A recent survey found that the average American adult drinks coffee daily. Be it a morning cup that puts the body in motion or an afternoon pick-me-up, people have to have their java. While a cup of black coffee does exhibit health benefits, guzzling cup after cup can have adverse effects on your health. 

Coffee starts to become unhealthy the moment sugar, sweeteners, creamers, or dairy products enter the cup. Since coffee is the first thing that most people put in their bodies to start the day, why not make it healthier? In reality, people should start their day with water, but it’s not as popular as coffee. Water does give you life, though, just saying. Anyways, if you’re the type of person who enjoys a cup of joe in the morning, you can enhance that cup with a few simple tips. Sneak some extra nutrients in there!

Choose Quality Beans

People have their opinions about organic versus non-organic foods, but it’s best to purchase organic, fair trade coffee. You can taste the difference between a five-dollar bag and a 15-dollar bag of coffee! The quality of coffee will vary depending on how the beans were grown and processed. It’s a common practice for growers to spray coffee beans with synthetic chemicals, which humans should not consume. Additionally, buying fair trade means that you know the origin of the product, certifying that the farmers that grow the coffee receive a fair price. Plus, their communities benefit as well. 

Embrace Cinnamon

Some people have the same bottle of cinnamon sitting in their spice cabinet for years. It’s not a popular spice, for some reason, despite the fact that it exhibits powerful flavor and health benefits. Next time you brew your morning coffee, throw in a couple dashes of cinnamon into the cup. Cinnamon offers powerful antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Some research found that cinnamon works to regulate blood sugar and insulin. You can enhance the health benefits by pairing cinnamon with complementary spices like nutmeg, cloves, or ginger.

Don’t Overload With Sugar

A cup of black coffee has health benefits, but people quickly tip the scales into the unhealthy realm with the addition of sugar, creamers, and artificial sweeteners. Artificial creamers, especially low-fat creamers, contain a lot of sugar and processed ingredients. Some nutritionists claim that they contain questionable ingredients that humans should not consume. Additionally, plant-based creamers are not always as healthy as people think. Artificial sweeteners and creamers have been linked to an increased risk of obesity and heart disease. Finally, limit the sugar you add to your coffee. Don’t pour it out of a giant container; rather, pour it into a small spoon and then mix it in, but don’t keep pouring spoonful after spoonful. 

Make Mushroom Coffee

Don’t worry, you aren’t about to see a layer or stir-fried mushrooms floating atop your cup of coffee. Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground mushrooms and coffee beans. When you pour boiling water over this blend, the result is a dark, smooth cup of coffee with a nutty flavor. The mushrooms that are in these blends typically include chaga, reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and turkey tail. These medicinal mushrooms may help to reduce anxiety, enhance immune function, and lower inflammatory markers. Some of these mushrooms may even reduce the risk of cancer development. Do your research and find a reputable brand that has great customer reviews. 

Add MCT Oil

MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is a supplement that many athletes and body builders use, but it’s also popular among keto diet followers. The shorter length triglycerides are easier for the body to digest than longer-chain fatty acids in other foods. According to a study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who added MCT oil to coffee experienced higher levels of leptin (a hunger-suppressing hormone). MCT oil can actually make you feel full for a lot longer and can help keep blood sugar stable. 

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Matcha is everywhere these days. It has gained an almost cult-like following, winning over coffee enthusiasts with the popular incarnation that is the matcha latte. Although people in the West may be newly interested in its distinctive flavor and vibrant color, it has a deep cultural tradition and exhibits many health benefits. 

What Is Matcha?

This special form of green tea directly translates to “fine green powder.” Unlike traditional tea preparation where you only drink the liquid after steeping the tea bag, matcha preparation involves whisking whole ground tea leaves into hot water. By consuming the leaves in liquid form, you actually absorb more antioxidants and nutrients than you would drinking a regular cup of green tea. Growers and tea farmers shade the young leaves of the first harvest for about three to four weeks before picking them. This practice contributes to the inherent sweetness during the brewing process. Post harvest, the dried leaves are ground into a fine powder. 

Steeped In Tradition

Matcha is often the centerpiece of a Japanese tea ceremony. Traditionally, people prepare matcha by pouring the powder into hot water and whisking it with a bamboo whisk. Drinking it from the tea bowl allows you to simultaneously sip the tea while inhaling the aroma. Because it is not soluble, matcha powder suspends in water; therefore, people should consume it immediately after preparation.

Traditionally Involved In Meditation

Traditionally, Zen Buddhist monks consume matcha prior to meditation, as it is a calming stimulant. One cup of matcha has one-third of the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. Instead of giving people the jitters, it creates a sensation of mental alertness and deep relaxation. Because of this, some people refer to matcha as “liquid meditation,” working to help people concentrate during long meditation sessions. In the West, however, it’s more of a trend and not consumed for meditation purposes. 

Some Powders Are Better Than Others

Matcha has a strong, mildly bitter taste that some people may equate to an umami flavor profile. For this reason, some manufacturers sweeten powders to improve palatability. Instead of traditional matcha powder, it becomes a matcha mix, where the first ingredient may be “sugar.” It’s possible for some powders to contain powdered milk as well, making it like a hot chocolate packet. These processed, sugary powders eliminate all of matcha’s health benefits. The easiest comparison is that traditional matcha is like raw cacao powder and processed powders are like sugary cocoa powder. Both varieties come from the same plant, but the health benefits get lost during all of the processing. 

Matcha Keeps You More Alert Than Coffee

As stated earlier, matcha does not contain as much caffeine as coffee. The average cup of matcha contains 70 milligrams of caffeine, whereas an average cup of coffee contains 120-150 milligrams of caffeine. The alertness doesn’t come from caffeine; rather, it’s because of L-theanine, which is an amino acid that raises dopamine and serotonin levels. Additionally, matcha helps people remain more focused and relaxed throughout the day. 

You Can Incorporate Matcha Into Meals

Matcha has made its way into both beverages and meals, including sweet and savory dishes. You may be familiar with baked goods that contain matcha, but chefs incorporate matcha into soups, stir-fries, puddings, and even guacamole (matchamole). Because of its assertive umami flavor, matcha can be a unique component in numerous culinary preparations. 

More Antioxidants Than Green Tea

By drinking matcha, you ingest the pure tea leaf in powdered form. That means that it contains more antioxidants than a regular cup of green tea. Some studies found that matcha exhibits more antioxidants than blueberries, pomegranates, and acai berries. Matcha also contains catechins, which counteract the effects of free radicals from UV rays, pollution, and airborne pollutants. 

While matcha lattes can be delicious, the sugars and milk may counteract the health benefits. Casein, the protein in milk, binds to catechin in matcha and inhibits the health benefits. Just keep that in mind as you move forward with your love for matcha.

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If you are like 90% of Americans, chances are that you consume caffeine in one or more ways every single day. More than 50% of American adults consume 300 milligrams of caffeine per day (considered too much by health experts), making it the most popular drug in America.

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is the undisputed morning drug of choice for people. It wakes you up, alters moods, and stimulates the central nervous system the same way that amphetamines do. Caffeine actually blocks adenosine, a chemical in that body that promotes sleepiness, which can interfere with a healthy sleep pattern. Found in more than 60 plants, caffeine is the most popular stimulant in the world. It is a psychostimulant that makes you more alert. Yerba mate, guarana, coffee, tea, and certain herbs are the most common forms of caffeine.

Can You Increase Energy Levels Without Caffeine?

Most people don’t understand that caffeine is the short-term solution to increasing energy levels. And consuming too much caffeine results in a hardcore crash. The reality is that most people can’t imagine a life without caffeine, but it is possible to boost energy levels without it. The combination of regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, and stress-reducing techniques all improve your energy levels. Besides all of that, the following herbal, caffeine-free teas can give you that energy boost you’re looking for.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea helps to calm upset stomachs, but the secret benefits are that it can improve focus, memory, and energy levels. The tea has a minty flavor with hints of pine, and it tastes best when you brew it for five to ten minutes. Northrumbia University conducted a study with 180 individuals. One group took a placebo and the other drank peppermint tea. The group that drank peppermint tea experienced improved cognition and elevated mood.

Lemon Balm Tea

This isn’t high on everyone’s list of energy boosting beverages, but it may be after you read about it. Historically, lemon balm helped to regulate mood and improve cognitive function, making people more alert. People who drink lemon balm tea find that they are less irritable and have more energy without being nervous or jumpy.

Ginger Tea

You should always have ginger in your house. It’s a wonderful herbal remedy that helps reduce sore throats and stomach pain. Countless studies on ginger have examined its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to improve blood flow. Newer studies found that increased circulation can help boost energy levels. In fact, a study in Herbal Medicine found that ginger promotes adrenal catecholamine secretion. Since these chemical compounds regulate energy consumption, drinking ginger tea may help you sustain energy throughout the day on a chemical level.

Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root is an adaptogenic herb, and it helps to regulate hormonal production. It encourages the adrenal glands to increase blood flow, which in turn contributes to increased energy. Licorice root does have that signature licorice flavor, but you can mix it with other herbal teas to reduce the intensity of the flavor. You can also sweeten it with raw agave or stevia to mellow the taste.

Rooibos Tea

Native to South Africa, rooibos is a small red bush that contains potent antioxidants, similar to the ones that are in green tea. Most health experts consider rooibos tea to be the best caffeine-free tea in the world, specifically for the antiviral activity, cholesterol lowering abilities, chemopreventative activity, and blood pressure lowering ability. It can help to decrease fatigue and improve focus, but it isn’t the best tea for energy on this list.

Astragalus Tea

Astragalus is a common herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Brewed from the root of the astragalus plant, astragalus tea helps to support the adrenal glands, where we get our energy. If you suffer from adrenal fatigue, astragalus should be one of your go-to herbs. Lastly, astragalus is a natural diuretic and helps to support healthy immune function.

Ginkgo Biloba

TCM uses ginkgo biloba to help increase blood flow throughout the body, opening channels of energy that improve overall health. Many people consume this tea to help boost brain health or improve memory. If you feel fatigued or have a cloudy mind, drink a cup of ginkgo biloba tea for mental clarity and a slight pick-me-up.

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Some people can’t start the day or think straight without a cup of coffee. The act of making, drinking, or going to get a cup of coffee has become a ritual for most people. We’re not here to debate that or convince you to only drink caffeine-free herbal teas; rather, our intention is to provide you with non-dairy creamer recipes.

In case you haven’t been to a grocery store lately, it is evident that plant-based creamers are extremely popular. There are creamers that use oats, almonds, coconuts, macadamia nuts, or cashews as the base, but how do you know if they will taste good? It’s always a gamble, and people can be hesitant to go all-in on a new creamer because they are typically more expensive than their chemical-rich, sugary counterparts.

Why You Should Steer Clear Of Traditional Creamers

Traditional creamers are ultra sweet, and it can be hard to deny those sugary flavors. Did you know that they don’t contain any dairy, though? This is shocking right? Well, it’s not if you actually pay attention to the ingredient list on these products. Almost every single coffee creamer contains a chemical concoction of thickeners, sugars, hydrogenated oils, and trans fats.

All of that said, certain vegan creamers can easily contain thickeners and other processed ingredients to keep them shelf stable. Rather than flooding the body with harmful chemicals, we thought is best to provide you with tasty creamer recipes that are very easy to make. The great thing is that you get to customize them and save money in the process!

Coconut Oat Vanilla Nut Creamer

This gives you the same vanilla flavor you love from traditional creamer without the added chemicals and sugars.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

• Add the oats and coconut to a blender and pulse into tiny pieces. Pour the water in the blender and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Blend again for 3 minutes, or until smooth. Pour the creamer into a glass jar through a fine mesh sieve.
• Rinse the blender and pour the liquid back into it. Add the agave, vanilla extract, and almond extract and blend well. Store in a glass jar in the fridge and use within 7-10 days.

Salted Caramel Creamer

Once you make this recipe, you’ll make a note to yourself to never buy coffee creamer with weird ingredients again.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1.5 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons coconut milk (can be take from the can below)
• ½ teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• pinch of sea salt
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can coconut milk

Instructions:

• You need to make the caramel first. Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Allow it to come to a simmer and wait until it becomes a thick glaze to add the 3 tablespoons of coconut milk, vanilla extract, and the sea salt. Stir to combine.
• Pour the caramel into a heat-safe bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
• Add the coconut milk and caramel to a jar and stir to combine. Store in the fridge for up to 7-10 days.

Peppermint Bark Creamer

Add a little minty freshness to your morning cup of Joe. It tastes like you’re drinking something unhealthy, even though you aren’t!

Ingredients:

• 1 (14.5 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1/3 cup grade A maple syrup
• ¼-1¼ cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 1.5 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder

Instructions:

• Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan and bring it to a low simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add the maple syrup, stir to combine, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes
• Add the almond milk until you get your desired consistency (about ½ cup is perfect). Stir to combine and remove from the heat.
• Once this mixture cools, poor it into a glass jar and add the remaining ingredients. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine the ingredients. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 7-10 days.

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Tea drinking is not a habit that people take up, unless they come down with a cold or flu. Only then do they concoct tea blends, attempting to heal the body as quickly as possible. Let us let you in on a little secret: herbal teas can be consumed even when you aren’t sick. Wait…hang on a second. Is this real information? Yes, we can confirm that this is in fact a true statement.

Herbal teas, unlike green, oolong, black, or white teas, are not derived from tea plants. Each herbal tea is comprised of dried flowers, spices, herbs, or fruits, and some of them are blends of those ingredients, while others are made up of a singular herb, flower, or spice. Herbal teas are caffeine-free, differentiating them green or black tea varieties. The benefits of green tea, including the impressive antioxidants and its ability to help burn fat, often outshine the healing properties of other herbal teas. In reality, herbal teas need more attention because they have been known to reduce pain, stimulate digestion, improve immune function, provide anticancer benefits, detox the liver, and much more.

Often times, it is difficult to get your hands on fresh herbs, so the dried version is the next best thing. When you purchase dried herbs, it is best to store them in airtight glass jars in cool dark places. If you plan to combine several herbs to brew a healing cup of herbal tea, use a fine mesh tea bag or tea strainer, which you can drop in the mug of hot water. Make the following herbal teas to help you make it through your day.

Get Going Without Caffeine

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• raw agave syrup or stevia to sweeten (optional)

Instructions:

• Put the dried rosemary in a fine mesh tea bag or tea strainer and steep it in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes.
• Remove the tea bag or strainer from the mug and stir in the cayenne pepper and optional agave or stevia.
• Drink one cup in the morning to feel a natural energizing jolt!

Anti-Stress Herbal Tea Without Caffeine

Ingredients:

• ¾ ounce lemon balm
• ¾ ounce wood betony
• ¾ ounce oatstraw
• ¾ ounce skullcap
• ¾ ounce vervain
• ¾ ounce lavender

Instructions:

• Combine all of these herbs in a tea strainer and boil 2-3 cups of water. Pour the boiling water into a teapot with the strainer and let the herbs steep for about five minutes.
• Remove the tea strainer and sweeten with raw agave, if required.
• Drink 1-3 cups a day if you are feeling stressed.

Healthy Caffeine-Free Sleepy Time Tea

Ingredients:

• ¾ ounce passionflower
• 2 ounces valerian
• ¾ ounce lemon balm
• ½ ounce lavender

Instructions:

• Combine all of these herbs in a tea strainer and boil 2-3 cups of water. Pour the boiling water into a teapot with the strainer and let the herbs steep for about five minutes.
• Remove the tea strainer and sweeten with raw agave, if required.
• Drink one cup of this tea about an hour before bed to help ensure a good night’s sleep.

Herbal Teas Can Improve Digestion

Containing powerful phenols, herbal teas can help strengthen stomach muscles and the muscles in the esophagus, which works to reduce acid reflux and symptoms of heartburn. Some herbal teas work to encourage healthy blood flow to the digestive tract, and they help to decrease indigestion or upset stomach. Teas can also absorb gas and reduce free radicals in the digestive system. Ginger tea, chamomile tea, and chai teas are best for improving digestion.

Herbal Teas Stimulate Brain Function

Ginger tea, lemon balm tea, and ginkgo biloba tea have been praised for their brain boosting properties. These teas help to increase blood flow to the brain, providing it with oxygen and other essential nutrients for optimal brain function. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger tea can help to reduce headaches, and gingko biloba helps to reduce aluminum chloride in the brain, a compound connected to neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease.

Herbal Teas Help You Unwind

Many herbal teas have relaxing and calming effects, often helping those with insomnia or sleep troubles. Millions of people have trouble sleeping and often turn to medications to treat the problem. Rather than relying on medications, which can induce negative side effects, relax and unwind with a cup of peppermint tea, chamomile tea, passionflower tea, or lemon balm tea, all of which reduce cortisol levels and may even soothe anxiety.

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While it has gained popularity in recent years, chicory root has been around for many centuries. People who are trying to reduce their caffeine intake often turn to chicory root, but it is more than just a coffee replacement. A cup of hot chicory root tastes just like a fresh cup of coffee, but that’s not the only thing that should impress you. It has been known to improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

What Is Chicory Coffee?

The chicory plant belongs to the dandelion family and has a fuzzy stem with light purple flowers. The origination of replacing coffee with chicory root dates back to 1800s, when there was a coffee shortage in France. Before that, chicory root was brewed into a tea and used for its medicinal properties. People with jaundice, gout, rheumatism, or an enlarged liver commonly consumed chicory root tea.

One thing to note about chicory root is that it is caffeine-free. People have classically ground up 2 tablespoons of chicory root and steeped it in one cup of water. In present day, chicory root powder is readily available. It is a great coffee replacement and can deliver the following benefits.

Liver Protection

Chicory root has an incredible ability to protect the liver against possible toxicity and free radical damage. According to a 2015 medical review, the natural antioxidants in chicory root were able to boost the body’s defense system and simultaneously cleanse the liver.

Decreased Inflammation

As you may know by now, chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease. Several studies have found that chicory root may possess anti-inflammatory properties. Other studies have concluded that chicory root’s polyphenols can help decrease inflammation levels, but more research needs to be done on humans for concrete findings.

Stress Reliever

If you are easily stressed or have excess levels of cortisol in the body, caffeine can only worsen the issue. In fact, a 2006 study found that repeated caffeine consumption combined with high stress levels significantly increased cortisol levels. Because chicory root does not contain caffeine, it may be the coffee replacement you need to reduce stress and normalize cortisol levels.

Gut Health Hero

Chicory root is rich in a prebiotic known as oligosaccharide-enriched inulin, also referred to as prebiotic fiber. It is easily fermented by healthy bacteria in the gut and it contributes to the healthy growth of probiotics. Inulin, or chicory root fiber, is commonly found in probiotic supplements! It is best to not go overboard with chicory root because it can lead to excess fermentation, which can trigger gas or upset stomach.

It May Not Be For You

We understand that you may be looking for a coffee alternative, but chicory root is not for everyone. Due to the aforementioned gas and upset stomach side effects, some people avoid chicory root. You should absolutely avoid it if you are allergic to ragweed or birch pollen. Additionally, chicory root is not recommended for pregnant women because it could trigger menstrual bleeding and miscarriage.

Chicory root can be a great coffee substitute, especially if you are looking to cut down on caffeine consumption. Weigh the pros and cons and try it out; you might like it a lot! And one last thing…the featured picture of this article is what a cup of chicory root coffee looks like.

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Coffee is the world’s most popular drug…and it’s legal! More specifically, it is a psychoactive drug, which means it is a chemical substance that alters the way a person feels and thinks. This is why some people consider themselves grumpy until a cup of coffee is placed in their hands first thing in the morning, and why they can’t “think straight” until they get a sip of that “heavenly goodness.” Caffeine is the reported black gold of the office-life realm, the lifeline of a college student, and one of the most popular beverages sold every single morning.

It is all due to its effects and linked to the pace of life we have created for ourselves nowadays. Everything works faster, so we feel obliged to keep up and cram as much as we can into our daily lives without adding more hours to the day.

In America, about 90 percent of adults consume caffeine in some form. We’re familiar with the rush of blood and mental alertness it gives us for a few hours. Although caffeine is consumed for a pick-me-up, the amount people are consuming to keep up with modern lifestyles bring about the negative side effects, such as the increasing risk of greater bone loss on women, irregular heart palpitations, and the insomnia that arrives after a heavy day of drinking.

Thankfully, Mother Nature has provided us with a variety of options that will naturally energize us without experiencing the downsides of caffeine. Here are just a few:

Pomegranate

In a fresh pomegranate, natural sugar amounts to 73 percent of the total carbs. These sugars are quickly digested before they enter your cells and get used for an energy boost. Additionally, fresh pomegranates have powerful antioxidants and are rich in fiber and vitamin B-6.

Green Tea

This ancient drink is mostly famous for its huge calorie-burning and antioxidant benefits. This tea still has caffeine, although it is a much smaller amount. It differs from coffee in that it has long-term benefits. Green tea provides a more stable energy as well as the enhancement of brain function and concentration, which is shown when we choose to consume it over coffee.

Apples

Although apples and coffee provide you with a different kind of energy, this fruit fuels your body with more energy while helping to stabilize your blood sugar. It keeps you going with its natural sugar, vitamins, and minerals with no crashes to worry about. This is why teachers recommend students to sub the coffee for an apple right before a heavy exam. 

Lemon Water

This drink is probably the simplest combination you could come up with, with some of the most amazing benefits you can think of. One cup of fresh lemon juice contains 187 percent of the daily-recommended Vitamin C intake. Drinking lemon water aids digestion and promotes detoxification, while also boosting energy and mood. Compared to a cup of coffee’s up-and-down stimulation, lemon water gives you long-lasting energy by hydrating and oxygenating the body.

While it is true that coffee gives us an energy boost that hits us right away and allows us to feel productive for a little while, it can’t be denied that there are many natural alternatives that grant our bodies energy without the caffeine crash.

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Saying goodbye to the magical bean that gives us caffeine can be difficult. Whether you quit drinking coffee to break an addiction, improve your overall mood, or decrease anxiety, we applaud and support you on your endeavor. Maybe you had to give up coffee because you participated in our Full Body Cleanse and are looking for coffee alternatives. Whatever the case, one of the best reasons to quit drinking coffee and start drinking natural, healthier alternatives that give you an energy boost is to get a better night’s sleep.

First off, coffee (caffeine in general) is a stimulant. Anyone who has felt the adrenaline spikes of coffee knows that it keeps you awake, sometimes more than you’d like. Just as flying across time zones can disrupt your internal clock, so can coffee. Drinking coffee 6 hours before you go to sleep, which a lot of people do, can shorten sleep time by an hour. After a day at the office, you need those long-awaited zzz’s. Is coffee worth having an irregular sleep pattern?

According to about 54% of the population, a cup of Joe is a necessary part of the day. Just as we enjoy a second cup of fresh squeezed juice later in the day, people who drink coffee need a second cup, which is the real ruiner of a good night’s sleep. The reason for this is because caffeine interrupts the flow of melatonin to the brain. This is the hormone that sends us to bed. Research indicates that coffee halves the body’s production of melatonin. You could sleep five hours or seven hours. What would you prefer? We’re betting on more hours of sleep.

If you need a natural energizer to kickstart your day, we have several coffee alternatives. These differ from coffee because they either have electrolytes, antioxidants, iron, or magnesium, all of which help expand the blood vessels to create a natural energy rush. Coconut water is rich in potassium and electrolytes, providing you with more benefits than Gatorade or Powerade. You won’t need caffeine if you drink hibiscus tea. It gives you a healthy dose of iron and thiamin, which converts your food into energy. Regulate your oxygen and blood flow by drinking beet juice, and be energized during your workouts, too! Pureed banana with water/ice will increase your “happy” neurotransmitters to fuel you throughout the day. Additionally, bananas pack a potassium punch and are easily digestible. Finally, an apple cider vinegar and water solution is the one of the best energizers we know of. Not only will you be getting a natural, caffeine-free energy rush, which will keep you at a healthy energized level throughout the day, but you will also be getting a better night’s sleep.

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Coffee, as we drink it today, originated in the 13th century in what is today known as Ethiopia. By the 16th century, coffee had spread to Egypt, Yemen, Persia, Turkey and northern Africa. From there, it went to Italy and the rest of Western Europe, as well as Indonesia and the Americas.

Types of coffee

Coffee traders decided to create code names, such as Java, Mocha, and cappuccino to protect the actual sources where the coffee beans were acquired. It just so happens that these names indicated the regions where the beans were grown. Java is an island in Indonesia. Mocha is a city in Yemen, Arabia. Cappuccino derives its name from the Italian city Capuchin. The word coffee derives from kaf, the Ethiopian name for coffee.

Physical effects

Coffee is a stimulant to the central nervous system. Drinking coffee inhibits the release of natural brain opiates, which make you feel good and counteracts pain. Women need all the natural brain opiates their bodies can hold, especially around their menstrual periods and not to mention childbirth. Coffee may rev you up for a while, but is sure to bring down as well.

Excessive consumption of coffee causes shaking and trembling of the hands due to nervousness. Coffee greatly impairs the nervous system. Coffee also harms the adrenal glands. It revs up these glands, but also brings them down. Anything that goes up and then down is taxing for the body.

Coffee contains the stimulant caffeine. Unlike bioactive caffeine found in green tea, black tea, yerba mate, guarana, and kola nut, the caffeine in coffee is considered dead. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that is followed by a depressed phase involving exhaustion, nervousness, irritability, fatigue, and often headaches.

The volatile oil in caffeine called caffeol is an irritant to the lining of the stomach and causes poor digestion.

Caffeine constricts blood vessels of the brain and causes decreased flow of blood, which cuts the oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in a headache. It also increases your heartbeat 15% and makes your lungs work 13 times harder than normal. It greatly plays a role in fatigue as well.

Healthier Solutions

A great alternative to drinking coffee is Teeccino herbal coffee, made of roasted carob, barley, chicory root, figs, dates, orange peel and almonds. It is delicious and tastes just like coffee. You can find it at most health food stores such as Whole Foods Market.

Herbal teas such as guarana, kola nut, and yerba mate are also excellent alternatives to coffee and include bioactive caffeine, which is not deleterious to the body.

The herbs borage, basil, licorice, ginseng, astragalus, and fo ti are great for restoring the adrenal glands.

Thank you for reading!

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