. No more than 1-2 tablespoons should be consumed in a day.
Kombucha
Another drink that has recetly become quite popular, Kombucha. This fermented black tea that comes in many flavors, contains both probiotics and antioxidants. Traditionally, it is slightly sweet and midly vinegary. It may provide immune system support, lower cholesterol and glucose levels. It is acidic, so it may cause some digestive upset. Be aware that since Kombucha is a fermented drink, it does naturally contain trace amounts of alcohol. It also contains minimal amounts of caffeine.
Similar to coffee, these alternatives can be altered in many ways to create your perfect variation. To reap the most benefits, the minimally sweetened versions are best. Always remember that while all of these drinks (including coffee) can be beneficial, moderation is key. I hope you enjoyed reading, and learned about the many coffee alternatives. Let me know if you try any!
About the Creator
Aaron Ranyer
A nurse 🏥, an activist 🏳️🌈, an artist 🎨🎸. Sharing my knowledge, creativity, and random thoughts with the world.
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Comments (2)
Thank you. This was a very helpful article because I hate coffee and I drink way too many Cokes. I've wondered what would be a good alternative. This was also very well written! 🙂
Very informative! Thank you!💗