They invigorate no worse than coffee: 7 drinks for all-day energy
What to replace coffee with (illustration: Unsplash)
For many people, coffee in the morning has become a sort of ritual - the drink helps chase away sleepiness and fill up with energy. However, if the bitter taste of coffee is not appealing, or if the varieties of the drink have become tiresome, there are alternatives that can also help invigorate you. Healthline advises what to replace coffee with in the morning.
Chicory
Similar to coffee beans, chicory root can be roasted, ground, and brewed into a tasty hot beverage. It tastes very similar to coffee but does not contain caffeine.
It is also a source of inulin - this soluble fiber can promote digestion and support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, including bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Additionally, it may stimulate the liver to produce more bile, which can be beneficial for fat digestion.
However, consumption of chicory root should be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Matcha
Matcha is a type of green tea made by steaming, drying, and grinding the leaves of the tea plant into a fine powder. Matcha has a fresh flavor, which some describe as earthy.
Depending on the preparation method, this beverage may contain more or less caffeine than coffee. Due to the processing method of the leaves, the concentration of antioxidants in one serving is higher than in regular tea.
Research shows that regular consumption of green tea may lower the risk of high blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Lemon water
Lemon water is a wonderful way to start the day. It contains no calories or caffeine and provides a good dose of vitamin C. As an antioxidant, vitamin C plays a crucial role in your immune system and protects the skin from damage.
It's necessary for collagen formation - the protein that provides the basic structure of your skin, tendons, and ligaments.
Rooibos tea
Rooibos, or red tea, is a caffeine-free beverage originating from South Africa. Unlike coffee and other teas, rooibos has a low content of tannin antioxidants, which can be beneficial but also hinder iron absorption.
Despite its low tannin content, rooibos contains significant amounts of other antioxidants.
Rooibos brews longer than most teas, but excessive steeping doesn't result in a bitter taste. Instead, rooibos has a slightly sweet, fruity aroma.
Masala chai
Masala chai is black tea with spices, featuring a strong flavor and moderate caffeine content. Research shows that black tea may reduce the risk of heart disease.
While it contains less caffeine than coffee, studies have shown that black tea can also enhance cognitive function and has potent antioxidant properties.
In addition to its potential health benefits, chai has a robust flavor and soothing aroma.
Water with apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting crushed apples with yeast and bacteria. This process produces a compound called acetic acid, which, according to some studies, may positively impact insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels.
A basic apple cider vinegar drink consists of 1-2 tablespoons of raw or unfiltered apple cider vinegar, 1 cup (237 ml) of cold water, and optionally, 1-2 tablespoons of honey or another sweetener.
However, concentrated apple cider vinegar should not be consumed as it contains 4-6% acetic acid.
Kombucha
Kombucha is made by fermenting black tea with bacteria, yeast, and sugar. During fermentation, a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast forms.
After fermentation, the tea contains probiotics, acetic acid, and antioxidants - all of which may benefit health. For example, strengthening the immune system, improving cholesterol levels, and stabilizing blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.
However, kombucha also carries potential risks associated with its acidity affecting digestion, so individuals with chronic gastrointestinal conditions should avoid consuming the tea.
Earlier, we discussed which products increase blood pressure.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
