The best alternatives to a stimulating espresso or a delicate caffè latte
Actually, why not coffee?
It wakes you up, refreshes you, improves your concentration, speeds up your metabolism and, when drunk in moderation, helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. It would seem to be the perfect drink. So before we answer the question "what to drink in the morning instead of coffee," let's touch on the topic of who should not drink coffee and why. It is certainly worth giving up this drink if you have high blood pressure, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers or other digestive problems. Although pregnant women are usually allowed by doctors to drink two cups of weak coffee a day, it's better to blow off steam and wean off caffeine completely at this special time. We should also remember that coffee strongly stimulates the central nervous system. This has its positive side - under its influence, the brain produces more serotonin, and we gain energy and good mood. With too many cups, however, we can become highly stimulated and nervous. For this reason, it is a good idea to refrain from drinking coffee in the latter part of the day, and especially in the evening, before bedtime.
What instead of coffee? Other drinks with caffeine
Yerba mate
There are 60 to 140 mg of caffeine in one cup of brewed coffee. That's a lot. If you are looking for a substitute with a similarly strong effect, you should reach for yerba mate. This is an infusion made from the leaves of the Paraguayan holly, popular especially in South American countries, where it is the equivalent of coffee. One glass of mate contains an average of 85 mg of caffeine, which is more than a single espresso. At the same time, the substances contained in yerba prolong the process of absorption of caffeine, so that it affects us much longer. Choosing mate with added guarana will have an even stronger effect!
Green tea
What to drink instead of coffee if you want a gentle boost? Here all varieties of green tea will work. Japanese sencha contains about three times less caffeine than coffee, so it has a much milder effect. The infusion from the first brewing has a stimulating effect, while the second has a calming effect. Green tea invigorates the mind and improves concentration. It also contains plenty of vitamins, trace elements and rejuvenating polyphenols.
Matcha
It is powdered green tea. When we drink the beautiful, light green drink prepared from it with a delicate flavor, we therefore consume the very essence, so to speak. All the beneficial ingredients we find in green tea infusion will function in a multiplied form in Matcha. This includes caffeine. A cup of this drink has as much as 70 mg of it. Matcha is also a wealth of vitamins, micronutrients and antioxidants. It tastes great as a latte, especially with oat milk.
What about instead of caffeine?
If our intolerance to caffeine is behind the question "what instead of coffee", it is worth thinking about effective substitutes for this chemical.
Hot water and hot spices
When it comes to stimulation and refreshment, water is invaluable. After all, our body is made up of about 70% of it. Sluggishness and fatigue often simply indicate dehydration. Water is best consumed warm. In the morning, it's a good idea to prepare a simple isotonic drink on your own, which will not only wake us up and rehydrate us, but also help kick-start our metabolism. To a glass of warm water, add lemon juice, a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of powdered turmeric, as well as a pinch of salt, cayenne pepper and ginger. This is a real energy bomb!
Green cocktail
What else to drink instead of coffee? Smoothies or juices based on green vegetables. They are an easily digestible source of energy, fiber, vitamins and micronutrients. Drunk before breakfast, they nourish the body without burdening the digestive system, so they put you on your feet in no time and boost your metabolism.
Cocoa or cereal coffee
People who, for various reasons, cannot consume coffee, but miss its taste or the very ritual of drinking this aromatic beverage, should return to magnesium-rich cocoa or cereal coffee. They may not have such strong stimulating properties, but they are great for regenerating the body - especially after intense physical or mental exertion.
What beverage has an effect most similar to coffee?
Yerba mate or strong black tea. Both drinks have a similar amount of caffeine to coffee, with the stimulating effects of mate lasting much longer.
Who should reach for coffee substitutes?
First of all, people suffering from heart and cardiovascular problems, as well as the digestive system. Coffee is also discouraged for pregnant and lactating women.
How can you enhance the stimulating effects of any beverage?
By adding spices such as ginger, cayenne pepper, turmeric and cinnamon.
