Coffee: the gift for the sleep-deprived. If you’re anything like me, you can’t imagine starting your morning without that kick of energy. You can take it black, iced, extra strong, but at the end of the day, there’s no escaping the simple fact: coffee is everywhere. In fact, studies show that coffee is the most commonly used drug globally. Considering the fast-paced society we live in and the effects of coffee, this doesn’t come as a surprise. However, there are downsides to coffee: insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety are just a few. If you’re a chronic coffee-drinker and have noticed that your dependency is starting to get out of hand, it might be time to consider alternatives.
1. Matcha
Matcha, the powder that became a major trend in the last year, has vital benefits. Because matcha is made from the entire tea leaf, it holds more caffeine than most teas. Compared to coffee, matcha contains only slightly less caffeine – so why is it so much better for you? When you drink coffee, the caffeine is immediately released into the bloodstream, resulting in an extreme insulin spike and eventual crash. Unlike coffee, matcha is released slowly, which prevents these extreme effects. In addition, matcha has many benefits such as filling the body with antioxidants, boosting metabolism, and lowering the risk of heart disease. Consider trying matcha tea or making a matcha superfood recipe.
2. Green Tea
Similar to matcha, green tea contains caffeine but does not cause the jittery effects that are typical with coffee. Packed with antioxidants and dopamine-boosting amino acids, green tea has various health benefits such as reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and burning fat. If you notice that your coffee intake leads you to have that midday slump, definitely consider switching to green tea. If you aren’t a tea-drinker, try getting creative with DIY green tea face masks and scrubs.
3. Coconut Water
Although it doesn’t contain caffeine, coconut water has been proven to help athletes perform. If you tend to utilize coffee prior to working out or playing sports, coconut water could be a great substitute. Studies have shown that coconut water is equally sufficient as sports drinks at restoring hydration after exercise. In addition, compared to water or coffee, it is easier to drink plenty of coconut water without feeling nauseous, thus, it is a great way to stay hydrated. Other health benefits include reducing blood pressure, improving heart health, and fighting against diabetes.
4. Kombucha
If you want the benefits of tea without the actual tea, it’s time to try kombucha. Kombucha is a fermented drink made from a mix of green or black tea, yeast, and sugar. Not only does it provide the same advantages as tea, it can aid in helping digestion, weight loss, and high blood pressure. Filled with antioxidants and probiotics, kombucha helps to burn fat, prevent heart disease, and lower cholesterol.