November 14, 2019
As much as we’d all love to be naturally chipper and well-rested, we often need a little extra boost when life throws us curveballs. Be it for an early morning with the kids, an afternoon work meeting, or a late-night study session, coffee’s energy lift makes it the most popular beverage in the world. Unfortunately, it’s not always the healthiest option— excessive coffee drinking can contribute to a variety of health conditions, like anxiety, insomnia, muscle breakdown, high-blood pressure, and digestive issues. Fortunately, coffee isn’t the only option for people who want to ditch their fatigue and pump a little more pep into their day. The next time you feel the urge to pour another mug of coffee, try one of these coffee alternatives instead.
For people who don’t want to quit coffee cold turkey, black tea provides a smaller dose of caffeine that will help ease the withdrawal process while still providing an energy boost. It’s also a good option for those who don’t like the taste of coffee, but still crave the cozy comfort of sipping on a hot beverage. The Camellia sinensis-based tea is packed with antioxidants that help to decrease the risk of chronic disease and reduce cell damage in the body, and studies show it can also promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut and limit the production of harmful by-products.
Coconut water’s sweet and refreshing taste offers a unique alternative to coffee’s bitter taste, and it’s packed with nutrients that can provide some of the same benefits (without the negatives). Not only can it help ease the woes of a bad hangover, improve blood pressure, and preserve kidney function, it provides a more reliable energy boost without coffee’s consequential crash.
Though its sour taste is not for the faint of heart, its health benefits make for a fair trade. Crafted from fermented apples, apple cider vinegar has been shown to boost energy levels due to its potassium and enzyme content, making it a natural electrolyte solution. It also contains amino acids that counteract the effects of lactic acid build-up, helping to relieve muscle pain and fatigue. So next time you need a pick-me-up, try adding a couple of teaspoons to a glass of water for a healthy boost.
Named for its yellow color, golden milk is made by mixing non-dairy milk with turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and other spices. Not only does this tasty beverage help reduce inflammation, prevent cell damage, improve mood, and support brain function, it can keep fatigue at bay and increase energy levels throughout the day. Its key ingredient, turmeric, fights lethargy by increasing the levels of growth hormone in the brain.
Because its brewed by grounding tea leaf rather than steeping it, matcha is able to multiply the many benefits of green tea—especially the caffeine. But, unlike coffee, matcha is much less likely to make you feel shaky and anxious because its caffeine releases more slowly throughout the day. This also helps prevent that dreaded caffeine crash, letting you stay consistently perky even during the most yawn-inducing events. Energy isn’t the only advantage of matcha. It’s also said to have ten times the antioxidants of just one cup of regular green tea.
While there are plenty of other energy-packed beverages for those looking to replace or reduce coffee, it’s important to remember that we can increase energy naturally. Ensuring you maintain healthy sleep habits, consistent exercise routines, and a nutrient dense diet will reduce the need to reach for an energy supplement throughout the day.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information on this web site is for general information purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or health care provider on any matters relating to your health.
