3 Healthy Coffee Alternatives To Kickstart Your Day!

Coffee has been a popular drink for many years now. It is enjoyed by many people for different reasons. Some people drink coffee to get a boost of energy in the morning. Others simply enjoy it as a social activity with friends or colleagues at work. Whatever the reason, millions of people around the world consume this beverage every day. Yet, despite all the popularity, there are some negative effects of drinking too much coffee on a regular basis.

Did you know that coffee contains caffeine? This is a substance that stimulates the brain and body, which can make you feel more alert and energetic. However, when consumed in excess it can lead to health problems such as insomnia, headaches and irritability. It can also increase the chances of suffering from diabetes.

There are better options available if you want to feel more energetic and productive throughout the day.

What Does Coffee (Caffeine) Do To Your Body?

Caffeine is a stimulant found naturally in certain plants, especially coffee beans. In small doses it can improve alertness and concentration. But in high doses it can have negative effects on the body.

Many people start their day with a cup of coffee to help them get through the day. But coffee has some negative side effects on the human body. Some people say drinking coffee is a great way to boost energy levels in the morning, but is it really worth the risk? The effects of caffeine on the body vary from person to person depending on factors such as:

1.  Age
2. Overall Health
3. Amount of caffeine consumed. 

The negative effects of coffee/caffeine can include:

1. Insomnia
2. high blood pressure
3. irregular heartbeat
4. Nausea
5. Anxiety
6. Even death in extreme cases. 
7. Caffeine Withdrawal

Studies have shown that drinking excessive amounts of coffee can increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. There have also been links to an increased risk of breast cancer in women and a risk of pancreatic cancer in men. So next time you’re sipping on your morning coffee, remember there are healthier alternatives out there to start your day afresh!

If Not Coffee, Then What?

Believe it or not, coffee is addictive. The initial kick it gives you at the start of your day is a much needed experience for many. However, one shouldn’t ignore the harm that coffee causes to the body in the longer run.

Worry not, this blog shall share 3 super healthy alternatives to coffee that are just perfect to start your day with. These are:

1. Golden Milk
2. Flavoured Black Tea
3. Brewed Cacao

Golden Milk

If you want to substitute your daily morning coffee with something super healthy, try a cup of golden milk. Made from wholesome milk, this antioxidant rich drink has a delicious and healthy flavour. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, and it’s especially high in vitamin A and vitamin D.

Why should you have golden milk? For one thing, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe your body and calm your mind. That’s great when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, but it can also help you avoid more serious health problems down the road. That’s why it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet and get plenty of exercise on a regular basis. 

What is the recipe for golden milk? You start by heating whole milk in a small saucepan until it’s hot but not boiling. Then add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, a pinch of black pepper and a pinch of cinnamon. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes and then strain the mixture into a mug. Add a little honey or coconut sugar and top it off with a splash of almond milk to make it extra creamy. A few drops of vanilla extract can also be added to brighten up the flavour.

Flavoured Black Tea

Brewing black flavoured  tea is a popular trend among tea drinkers. Flavoured black teas offer a variety of options that can complement your taste buds and thus works best for mornings. Some of the most popular flavoured black teas include mint,rose, bergamot & jasmine. These flavours are well suited for anyone looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy throughout the day.

What are the health benefits of drinking flavoured black tea?

Drinking flavoured black tea has been linked to a variety of health benefits. Some of the most common benefits include improved heart health and reduced risk of cancer. Black tea contains powerful antioxidants that are beneficial for fighting free radicals in the body. It also contains caffeine in minimum amounts, which can improve concentration and mental performance, thus being a better substitute for coffee!

All you need to do is order some good quality flavoured black tea, brew it or boil it depending on the strength of the flavour you prefer. Add a few drops of honey if you like your tea sweet and sip your way to health.

While purchasing such tea, make sure that the flavours in the tea are 100% natural and no artificial flavours are added.

Brewed Cacao

Brewed cacao is a unique form of hot chocolate that offers a variety of health benefits not found in traditional hot chocolate. Here’s a closer look at what brewed cacao is, how it differs from traditional hot chocolate, and some of the benefits of the drink:

What is brewed cacao?

Brewed cacao is a beverage made from a blend of fresh and dried cocoa beans, spices like cinnamon and vanilla, and a sweetener such as honey or maple syrup. The mixture is then boiled in a pot until it forms a thick and frothy chocolate-like liquid. Once the mixture has been cooked, it can be served hot, chilled, or even mixed into coffee or other beverages to create a decadent chocolate treat.

How is brewed cacao different from hot chocolate?

The main difference between brewed cacao and traditional hot chocolate is that the latter typically contains a mixture of milk and sugar, which are ingredients that are usually undesirable when dieting. In contrast, brewed cacao only uses natural ingredients and is therefore a healthy and delicious alternative to regular hot chocolate. It is also much easier to make than a regular cup of hot chocolate since you only need a few ingredients and a short amount of time to whip up a delicious mug of brewed cacao.

What are the benefits of drinking brewed cacao?

Drinking brewed cacao has many beneficial health effects since it is a healthier alternative to traditional hot chocolate. Here are just a few of the benefits it offers:

1. It is a great source of antioxidants – the flavonoids in brewed cacao protect the body from free radicals that cause cellular damage.
2. It keeps you feeling full for longer – the healthy fats and proteins found in brewed cacao help to keep you satisfied for hours so you can manage your hunger pangs and avoid overeating.
3.  It contains no added sugar – unlike regular hot chocolate, brewed cacao does not contain any sugar or artificial sweeteners so it is healthier for you and will not disrupt your blood sugar levels.
4. Instead of caffeine, cacao contains  theobromine, which translates as “food of the gods” in Greek. Theobromine is a naturally occurring stimulant that dilates blood vessels (instead of constricting them) to increase blood flow, which gives you the same boost of energy that coffee does—except it lasts longer and doesn’t have all the nasty side effects.

How do I make brewed cacao?

Brewing your own batch of brewed cacao is easy and inexpensive, and you can experiment with different flavours and toppings to create your own signature drink. Brewing cacao is similar to brewing ground coffee, and can be done using the same tools. You can easily buy cacao powder for brewing and make some tasty cups of brewed cacao at home!

Winters Are Coming!

The cold is about to happen and this blog is perfect to warm your winter mornings with beverages that are healthier than coffee and will help you alot to reduce your daily caffeine intake, while still keeping you warm and energetic throughout the day.

Brew On!