Starting your day with healthy alternatives to caffeine will still give you the energy you need. They may even offer you a host of other health advantages, such as detoxification and the ingestion of various superfoods.
These natural alternatives to caffeine are caffeine-free. And we’ve compiled a list of the best alternatives to caffeine for energy.
Therefore, if you seek an alternative to caffeine for energy, you’ll find some of the alternatives in this article.
Why You Should Look For an Alternative to Caffeine
Why should you look for healthy alternatives to caffeine in the first place? Being a natural stimulant, caffeine provides that much-needed boost in times of need. Caffeine also benefits the mood, increases metabolism, and cognitive function.
Caffeine isn’t always harmful to health. Besides, it may be difficult to avoid caffeine since it is a widely used ingredient in many foods and drinks.
Since it may be challenging to avoid caffeine, you should ensure that you don’t take more than 400 milligrams a day. And, it’s a good thing you’re seeking caffeine-free alternatives because you’re going to make a significant improvement in your health.
Meanwhile, having large amounts of caffeine in your diet can cause physical dependence because caffeine is a stimulant to the nervous system. Although this may not be dangerous, caffeine withdrawal comes with some unpleasant side effects:
- Fatigue
- Muscle Pain
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Difficulty concentrating
Caffeine intake also interferes with your sleep— it reduces your level of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (the major part of the sleep hormone which your body produces– melatonin). And low melatonin can cause insomnia. Meanwhile, your sensitivity determines how much caffeine affects your sleep.
It might also interest you to know that consuming too much caffeine can increase your blood pressure. This, in turn, increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Some Foods and Drinks That Contain Caffeine
Here are some foods and drinks that contain caffeine:
- Coffee
- Cocoa beans and chocolate
- Kola nut
- Green tea
- Guarana
- Yerba mate drink
- Chewing gum
- Energy drinks
- Coffee-containing foods
- Chocolate-flavored foods
- Tea
While you’re here, you should check out 10 Most Expensive Coffees
What are the 10 Best Alternative to Caffeine?
1. Teeccino
Teeccino is a herbal combination made from chicory root, herbs, cocoa, berries, herbs, and other plants with a coffee-like flavor. It is free from caffeine.
Teeccino, as an alternative to caffeine, has antioxidants that can help prevent free radical damage/oxidative stress because it’s made from nutrient-dense ingredients.
2. Water
As you know, water is very good for the body. Therefore, you should take more of it. You can squeeze a bit of berry or lemon inside your water for a natural flavor before drinking it. Water is known to boost energy and make you feel alert. Hence, it is a natural alternative to caffeine for energy.
So, consider taking water at the start of each day to help you feel hydrated and boost your energy levels. And if at any time you feel fatigued, consider drinking some water. Read: 10 Most Expensive Water in the World| 2022
3. Dandy blend
If you love the taste of coffee, then consider trying out the Dandy blend. Dandy Blend is a healthy alternative to caffeine and it is made with the extracts of barley and rye grains, and the water-soluble extracts of dandelion root, chicory, and beets.
Its high antioxidants, detoxification perks, and low acidity make it a healthy alternative to caffeine.
4. MUD/WTR
This natural caffeine alternative is nutmeg, Himalayan salt, black tea powder, black pepper, cacao, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamon, and mushrooms (such as reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and Chaga).
Although the black tea powder in MUD/WTR has a small amount of caffeine, its mineral, vitamin, and antioxidant content can help boost your energy levels. In addition, MUD/WTR contains ingredients that help you better deal with stressors.
5. Ginseng
Ginseng is a widely used ingredient in energy drinks. It is widely used in East Asia as an important medicinal plant. Ginseng extract and ginseng root are often used to improve memory, relieve fatigue and stress, reduce aging effects, and increase energy. Hence, it is a healthy alternative to caffeine. In addition, ginseng can be taken as a supplement or tea.
6. Protein shakes
Protein shakes can serve as a natural alternative to caffeine and helps to keep up your energy levels throughout your day’s activities.
Also, protein builds and repairs the body’s muscles, bones, tissues, and antibodies (boosts your stamina and energy), and consuming less than the required amount of protein can be the reason you’re fatigued.
You can take a protein shake like Ensure Max Protein to fuel your body with the required dose of protein. Otherwise, you can prepare yours— add a scoop of plant-based protein powder or your preferred way to a banana and some almond milk. And voila! You’re good to go!
7. Detox tea
An acid-kicking detox tea might be the natural alternative to caffeine that’s suitable for you. This is not so difficult to get as you can prepare it yourself— add a pinch of black pepper, chop 1-inch pieces of turmeric and ginger, then add them to water and steep for 15 minutes.
After that, serve with a slice of fresh lemon. This acid-kicking detox tea gives your health a triple-A— antioxidant, alkaline, and anti-inflammatory.
Another thing that might interest you to know about the acid-kicking detox tea is that it reduces acidity, improves digestion, fuels you with energy, and reduces bloating and inflammation.
8. Carob
Carob is commonly known for being used as an alternative to chocolate and has been grown over the years. This alternative to caffeine for energy is highly nutritious and contains carbohydrates, vitamins A and B, protein, and minerals.
Carob also has large amounts of pinitol (pinitol has an effect that works like insulin) which works with the minerals to boost energy. Furthermore, you can use this caffeine-free powder to make your hot chocolate or smoothie taste sweeter without adding sugar.
9. Rhodiola
This perennial flowering plant has been shown to support memory and attention, and improve stamina and energy. And according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there are proofs that Rhodiola could ease mental fatigue and support physical performance. In addition, it can be used as a supplement and consumed as well.
10. Chicory root coffee
If you love the taste and smell of coffee, then consider trying chicory root. To give this coffee-like flavor and aroma, chicory root can be roasted, brewed, and ground. It might not specifically boost your energy levels but it is a rich source of insulin.
In addition, it improves bowel movement and digestion. You can prepare a tea that tastes and smells just like coffee using chicory root— add 2 tablespoons of roasted chicory grounds for every 6 ounces of hot water.
Also, you may want to check out How Much Does A Gallon Of Water Weigh?
When to Avoid Caffeine
Consuming average amounts of caffeine might feel healthy to some people. However, experts advise certain categories of people to stay away from caffeine to avoid intensifying existing health issues or reduce health complication risks.
So, if you belong to any of the categories below, you’re expected to monitor your intake of caffeine:
- Women trying to conceive, pregnant women, or breastfeeding moms
- People who have difficulty sleeping
- Epileptic people
- People with a family history of glaucoma or those with glaucoma
- Those allergic to caffeine or sensitive to caffeine
Conclusion
Asides from the ones mentioned above, there are many other alternatives to caffeine for those who need a replacement for caffeine in their diet. While some of them might not give you a boost in energy, they can give you that coffee-like flavor and aroma.
Also, you will need some level of patience when withdrawing from caffeine as you may experience some withdrawal symptoms.
FAQs 10 Best Alternative to Caffeine
Here are some caffeine-free energy drinks you can try; Unsweetened Cocoa Powder in Lowfat Milk, Decaf Green Tea, Probiotics, Homemade Breakfast Smoothies, or Coconut Water With Lemon.
Naturally, the leaves, fruit, and beans of cacao, coffee, and guarana plants contain caffeine. Caffeine can also be found in supplements and beverages.
Not taking caffeine helps your blood pressure since too much intake of caffeine causes increased blood pressure.
This is because caffeine stimulates the nervous system. In addition, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease has been associated with a high intake of caffeine.
Coffee has been shown to boost energy due to the caffeine contained in it. It contains antioxidants— polyphenols (responsible for reducing oxidative stress in the body). The caffeine contained in coffee also makes your body alert.
Peppermint, chamomile, and ginger teas are teas without caffeine in them. These sets of teas are made from seeds, dried flowers, roots, or leaves without caffeine.
References
- www.medicalnewstoday.com — Eight caffeine alternatives: Healthful substitutes
- www.webmd.com — Foods High in Caffeine
- www.ryanandalex.com — Caffeine Alternatives
- www.mindbodygreen.com — These 11 Caffeine Alternatives Will Give You A Natural Energy Boost
- www.parade.com — Looking to Quit Caffeine? These Are the 15 Healthy Alternatives Experts Swear By
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