Energy-boosting alternatives to coffee
it’s safe to say we are coffee lovers. Whether you’re a fan of a fancy flat white or you stick to a humble jar of instant, we’re estimated to get through two billion cups around the world, each and every day.
if you’re keen to take a break from coffee in 2021, but can’t sacrifice the energy hit, saying goodbye to your daily fix can be a tricky business.
instead of going cold turkey, you might want to try one of these natural coffee alternatives that provide a similar pick-me-up.
matcha
Matcha is a Japanese tea powder made by grinding dried tea leaves. Known for its distinctive green colour, it can be a helpful substitute for hardcore coffee drinkers, especially if you tend to feel afternoon energy crashes after slurping espressos all morning.
“although matcha contains caffeine, it also contains the amino acid l-theanine, which slows its release in the body,” explains nutritionist Jenna hope (@jennahopenutrition).
“as a result, you’ll experience a gradual rise and fall in energy when you drink it, rather than the sharp spike, followed by an unpleasant low.”
Jenna says matcha also has another benefit; it’s rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals – unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing both illness and ageing.
Kombucha
This fermented drink is said to aid digestion and improve immune function. it can also act as a helpful alternative to sugary drinks or coffee, because it’s generally low in sugar and, like many types of tea, contains lower amounts of caffeine – popular drinks brand Remedy Kombucha (remedydrinks.com) contains around 10mg per 100ml, for instance.
The sweet tea also has a slight fizz, which some find helps wake them up first thing, better than a glass of h O. bananas
This nutritionally-dense food is the healthiest way to get an energy hit first thing. The banana’s secret weapons are sucrose, fructose and glucose – natural sugars that give you a substantial source of fuel. They’re also a source of potassium and vitamin B6, all of which can help to keep your energy levels stable.
if you want something soothing to sip on while starting the day, whizz them up in a shake for a treat.
Green tea
Functional medicine health coach suzy Glaskie (peppermintwellness. co.uk) warns that coffee can wreck our sleep as well as exhaust our adrenal glands. “i prefer a cup of green tea, which provides a more gentle caffeine lift,” she says.
similarly to matcha, it has slightly less caffeine than coffee, but enough to give a boost without the jitters.
“studies have found that adding a squeeze of lemon may make the active ingredients more potent,” says suzy.
Green tea is also rich in polyphenols, natural compounds that are thought to have potent health benefits, including reducing inflammation and helping to treat digestive issues.