Coffee is the beverage that fuels us in the morning and makes us feel like functioning human beings. So, it might seem like a major betrayal to coffee addicts to suggest something else to drink in morning… especially beverages that might not contain caffeine (the horror!!).
Your coffee habit is probably fine. But coffee has some potential risks, mostly due to its high caffeine content. For example, it can temporarily raise blood pressure. High intake of coffee has been associated with mild increase in cholesterol levels and can also wreck your skin.
If you have side effects from coffee, such as heartburn, nervousness or insomnia, consider cutting back. If you’re on the market for something different, there are some fantastic coffee alternatives that are well-worth a try:
1. Beetroot Latte
The pretty pink latte certainly has Insta appeal to spare. It’s a great caffeine-free hot drink that offers health benefits, too: You see, beets are rich in antioxidants and have high levels of dietary nitrates. (The good kind!) Plus, unlike actual beets, beetroot lattes are less messy (and thus have less potential for stains). plus it may help keep blood pressure regular and protect against heart disease. Adding in some milk gives the drink a creamy consistency, while also providing protein, calcium and vitamin D. Just watch out for fillers and added sugars or colors in beetroot powders — formulas should be as pure as possible. We recommend Organica Life’s beet products for your morning pick-me-up drink.
Pro-tip: Some people mix beetroot powders with other spices like vanilla bean powder, cinnamon, ginger and sometimes a pinch of chili.
2. Chicory Root “Coffee”
Chicory root is a great coffee alternative for those who love the taste of coffee, but could do without the caffeine addiction. Senior Director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife Nutrition, Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND, says that the roots of the chicory plant are roasted and ground, then brewed like coffee. The resulting taste is very similar to coffee’s — except the drink has no caffeine.
3. Green Tea
There’s a reason some people swear by green tea over coffee — and it’s not just about taste or caffeine hits. Bowerman says that green tea contains a plethora of polyphenols, which are antioxidant compounds that have been linked to a reduced risk of several common forms of cancer.
And the health benefits don’t stop there: Green tea consumption is also associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Consider upgrading to matcha (a more concentrated powdered form of green tea) or try a matcha latte made with your choice of milk.
4. Black Chai With Milk
A delicious chai has the same warming feeling as a cup of joe. Black tea provides some caffeine, but not as much. Adding spices (e.g. ginger, cinnamon, cardamom) take the flavor to the next level and act as antioxidants. There are plenty of chai spice blends; go-getters could also make their own.
5. Yerba Mate Tea
Think of yerba mate as the South American superfood tea. It’s a good option for those who don’t want to give up caffeine because it has roughly the same amount as coffee. Some also believe it boosts mood and concentration. Yerba mate has grassy notes that some might find to be an acquired taste. Most will find the balance just right in a latte.
6. Hot Lemon Water
Why make things complicated in the morning when they don’t need to be? A glass of hot water with lemon does the body some serious good. Many celebs swear by the simple drink and the hype has reached pretty crazy levels. Yes, there are some outlandish claims out there, but the body does get dehydrated at night, so a glass of hot lemon water is a great way to replenish and kick start systems. Some also find the hotter temperature and lemon more palatable compared to cold, plain water.
