- Make It Yourself Lavender Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs!
- 20 Things You Never Knew About “Down There”
- 12 Best Foods For Those Suffering From Arthritis Pain
- 12 Personal Hygiene Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes (Mom Never Told You About #4!)
- 15 Medicinal Plants And Herbs From The Cherokee People
- 12 Mind-Blowing Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy
- 12 Outstanding Winter Foods That Won’t Fatten You Up Like A Christmas Turkey
Top 6 Coffee Alternatives
Photo credit: bigstock
So many of us are running on empty, so to speak, going through our days with very little sleep and depending on coffee to get us by. Ok, so a cup of coffee now and again isn’t going to hurt you but that’s not what we are talking about here. This is directed at those of you who make and drink a cup at home, drive to Starbucks for another, and then refill that Starbucks cup once you are at work, just to keep yourself from falling back dead asleep. You know who you are, you serious caffeine addicts! Find out more about caffeine addiction. All joking aside, this type of intense caffeine intake is keeping you from paying attention to the signals that your body is trying to give you; that you need more sleep!
Want to break that caffeine habit but don’t want to pay the consequences of blinding headaches and the jitters? It doesn’t have to be that difficult. Here is a list of the 6 super food alternatives that can keep you calm and still give you the energy kick you are looking for.
1. Roasted Dandelion Root
This is a great coffee replacement. If you have never tried it, you will be surprised at how similar the taste is to coffee. It’s slightly bitter, just like coffee, but mixes well with honey, and milk, just like your coffee. Dandelion root has no caffeine but it has the added benefit of being very beneficial to your liver. Most health food stores offer dandelion root in an “instant” form; add hot water and it’s ready!
Photo credit: bigstock
2. Maca
This plant is grown in the high mountains of Peru. Maca is a natural energy and mood enhancer. It’s known for reducing stress while it increases your libido. (You’re paying more attention now, aren’t you?) Maca is sold in a powder form in health food stores. Try adding just a teaspoon to your morning smoothie or tea.
Photo credit: bigstock
3. Raw Cacao
If you find that you are feeling low and without energy without your espresso fix then you need some raw cacao. Raw cacao has tryptophan, which will help your body make that feel good hormone serotonin. It does have just a trace of caffeine, but what will really help to give you a natural boost is the theobromine. It’s a gentle stimulate that you can add to your dandelion substitute.
Photo credit: bigstock
4. Ginseng
This ancient Chinese root is well known for increasing energy while it reduces fatigue but did you know that it can boost your immune system, helps to detox your liver, reduces fatigue, and can help you better deal with stress. Take ginseng either as a tea or in capsule form. It’s available in most supermarkets and all health food stores.
Photo credit: bigstock
5. Rooibos
This is a fantastic tea that has plenty of flavor all on its own but you can mix it with milk or honey, if you want. If you can’t break that coffee shop habit, Starbucks sells this coffee alternative, as do many restaurants. Rooibos comes from the leaves of a plant grown in Africa and has been used as a drink for an untold number of years. Read also the comparison of tea vs coffee.
Photo credit: bigstock
6. Ginger
Try ginger tea or add some freshly ground ginger to your smoothie for an energy boost. Ginger is good for nausea, which can sometimes be a side effect of caffeine withdrawal. Ginger is warm and soothing to your stomach while it can give your circulation a much needed boost.
Sources:
Linda
May 19, 2014 at 11:53 pm
This is a frustrating site. Can’t get it all on one page but each separate numbered item on a separate page. so I can either write it all with pen and paper or copy and paste each part. Really good subjects but frustrating to keep for home and family references. Linda Q