Caffeine is perhaps the most unassuming form of stimulants worshipped across the world.
Men and women of all ages swear by the instant high coffee delivers due to its high caffeine content. In the medical world, caffeine is regarded as one of the rare natural drugs that have a social acceptance. Yes, coffee is deemed parallel to a recreational drug due its ability to relieve bodily pains, tiredness and letharginess with just a few sips.
These effects of consuming coffee might make you question why is something so wonderful being questioned. The reason is simple caffeine is highly addictive. In the longer run, over-consumption of coffee leads to many types of health problems.
Thus, it becomes imperative that we try to identify some coffee substitutes that have a coffee-like effect, i.e. they deliver the mental and energy boost but sans the negative effects of caffeine. Some useful coffee substitutes have been listed below:
Healthiest: Herbal Tea/Ayurvedic Chai
The best switch from coffee to a coffee alternative is the humble chai but with a twist. Also retailed as Herbal Teas or Ayurvedic Tea Blends, the grounded tea here is fortified with different kinds of herbs that have a rejuvenating effect. Please note that herbal teas are more like coffee than being similar to normal teas. These are essentially herbal concoctions that have an energy-boosting impact like coffee.
Some of the most common natural blends used in herbal teas include:
• Ashwagandha
• Ginger
• Cloves
• Green tea leaves
• Coffee
Replacements
• Ginseng
Often, herbal teas contain a mixture of all or many of such ingredients to have a typical, coffee-like mind boosting effect. Popular herbal teas that are sold as coffee substitutes include the following flavor options:
• Herbal teas prepared from roasted cinnamon, barley and chicory. Roasted barley lends a sweet, cocoa-like taste.
• Green teas containing roasted rice to create a nutty, coffee-like flavor.
• Herbal teas containing ground powders of dates and almonds for a rich coffee-like texture.
Try Coffee Grain Instead of Regular Coffee
Grain coffee is not easily available in many cities. However, its presence is slowly rising across herbal and specialty cuisine stores. Coffee prepared from whole grains is virtually free of caffeine. Please note that the term “grain coffee” is actually a misnomer. This isn't actual coffee. It is essentially a mixture of various natural ingredients like nuts and leaves that yield a coffee-like taste and texture. Further, there are more flavors and nutrients found in grain coffee because of the different type of ingredients. This includes almond, hazelnut and vanilla flavor.
Decaffeinated Coffee Instead of Regular Coffee
When preparing decaf coffee, the caffeine content is comprehensively removed.
There are basically two types of coffee beans used for preparing decaffeinated coffee, i.e. Arabica and Robusta beans. Usually, decaf labels read 97% or 98% caffeine free. This is not an exaggeration since removing caffeine to a negligible amount is possible.
Decaf coffee prepared from the Swiss Water or European method of decaffeination is considered the best. However, some healthcare analysts opine that drinking too much of decafs is not a wise choice as some decafs have been found to be surprisingly addictive.
Preparing Reasonably Effective Alternatives to Regular Coffee:
• Black tea prepared via a longer process of brewing for creating the strongest flavor, pepped with extra helping of brown sugar.
• Using three-fourths decaffeinated coffee mixed with one-fourth normal
coffee as you start your coffee-substituting regimen. This helps to control the withdrawal symptoms.
Concluding Thoughts
This list of coffee substitutes is a healthier choice than drinking energy drinks or consuming high-sugar foods. Both these options present an energy boost that mimics caffeine’s effects. However, the mechanism used for creating this coffee-like impact is highly injurious to your health. The sugar spike caused by such options works towards raising your body weight and can lead to lifestyle problems like diabetes or high blood pressure.
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